Moraga Vineyards
Cacique Maravilla
Gutiflower Pipeño Moscatel Blend 2015
I managed to shock an entire panel of very classical sommeliers with this Chilean oddity. A exuberantly aromatic, super cloudy, unfiltered, slightly fizzy blend of Muscat de Alexandria, Torontel and "Corinto" (local name for Chasselas). Like it or not winemaker Manuel Moraga (from a veritable wine dynasty) is delivering the traditional/real/old style Chileans. This is the type of wine that my grandfather, renowned local drunk, had with friends and family, particularly during our national holidays in September when the country goes into a drunken stupor. Forget Carmenères, Almavivas and Chadwicks I'm sorry. If you really want to go local while in Chile you got to try Itata, Yumbel, Guarilihue. That's where you'll find our true soul. BTW I got this one in NYC while shopping around Union Sq, how's that for contradiction!
#muscatel #muscatdalexandrie #torontel #chasselas #chile #unfiltered #unfined — 9 years ago
Moraga Vineyards
Estate Red Blend 2010
From a 16 acre vineyard in the hills of Bel Air. Probably the most expensive vineyard property in the US. It’s currently owned by Rupert Murdoch, but this is from before his purchase in 2013. This is legit good. Much better than any Malibu wines I’ve had. 13.8 listed alcohol and fairly restrained style. Let’s rip down all of those mansions and plant some grapes! — 4 years ago
Moraga Vineyards
Bel-Air Red Bordeaux Blend 1990
I don’t want to, but this is a damn good wine - 1990 vintage — 8 years ago
Moraga Vineyards
Bel-Air White Blend 2008
Livio Felluga
Colli Orientali del Friuli Tocai Friulano 2019
This wine was much better than the Moraga. Light, crisp and refreshing, everyone enjoyed this one much more. Thanks Tiffany and Garrett for introducing us to this Italian gem!! — 4 years ago
Moraga Vineyards
Estate White Blend 2015
On the nose there’s a cloud of smoke and sea salt hovering over aromas of lemons, peaches and honeysuckle. It’s pretty hefty in body for a Sauvignon Blanc, with a waxy mouthfeel and an acidity so perfectly and ridiculously balanced that you hardly notice it at all. There’s flavors of lemon peel, peaches, green peppers, and aspirin. Then it finishes hot with white pepper and lemon peel. — 8 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Moraga Estate – Sauvignon Blanc – Vintage 1999
Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A remarkable bottle of 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Moraga Estate, located in the rolling hills of Bel Air. Despite its 25+ years of age, this wine has defied time, showing incredible vitality and freshness. A rare showcase that Sauvignon Blanc, under the right terroir and winemaking, can achieve serious longevity.
Aromas & Flavors
Notes of preserved lemon, dried apricot, lanolin, and beeswax unfold gracefully, interlaced with hints of chamomile tea and subtle nutty oxidative tones. The acidity remains vibrant, keeping the palate lifted, with a saline, mineral edge that speaks of its unique site.
Mouthfeel
Still taut and structured, with an oily richness balanced by a linear, mouthwatering acidity. The texture is round yet precise, with a finish that lingers beautifully.
Food Pairings
Ideal with aged goat cheese, seared scallops, or roast chicken with lemon and herbs. A wine this nuanced also shines solo, worthy of quiet contemplation.
Verdict
Astonishing endurance from a varietal not usually associated with long-term cellaring. This is more than a wine, it’s history in a glass.
Did You Know?
Moraga Estate is one of the only commercial wineries operating within Los Angeles city limits, with vineyards planted in the limestone-rich canyons of Bel Air facing south west. Its wines have long been a hidden treasure, often snapped up by Hollywood insiders.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle was a revelation, proving that California Sauvignon Blanc, under the right conditions, can rival the ageability of Old World whites. A true collector’s gem and a memorable experience. — 7 days ago