Michael Chelus

9.0

Cherry, raspberry, violet, blackberry, currant, mossy earth and oak. Full-bodied and moderate tannins. — 6 months ago

Michael Chelus

9.1

Black cherry, raspberry, currant, blackberry, dark chocolate and oak. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 8 months ago

"Odedi"

9.0

Ruby in color with medium plus intensity and a wide reddish rim.

Light nose of pomegranates, cranberry juice, black pepper, wild flowers, chared coffee and spices.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with raspberries, currants, plums, fresh cherries, light oak, spices, chocolates, tobacco, bitter herbs, earth and peppercorn.

Medium length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cranberries.

This is a tasty Graciano from Arizona. Very spicy and rich.

Fruit forward and elegant. Smooth and soft. Showing nice complexity with a soft mouthfeel.

Needed 2 hours to open up properly, so be patient. Would be nice to revisit it in 5 years and see how it evolves. The high alcohol is not too noticeable.

A good food wine, tangy and interesting.

100% Graciano grapes were aged in neutral oak barrels for 15 months. A small production of only 2,700 bottles.

16% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$65. — 10 months ago

Michael Chelus

9.0

Apple, quince, lemon candy, honeydew melon and hints of peach. Great acidity and minerality. — 3 years ago

Michael Chelus

9.1

Cherry, raspberry preserves, blackberry, vanilla, oak and hints of stewed fruit. Full-bodied and moderate tannins. — 7 months ago

Michael Chelus

9.3

Cherry cola, vanilla, raspberry preserves, blackberry, eucalyptus and oak. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 9 months ago

Aaron Tan

9.7

Not sure if anyone’s noticed, but lately, my tasting notes here have been a little scarce. Not for lack of tasting - trust me, the bottles have been opened, the glasses filled, and my palate put to work. But so many have been uninspiring, fleeting, forgotten before the last sip. And then, boom! A bottle like this.

Popped in the morning, savored through the evening. Great at first, but by dinner, it had truly unfurled. The nose? Cherries, plums, warm spices, rose hips, pink peppercorn, chalk, and orange zest, with a whisper of apricot. The palate? Plush yet precise, broad yet focused. Biscuity richness and an electric minerality. A saline, vinous, full-bodied stunner that lingers impossibly long.

This just reaffirms what I think about this wine - one of the best pink expressions from Champagne, period.

NB: In my mind (and admittedly, limited experience), the best champagne rosé’s include:

Selosse Rosé - haven’t had it in ages, but many bottles had in the past have brought great joy.

Bouchard Enfer - honestly, my sample size is too small, but both times were really impressive; though it must be noted that my company then thought it was more intellectual than pleasurable (too phenolic and soft).

Bereche Remensis - best value rosé? Consistently delicious and complex.

I have heard from friends that the DP P2 and P3 rosé’s deserve to be high on any list. Hope to try them one day.
— a year ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bella Novello – Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A tribute wine named after Teresa Novello, this Cabernet Sauvignon carries the elegance of heritage with the power of Napa terroir. Crafted in limited production (just 850 cases), Bella Novello is youthful yet already expressive, shaped by winemaking that blends Italian finesse with Napa Valley boldness.

Aromas & Flavors
Aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry intertwine with cedar, graphite, and touches of dried violet. Subtle hints of mocha and spice round out its aromatic depth.

Mouthfeel
Structured and youthful, with firm tannins and a focused core of dark fruit. The mid-palate shows promise of expansion, leading to a lingering finish marked by cassis and savory spice. Designed to reward both patience and curiosity.

Food Pairings
Pair with classic dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb shanks, or wild mushroom risotto. Its backbone of tannin and freshness makes it ideal for rich, protein-driven meals.

Verdict
Bella Novello is a Cabernet with poise, combining Old World inspiration and Napa’s hallmark concentration. Drinkable now with decanting, but truly a wine built to age gracefully over the next decade.

Did You Know?
The Novello family’s Italian roots are deeply honored through this label, bringing a personal story of heritage to the heart of Napa winemaking.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This Cabernet feels like a future classic, bold yet refined. While still youthful, it already hints at the elegance it will achieve with time. A bottle worth cellaring, but also one to enjoy now with the right meal and good company. Cheers! — 7 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

A very pretty color of ruby, with a wide reddish rim.

Strong nose of red and blue fruits with light wood, wild flowers, spices and chocolates.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate and fruit forward with cherries, blueberries, currants, plums, light oak, licorice, chocolates, peppercorn, herbs, light earth and spices.

Nice finish with fine grained tannins and tangy pomegranates.

This is a very interesting Cabernet Sauvignon from Arizona. Feels like a Californian Merlot with a Bordeaux twist. Spicy and entertaining.

This 5 year old is showing nice complexity with a smooth mouthfeel. Tangy and interesting. Good by itself as a sipping wine.

Good right out of the bottle ,and changes every 15 minutes in the decanter. Loved it.

I paired it with a Baked Brie cheese and crackers.

15.2% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$60. — 2 years ago

Dimes

9.0

Never knew Arizona made good wine — 4 years ago