Ceccherini Cristiano

9.2

Very interesting variety with a controversial origin
The name reminds of the Spanish Garnacha or the French Grenache Blanc, but appare tly it is not related to either. Some other people said it is linked to the the Sardinian Vernaccia, but again no proofs whatsoever.
Most likely it is an indigenous grapes from Sicily where it does not exist anymore and it is now endemic to Calabria.
It is used in the blend of the rare Moscato di Saracena and very few times vinified on its own.

The wine we have here is already 6yo and the result is quite attractive.
Very floral and spiced.
As we said very few bottles around.
This wine has minimal intervention and it is long and delicious. — 12 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Umano – Saperavi – Red Wine – 2022
Kakheti – Georgia 🇬🇪

Overview
A carbonic-macerated expression of Saperavi from Kakheti, crafted by Umano using a technique more commonly associated with Beaujolais but interpreted through Georgia’s ancient winemaking lens. The 2022 vintage delivers a lighter, fresher, and more playful side of Saperavi while preserving the grape’s inherent depth and savory character.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, wild strawberry, and pomegranate lead the nose, followed by subtle cranberry, red currant, and a touch of dried herbs. Hints of black tea, gentle spice, and earthy undertones appear beneath the fruit, adding nuance without heaviness.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and remarkably refined, with soft tannins and vibrant acidity. The carbonic maceration brings lift and juiciness without tipping into bubblegum territory. Fresh, supple, and clean through the finish, making it dangerously drinkable and highly versatile.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie boards, roast chicken, lamb ribs, grilled vegetables, mushroom dishes, or semi-hard cheeses. Excellent lightly chilled.

Verdict
A beautifully executed carbonic Saperavi that redefines expectations. Youthful, refreshing, and expressive, yet far more polished than the typical intracellar style. A chillable red with character, balance, and real charm. Cheers!

Did You Know?
While carbonic maceration is often linked to Beaujolais, Umano applies the technique to Georgia’s flagship grape, Saperavi, bridging modern French methods with one of the world’s oldest wine cultures.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A refined and affable carbonic red that surprised me. Not the usual bubblegum-driven style, but instead fresh, elegant, and genuinely tasty. A chillable red I’d happily pour again and again. — 6 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.1

Never linked volcanic soil with Hungary but here we are. Fantastic! — 3 years ago

Aaron Tan

9.4

Blinded, everyone agreed this was Burgundian but had their own ideas on village, vintage, and producer. No one figured out it was from Vosne - perhaps it just lacked the hallmark perfume and exoticism one might think of in Vosne (once more, the fallacy of generalisation in wine). MR was spot on with vintage though, and he was insistent about it due to that touch of austerity in the finish he typically finds in 08’s. As for producer, only MJ thought of Cathiard once the village was established. I was tossing between Mugneret-Gibourg (KP rebuts not sexy enough) and Meo (again KP rebuts not bright enough). What a tough blind by KP!

The wine itself was powerful and concentrated, with lots of mid-palate density, yet as MR observed, a tight finish. Flavours-wise, it featured heaps of red and black fruits (leaning more towards the latter) and some noticeable oak (though not decadent - nice quality!), as well as some earth and meat which probably threw me off in the blind. Having said that, the Vosne origin may have been linked to via the finish which had ample spice notes. A silky texture, lovely mineral undertow and tight acidity wraps up the wine. Really excellent wine but the pieces have yet to fall together to maximise drinkability. One to keep your hands off for now. — 4 years ago

Aravind A

9.2

My final btl, but this has really hit its stride. On the nose: cranberry, candied kumquat, lemon oil, very soft vanilla, all linked together to make a lovely dense cramberry citrus custard. On the palate, this has a soft mousse, adding some lift to the cranberry, kumquat and honeyed flavors all energized by a fantastic acidity...good density on the finish. Very nice. — 5 years ago

Gene Buonviri

8.9

Cannonau di Sardegna wines have been linked to heart health and have attracted attention for their association with longevity.
Cannonau grapes are thought to have originated on Sardinia and are the orgin of Grenache grapes. Taste the sunshine of Sardinia, red berries light finish of tannins and granite. Drink and repeat. — 6 years ago

Andrew Schirmer

9.2

Rustic and delicious. 100% Otskhanuri Sapere. Inky purple, high acid, medium tannin. Blackberry/graphite accord. Well-structured. These wines deserve more exposure. Cool story linked below on the EU support these ladies received to assist in exporting their wine. http://www.eu4business.eu/success-stories/baia-and-gvantsa-winemakers-turning-family-tradition-successful-business — 6 years ago

with Alsu

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Artemis” Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Artemis is the gateway wine of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, one of Napa Valley’s most iconic producers, forever linked to the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris. The 2021 vintage is exceptionally polished and graceful, showcasing Napa valley-floor fruit with balance and finesse. Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with small percentages of Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot layered in for additional complexity and structure.

Aromas & Flavors
Welcoming aromas of baked blackberry, cassis, and black cherry unfold alongside cedar, subtle vanilla, graphite, mocha, and baking spice. As the wine opens in the glass, deeper secondary notes emerge while maintaining freshness and elegance.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with rounded tannins and balanced acidity. Silky textures glide effortlessly across the palate, finishing long with dark fruit, oak spice, and a refined herbaceous edge.

Food Pairings
Excellent with grilled ribeye, herb-crusted lamb, braised short ribs, hearty mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, or gouda.

Verdict
A graceful and refined Napa Cabernet that continues to demonstrate why Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars remains a benchmark producer. The 2021 Artemis is already entering a beautiful drinking window now, approachable, polished, and elegant, while still carrying enough structure to evolve further with additional aging.

Did You Know?
The original Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon won the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris, the blind tasting that shocked the wine world and helped establish Napa Valley among the great wine regions globally.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of Napa Cabernet that reminds people elegance and power can absolutely coexist in the same bottle. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2020 vintage. Tasted after 2.5 hours open at approx 50 degrees and 60 degrees. Medium/medium heavy body. Big, light toast oak influence paired with slightly overripe red delicious apple, hints of citrus and pear. Searched so hard (without success) for mineral influences that I nearly changed my profession on Linked In to "prospector/miner." Usually enjoy most white efforts from this producer. This particular one seemed to be in a state of transition. Would like to taste again in a year-two years to taste the metamorphosis. 08.01.25. — a year ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Piña Cellars Chardonnay 2019
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A very small-production Chardonnay sourced from the Low Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District, located next to the historic Muir-Hanna Vineyards (once linked to the famed 1976 Paris Tasting winner). Only a few hundred cases are made each year, making it one of Piña’s rarest bottlings.

Aromas & Flavors
Rich and concentrated, showing layers of orchard fruits (white peach, pear, apricot) with accents of honeysuckle, hazelnut, and brioche. Subtle baking spice and mineral notes weave in, reflecting both terroir and oak aging.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a creamy, satiny texture, balanced by refreshing acidity that keeps the palate lively. The finish is long and elegant, carrying flavors of stone fruit, nuts, and citrus zest.

Winemaking Notes
Crafted in a Burgundian-inspired style with extended élevage in French oak barrels (including new oak). The result is a Chardonnay that balances opulence with restraint, with the capacity to age several more years.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with buttery lobster, roast chicken, creamy risottos, or brie and hazelnut cheese plates. Its freshness also makes it a great companion to lighter dishes like seared scallops or grilled peaches.

Verdict
An exceptional Napa Chardonnay with historic vineyard lineage and precision winemaking. Rich, complex, and cellar-worthy, yet ready to impress right now. A showstopper in Piña’s small but mighty portfolio. — a year ago

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.2

The new Viñedo Singular geographical indication designates wines from particular vineyards or estates and is directly linked to the terroir, which it aims to identify and valorise on the label, tied to the quality requirement that they be excellent wines. Requirements
1. Grapes coming exclusively from a plot or plots that constitute the Viñedo Singular.
2. Vinification, ageing, storage and bottling within the same winery.
3. Minor geographical unit that can comprise a single or several cadastral plots.
4. Minimum age of the vineyard:
5. Evidence, by means of any legally valid title, of having had the exclusive use of the production of the viñedo singular for a minimum period of 10 years without interruption.
6. Maximum production: 5,000 kg/ha for red varieties and 6,922 kg/ha for white varieties.
7. Maximum grape-to-wine ratio: 65%.
8. Specific Grape Grower’s Card.
Growing practices
1. The viñedo singular must be balanced and have limited vigour. During the grape ripening stage, canopy growth should cease completely.
2. Only a single tipping is permitted.
3. Harvested manually. — 5 years ago

Anthony Auger

9.0

Mint and pear on the nose. Upfront there’s a really interesting impression of cotton candy or bubblegum. Then I get a mild apple cider vinegar and tart pear note. Finishes with a strong lemon oil linger. Aged pretty nicely, only a hint of ferment that I actually kind of linked! — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Fruit for this Pinot comes from two of the coolest, most coastal parts of this appellation, linked by the influence of the Pacific’s cool marine air, which delays ripening. Ruby with berry fruit, citrus and floral spice. On the palate, strawberry and cherry, tangy, with cedar notes and earthy tones. Bright acidity, soft expressive tannins, long finish ending with tobacco and woody spice. Very nice, drink now & over next 5 years. — 6 years ago

Mark Villa

9.3

I don’t know if it’s because I can’t get it in the US or if it’s inextricably linked to my fantastic memories of skiing in Zermatt with my family that I love this wine, but I LOVE this wine. It has such a complex flavor profile and such a delightful balance of acidity and fruit that I wish I could drink it every day!!! — 7 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Elena Walch, Kastelaz, Gewürztraminer 2023, Alto Adige DOC, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A single-vineyard 100% Gewürztraminer from Castel Ringberg, delivering aromatic intensity, precision, and structural finesse. While exuberantly expressive on the nose, this wine remains balanced and dry on the palate, showing remarkable harmony between opulence and freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Rose petals, lychee, and exotic tropical tones unfold alongside hints of acacia honey and delicate spice. The aromatic intensity is captivating yet refined, avoiding excess or heaviness.

Mouthfeel
Elegant and vibrant. Stimulating acidity provides lift and tension, balancing the wine’s aromatic richness. The finish is dry, fresh, and gently spicy, with remarkable clarity and length.

Food Pairings
Thai cuisine, Indian curries, aromatic cheeses, foie gras, roasted duck, or spicy Mediterranean dishes.

Verdict
A beautifully poised Gewürztraminer that combines aromatic exuberance with structural discipline. Expressive yet controlled, vibrant yet harmonious, a wine of finesse and serious character.

Did You Know?
Gewürztraminer is historically linked to the Alto Adige region, particularly around the town of Tramin, where high-altitude vineyards help preserve freshness in this naturally aromatic grape.

🍷 Personal Pick
Crazy aromatic yet impeccably balanced, this wine proves that Gewürztraminer can be both powerful and elegant. A captivating, character-filled expression that lingers in memory long after the glass is empty.
— 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Château de Camarsac – Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2020
Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
From the Thierry Lurton family, this Grand Vin de Bordeaux red is a Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc, crafted in a rustic and approachable style. Typical of regional Bordeaux, it’s designed for value and everyday enjoyment, showing honest character rather than polish.

Aromas & Flavors
Red currant, blackberry, and plum, joined by earthy notes, light spice, and a touch of tobacco. A rustic edge gives it regional charm.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, firm but easy tannins. Rustic and earthy, with freshness and a casual finish — classic regional Bordeaux.

Food Pairings
Great with charcuterie, roast chicken, pizza, or bistro fare. Perfect for a weekday table wine.

Verdict
A rustic, everyday Bordeaux red — casual, earthy, and satisfying in its honest simplicity. 🍷cheers!

Did You Know?
Château de Camarsac dates back to the 14th century and was once linked to the Black Prince during the Hundred Years’ War. Today, under Thierry Lurton, it continues to produce approachable, everyday Bordeaux with deep historic roots. — 9 months ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.0

Between partial carbonic maceration and oak aging. The perfect expression of Beaujolais-bourguignon gamay. Airy and concentrated mouth, red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry), gourmet bubble gum, even regressive. More serious spicy notes perfectly balance the bouquet, linked by herbal peppery notes. One of the basics to me. Exactly the kind of wine you find as a buddy.

Entre macération carbonique partielle et élevage en fût. L’expression parfaite du gamay Beaujolais-bourguignon. Bouche aérienne et concentrée, fruits rouges (fraise, framboise, cerise), bubble-gum gourmand, voir régressif. Des notes plus sérieuses épicées équilibrent parfaitement le bouquet, liaison générale constituées par les notes herbacées et poivrées. L’un des fondamentaux. Exactement le genre de vin que tu retrouves comme un bon copain. — 3 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.2

Wow! Great experience with this wine rarely tasted so old... clear tileed dress. After two hours in a carafe it completely fills the glass, the palate and the sinuses. A paradoxical mixture of aerial lightness (bright notes of strawberry and flowers) and a feeling of power linked to tight tannins of great persistence. Winning combination with a Saint-Félicien cheese and fresh baguette.

Wow! Superbe expérience avec ce vin rarement dégusté si vieux... la robe tuilée claire. Après deux heures en carafe il remplit totalement le verre, le palais et les sinus. Un mélange paradoxal de légèreté aérienne (notes vives de fraise et fleurs) et sensation de puissance liée à des tanins serrés d’une grande persistance. Combinaison gagnante avec un st Felicien et baguette fraîche. — 5 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

8.9

Gamaret, a rare grape from Switzerland🇨🇭 . A descendant of Gamay, it shares a certain lightness with it, and this peppery freshness. Here the color is dark ruby, dense. With a delicious acidity linked to the thermal amplitude, we have here notes of crunchy red / black fruits. Typical aging of Swiss wines: woody but not oak. Cloves, caramel, liquorice, Fruit / tannin balance. Pleasant with salads, vegetarian dishes, cheeses / cold cuts, fish, white meats. The only question remains the price which remains high compared to neighboring countries: Italy, France for this level of quality, (30/40% more expensive at least)

Gamaret, cépage rare originaire de suisse. Descendant du gamay, il partage avec celui-ci une certaine légèreté, et cette fraîcheur poivrée. Ici la robe est rubis foncée, dense. Dotée d’une acidité gourmande lié à l’amplitude thermique, on a ici des notes de fruits rouges/noirs croquants. Élevage typique des vins helvétiques: boisé mais pas Chêne. Girofle, caramel, réglisse, Équilibre fruit/tanins. Agréable sur des salades plats végétariens, fromages/charcuterie, poissons, viandes blanches. La seule question reste toujours le prix qui reste élevé comparé aux pays voisins : Italie, France pour ce niveau de qualité, (30/40% plus cher au moins) — 6 years ago

GabWine

9.3

Color : White
Wine estate : Valentina Andrei
Designation : Saillon
Name : Humagne Blanche
Country : Switzerland
Vivino : 4.5/5
Note : A delight every moment we open a bottle of Valentina Andrei. With its yellow robe and small green chips (linked to its youth), we are on a citrus nose. On the palate, a nice greediness that grows in length with lemon flavors. A true delight that refreshes us and makes us happier. It is not for nothing that we call this wine, a wine for woman having given birth. Simply a happy feeling and serenity.
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Un délice à chaque instant qu'on ouvre une bouteille de chez Valentina Andrei. Avec sa robe jaune et des petits éclats verts (lié à sa jeunesse), nous sommes sur un nez d'agrume. En bouche, une jolie gourmandise qui pousse en longueur avec des saveurs de citron. Un véritable délice qui nous rafraîchit et rend plus heureux. Cela n'est pas pour rien qu'on appelle ce vin, un vin pour femme ayant accouché. Simplement un sentiment heureux et de sérénité. — 8 years ago