Mark Flesher

9.3

One of 4 wines brought to Folly Beach to enjoy a pre-15th anniversary celebration. Nose of black licorice and young pipe tobacco. Entry is a little bit sweeter, but classic Rioja with terroir driven notes, full bodied black cherry, black licorice, smoked pipe tobacco, brambleberry cola, semi-sweet plums, mint. Definitely more on the full-bodied side. Finishes long with a lot of pepper and flinty character. I honestly think this one has a solid 10 years ahead of it. — 2 days ago

Arden Barnett

9.5

Quite the birthday dinner. By far the best wine paring I have ever had with a dinner. Now it’s time to go run the Chicago Marathon! Super funky white Rioja. Grenache Blanc aged in American oak. Had a crazy barn/Hay funk on the nose. — 4 days ago

Severn Goodwin

9.4

Just concluded our annual Fall seclusion at our cabin in the Rangeley lakes region of Maine, mobile service up there is mostly non-existent, after several days I am posting again. Notes are somewhat brief, as my focus is relaxing and watching the Common Loons swimming and diving in the cove in front of our camp.

Nose has cedar box, plum skin, milk chocolate (light), dry green herbs (light), blackberry, dried cherry, cocoa powder and cut red pepper.
Palate has ripe plum, cedar sawdust, ripe blackberry, espresso bean (light), mocha and roasted red pepper (light).
Absolutely beautiful bottle, could hold 10+ more years, last bottle of course, yet amazing, such a long finish, like wow, everyone paid attention to this bottle at dinner. — 17 days ago

Shay A

9.2

As expected, even at 12yrs, this is very youthful. It’s rich without being heavy or dense. Cherry tobacco leaves accompanied by herbs de Provence and coconut/dill shavings on the nose. Crazy tart on the palate with high acidity. Mostly black cherry tart and fleshy cherry skin with a more herbal seasoning type finish. Give this time to evolve and add layers. — 6 days ago

with Mark

Randy Fuller

9.4

This seven-year-old Rioja is showing black plums and leather on the nose, with equally dark and savory flavors on the palate. The tannins are no longer youthfully toothy, but still have enough bite to handle a ribeye steak. A real enjoyment which will also pair well with fall and winter stews.
— 12 days ago

Hanibal

9.2

smooth tannins, some vanilla but lots of red fruit as well. Still young but oh so drinkable already — 10 days ago

Ruud Verhagen

8.9

strange bottle; at first seems really oxidized with a nose of iron and old coins. The palate although was really nice, so smooth with great acidity. Really old school with leather, beef, dill and orangepeel. No wine for food, just sipping... — 16 days ago

Paul Jakubowski

9.3

Another lovely wine! Better than last night but only marginally, so same score. These Spanish and Portuguese wines have the best textures. Definitely drink a little bit on the warmer side. This wine has more fruit and rust elements. Very refined and paired nicely with the suckling pig. — 3 days ago

with Brooke

Ruud Verhagen

9.4

My first Dalmau ever. What can i say, not ready at all, but what a terrific creamy nose. Complex and velvety with an explosion of aromas of wild fruit, dark chocolate and mineral notes. The palate is a beast with good tannic backbone, freshness and beautifull oak. A serious wine with lot of potential. Powerhouse! — 4 days ago

Ned Gray Creed

9.4

W&S Top 100. I had a bottle of 1958 once. Yeah, it lasts that long. — 2 days ago

with Mark