Matthiasson

Michael Mara Vineyard Chardonnay

9.0

Can’t rate. Maybe the wine is in a weird spot or my palate was affected by the 4 sessions of snow shoveling, but if I had a blindfold on I would have thought this was a red. Somewhat restrained on the palate with lots of steel elements and some earth. Color was great, as was the cork, so must be me. Usually one of my favorites! — 5 months ago

with Brooke

Ultramarine Wines

Blanc de Blancs Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

Shay A

9.3

With some inconsistencies the last year or two with Ultramarine, this was a nice refresher of how enjoyable they can be when showing well. I chose this as one of my 2018 Cali BdB sparklers I opened to see how the sparkling wine scene is evolving (also opened was a 2018 Haliotide BdB, 2018 Ultramarine Michael Mara BdB and 2018 Brick & Mortar Manchester Ridge BdB).

Over the last 7yrs or so of opening Ultramarine, I’ve found the Charles Heintz to show the classical vineyard expression of pure and ripe tropical fruit (guava), a small amount of oxidation of the fruit, and a distinct cream soda note. This 2018 lined up fairly close to those expectations (whereas the Michael Mara has been a bit more austere in the past, yet not as much barrel character as the one today). More “funk” and texture than the classical Haliotide, but not too far (nothing vegetal). The dosage feels on-point here. Follows the grower champagne vibe, but more to the natty side. — 2 years ago

Tom, Steve and 15 others liked this

Roquette e Cazes

Xisto Douro Red Blend

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

2015 vintage. A joint venture between the Roquette (Quinta do Crasto) and Cazes (Lynch Bages) families. Only produced from the best barrels in exceptional years. Old vines of Touriga Nacional, Tina Roriz and Touriga Franca from the Douro Superior and Cima Corgo sub-regions. Black fruit and violets. Seriously powerful, but it maintains elegance, thanks to the acidity balancing the layers of fruit and ripe tannins. Long lingering finish. Impressive. Abv. 14,5 % . — 4 years ago

Brian, Josh and 4 others liked this

Matthiasson

Michael Mara Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2013

Ganesh

9.6

Smells like Napa. Tastes like old world — 6 years ago

Tom liked this

Pitars

Naos Red Blend

Mike Holzer

8.9

At house of Mara and Nicola. Big fruit/oak corposo but short lasting. Very good even with spaghetti clams and mussels. — 7 years ago

with Ania

Barnett Vineyards

Tina Marie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011

Ben Madonna

9.2

Great fruit and floral nose. Very rich with smooth finish. Tastes great with or without food. — 8 years ago

Broc Cellars

Michael Mara Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

Steve Rura

9.3

Broc is really great at Chardonnay! Bright and acidic. Elegantly balanced. Nowhere near your typical old school oaky Cali chard — 6 months ago

Ted, Juan and 4 others liked this

Martín Códax

Mara Martin Monterrei Godello

Sagee Aran

9.1

A refreshing crisp Godelo. Beautiful yellow straw color, interesting nose and tasty palate — 10 months ago

Dave liked this

Bodega I.N.V.

Mara 2021

Daniel Jara

8.9

Ciruela , mora negra, mineralizado, — 3 years ago

Fourteen Appellations

Meritage Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend 2006

Collin Clark

9.9

One of the best I’ve had. Better than the 1988 Tina Turner concert! 2006 vintage drinks like a cab but way better — 4 years ago

with Joanna

Tenuta Mara

Guiry Sangiovese 2017

Angelo Casagrande

9.2

Terrific biodynamic Sangiovese from eastern Romagna. Great funkiness to this. Relatively light, tinged with orange- this packs tremendous flavor with a long finish. Has that bubbly feel on the tongue. I love it — 5 years ago

Severn, Tom and 1 other liked this