Seth Masterson

9.0

Don't judge me for liking this. It's Delightful white blossoms and white nectarine nose. Superbly drinkable on its own, this is a great go-to for an outdoor patio spring summer social, it's a crowd pleaser that's several steps above and much more interesting than your Pinot Grigio's — a month ago

S.S. Mandani

9.0

My new love is Barbaresco. I’ve recently become friends with a few guys down the block who own and work at a wine shop in the West Village.

From time to time, they enjoy opening up a couple of bottles on slower days like Sunday eves. One night, we tasted an amazing Barbaresco. That’s the thing with wine, the longer you learn, the pricier your taste gets.

This isn’t quite the same level of bottle we had opened, but as an entry at about $40, it’s something I can open up on a casual Thursday night.

The crushed rose petals are there, but it’s muted by a bit more of a soil-forward bouquet.

I see the similarities, but it’s lacking in a bit of elegance that can come in a level or two higher.

A bit more tannins than acidity. It’s out of balance. I think I’ve been spoiled because I’ve had a great example. But this is still fine Italian wine, happy to be drinking it. — 2 years ago

Lizzy Toreev

9.4

The nose is so leathery and dark I thought it would be overwhelming, but the taste is beautifully dark and refreshing - lots of blackberry, black currant, and enough tannin for structure but not to leave you smacking your lips afterwards. Perfect on its own or with food - exactly what I want from a dark, rich red. — 2 years ago

with Greg

Keith Ward

9.4

OMG!!! If you’re lucky enough to own one of these (or are super lucky to own a case) drink it! It’s at its prime or just past - amazing structure and balance. Beautiful young fruits and acid on the front, amazingly long in the mid (like watch-a-movie long) and an expected, but rarely fulfilled finish and mouthfeel! This is an exceptional bottle and if anyone on here feels they have a few too many in their collection I’ll gladly make it worth your while to taste this Victorian princess again!!! — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

There are good steak wines and then there are steak WINES! Not that this is the best wine or steak wines I’ve had. It was simply birthed for steak. Allen Brothers Strip Steak. Seasoned with coarse Garlic Salt/ Pepper and Napa Valley Rub from wholespice.com. If you haven’t had your steak this way, my highest recommendation. The fat & gristle are perfect w/ the 08 Belle-Vue. If you olive oil, heavy coarse salt & pepper your bake potato at 475 for an hour & a half, you’ll discover how great, crispy/crunchy/complex a potato shell can be. Older Bordeaux can be good on its own but with beef or lamb, it’s just a marriage made in heaven. Here’s the rub for my friends & I, we can’t find a steak better than we make. That’s what the Covid years firmed up for us. The 08 vintage was saved with late good weather. It sits somewhere between the good and very good vintages. Drinks better earlier than great to grand vintages. Slightly over achieving its young critical reviews.

The palate shows; drier dark currents-blackberries, black raspberries, black plum dark, not quite ripe cherries, raspberries edges. Dark chocolate baking bar (that’s what French oak does), lead pencil shavings, dark rich earth with dry leaves, limestone powder, dry river stone, dry tobacco, chewy leather, dark, intense spices, nutmeg, some cinnamon, vanillin, caramel hues, saline, fresh & withering, dark, purple flowers with lavender hues, nice acidity with a well structured & balanced, rounded meaty tannin, floral finish that lasts minutes. Medoc is always the place to look for nice wines with value…even better in excellent vintages. Even better in 5 years.

It has another 10 years plus of good drinking ahead properly stored. — 7 months ago

Casey @ Travelling Corkscrew

9.0

Have you grabbed your $60 wine subscription sampler from Wine Selectors yet?

This pack includes 12 mini bottles of Aussie wine. Head to the blog to read all about it: travellingcorkscrew.com.au/blog/wine-subscription-sampler/

This Leconfield 2020 Cab Sauv came in the sample pack I was sent and it went down a treat! Definitely a nice taster.

In the glass it’s a juicy plum red colour. On the nose it’s rather earthy/forest like alongside having notes of blackberries, and vanilla oak. On the palate it’s fruity and fresh with plentiful black cherries and berry flavours. Nice full flavour without being overpowering. Balanced and delish!

All opinions are my own. Drink what you enjoy! — 2 years ago

Beachin Wino

9.2

A Somm friend just raved about this one and based on her tasting notes I knew I was going to love it. I almost hate to share as it’s an absolute steal at it’s $9.99 price point. The value is one reason I can dig some wines from Spain.
This has it all. It’s a bit darker in color than your typical rose. Aromas of strawberry, cherry, and blood orange. Great mouth feel. The fruit makes you think sweet wine but it finishes dry and lingering with some pleasant minerality. Beautiful on its own but it’s perfect for a summer sangria. I bought the last bottle at my local Wegmans. Plan to stock up after their next wine delivery. YUM! 13.5% ABV — 4 years ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; no formal notes. Bright golden color; persistent mousse; lemon citrus, meringue, brioche for dayzzz. Fantastic acid. Long finish. Gastronomic bubbles but so good it can be enjoyed on its own. This is far and away the greatest sparkling wine I’ve yet had from Italy. A wow wine. Too bad it’s priced like tête de cuvée Champagne. Regardless, whenever someone is pouring it, you should shift your attention to this. “I know I would. Heck, I’d go back for seconds!” Drink now or over the next 10+ years. — 9 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.6

Light color. Super delicate and delicious. Orange zest, dusty, more raspberry than cherry, white currant? / incredibly elegant. Within the Muschelkalk bracket in the top 25 percentile range. Totally drinkable on its own. Let’s just say this is f…ing magic. Pinot at the top of its game. Would argue drink now. This is at its peak. I would not recommend a decant. This is NOT a big in your face Pinot! — 2 years ago

Seth Masterson

9.4

I smell apricots, honeysuckle and a touch of a wood refinishing shop where an old man has been rubbing turpentine onto ancient woods. The smell of this Manzanilla makes my mouth water and I didn't want to take my nose out of the glass.
On first taste it has a bit of an 'Uh oh what have so gotten myself into' kick in the pants of your pallete. As the sherry warms in your mouth let it explore of the crevices and you will find flavors in corners of your mouth that I you have not encountered before in any bottle of non fortified white wine.
The freshness of this when served chilled and the amazingly long aftertaste make it one of the few wines that I prefer to drink on their own but it pairs great with simple salty food like premium organic fries tossed sea salt!
A steal at $16 for a half bottle at Little Death. (I've paid $13 for a three ounce pour of this at a tapas joint) — 2 years ago