Let’s get one thing clear right away: this was more about checking in on the early days of a wine that has a history of lasting for decades. Having that out of the way, it’s fun to check in on great wines in their youth, when you get the opportunity. Splash decanted sometime before service, no formal notes. The 2016 “Unico” is already showing its quality with abundant, beautifully ripened fruit and effortless elegance. That being said, having some experience with properly aged Unico, the better days (to my palate) are well ahead. Drink now if you have multiple bottles and can’t help yourself. Give it some air at least. Otherwise, better after 2036 and through 2076, probably. — 8 days ago
Amazing. I guess you really do have to wait a decade for Riojas to reach their potential. This 2016 tastes right in the sweetspot - very firmly structured while showing vibrant fruit notes (plum, prunes, cranberry, currant) elevated with an incredible earthiness (mulch, leather, tobacco). This is the real deal — 23 days ago
Quintessential Rioja. Rounded ard the edges. Tertiary notes are out to play — 23 days ago
Complex. Dark ruby. Very good. Bought through JAL Mall for ¥8,800. — a month ago
2025 vintage holds its own to the 2022 we tried previously, this time paired with a scallop crudo at Lune. — 2 months ago
When something is sooooooo good, you go back and bring in your own bottle.
This is drinking beautifully, but would be even better in 5yrs.
This started with a caramel front. After a hour decant…it’s evenly balanced fruit, florals & spice/earth. It is now elegance refined with spice and roses from my backyard.
The best version of ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, strawberries, bright cherries, pomegranate & raspberries. Dry crushed rocks-top soil, cedar shavings, tobacco, old leather, mid berry cola, hints of graphite, charcoal, just a touch of moist herbs, some clove/nutmeg, a dab of olive tapenade, tree bark puree, the most insane red & pink roses, red florals, seriously perfect acidity, balance for months, mid tension, long length and elegance that most Tempranillo doesn’t give and long sets in dry soils.
Not your average Tempranillo with the right age. It is refined.
@KobeBeef511 Tokyo
If you find yourself in Tokyo, don’t miss it! They shave fresh Wasabi. — 2 months ago
Bashful nose, I smell some florals and woodsy stuff. Big flavors! Lush and dark, but light weight in the mouth. Plums, overripe strawberries, cocoa, cedar, licorice, a bit of mint. Lots going on, and a real bargain at $17. Decanter says 95 points. Let's not get crazy!
Listening to Bad Brains — 8 days ago

After approximately 30–40 minutes, the wine developed favorably, exhibiting a peppery bouquet and balanced tannins. It proved an ideal accompaniment to steak at Dominic in Tallinn. — 3 days ago


21 years old. Drinking 2005 in 2026. One of the best QPR wines out there. A classic Old World Rioja offering unbelievable quality for the price. Visually, it pours a deep, dark ruby. The nose is rich with seductive burnt oak, dark berries, and smooth vanilla.
On the palate, it delivers a soft, well-balanced light-to-medium body bursting with red and black fruit, sweet cocoa, and a subtle green touch. It closes with a solid medium-plus fruity finish.
This 2005 vintage has plenty of life left to improve for years — 3 days ago
My fourth vintage. Always with pleasure. — 3 days ago
Lots of sediment, more evolved than we expected at the tasting group — 16 days ago
Nice with manchego. True Rioja — 22 days ago
Writing about this wine because of the uniqueness of the bouquet on the nose. the dominating profile is of decayed flowers. Even the fruit that shines through comes in through that. it smells like walking through a cemetery in europe, quite pleasant if you forgive the morbid analogy. Wet decaying red flowers, and petrocore. Then it gives way to pleasant grippy and rustic tannins on the palate. — a month ago
Jakub Kalinowski
You just got to love these! Oxidative, nutty, waxy. And yet, with incredible freshness and precision.
Bruised apples, pears, a touch of citrus peal, nutty notes. So complex, so distinctive.
On the palate this is just so fresh, juicy, pure, with some fruity notes but also with this vibrant salinity. So alive!
Damn, this is so good! — 9 days ago