Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of 83% Syrah, 14% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, deep Ruby red color with aromas of black fruits, baking spice and cedar notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and ripe blueberry with pepper, oak, cacao and herb notes. Fine savory tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, oak and spice. Drinking well now, will improve! Nice! — 20 days ago

Jess

9.0

Pale pink color.
Aromas of strawberry, honeydew.
Dry. Flavors of strawberry, grapefruit, honeydew, driven minerality.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 10 months ago

Diane M. Napolitano

9.3

From Vanderbilt Ave. Wine Merchants. Cranberry juice all the way. Wow that is really juicy lol 🤔 — 2 years ago

Kate Parkerson

9.4

Very smooth, easy to enjoy. Notes of dark fruit — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Urban Series Vacqueyras Blanc 2022, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
An uncommon white expression from the Vacqueyras AOP in the southern Rhône Valley. This blend consists of 50% Clairette, 40% Grenache Blanc, and 10% Viognier, showcasing the aromatic lift and herbal tension typical of Rhône white blends while maintaining freshness and balance.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh herbs, white peach, citrus peel, and subtle floral notes with hints of fennel and Mediterranean garrigue. The aromatic Viognier component adds lift while Grenache Blanc contributes body and texture.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity and pleasant tension. Not overly rich or heavy, yet more structured than simple crisp whites. Balanced and refreshing with a clean, savory finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled seafood, herb-roasted chicken, Mediterranean dishes, goat cheese, or vegetable-forward cuisine.

Verdict
A distinctive Rhône white that highlights the region’s lesser-known side. Aromatic, refreshing, and well-balanced, offering an interesting alternative to more common southern Rhône whites.

Did You Know?
While Vacqueyras is widely known for its Grenache-based reds, the appellation also permits white blends built around Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Viognier, though they remain relatively rare.

🍷 Personal Pick
A pleasantly surprising Rhône white with great aromatic complexity and refreshing structure. A fun and educational bottle for exploring the lesser-known whites of Vacqueyras. — 2 months ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Tall and straight heavy bottle. Looks kinda cool. CA wine style. 14.0% abv. No specifics on the blend. They say it arose from the wrong hose in the wrong tank ;-). Color is ruby red with a translucent shimmer. Smells like some other red wines in that it’s fruit and the smell of old places. (Like attics, cellars and libraries full of old books). Hint of savor. Like fresh steak or lamb. Flavors are excellent. Supple and fairly elegant. There’s a cherry streak, a black licorice streak, and brightness. It’s pretty Italian styled. I’d suggest there might be some Sangiovese and/or Barbera in it. And these are excellent CA Foothill grapes, so no surprise at its finesse and grace. This is a nice El Dorado red. I’d love to try the rest of their portfolio.

Website says, “…it’s a 4 way blend of Zinfandel, Grenache, Merlot and Mourvedre that will make your Tuesday night glass of wine Exciting Again.” — a year ago

Louis Martin

9.2

Single variety Sauvignon Blanc from Northern part of Croatia, incredibly aromatic, light, bold golden color with a hint of apricot and green pepper, pairs well with a light appetizer or salad. — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Valdisanti Toscana 2020
Toscana IGT, Tenuta San Giovanni, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Named in honor of Pier Luigi Tolaini’s mother, Valdisanti is Tolaini’s signature Super Tuscan from Tenuta San Giovanni—right at the southern edge of Chianti Classico. The 2020 vintage is crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit and features a 50% Cabernet Sauvignon / 50% Cabernet Franc blend. This pure Bordeaux-style combination underscores both structure and aromatic vibrancy, reflecting both modern winemaking finesse and Tuscan terroir.  

Aromas & Flavors
Dark and compelling on the nose—black cherry, ripe cassis, and tobacco merge with aromatic notes of Mediterranean herbs, graphite, and leather. Layered hints of licorice and espresso build toward a rich, spice-kissed finish.   

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with firm yet supple tannins and lively acidity. The wine is generous on the palate yet balanced, leading to a long finish that reveals depth and elegant austerity.   

Winemaking Notes
Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and optically sorted, then fermented on skins for 25 days in French oak vats. Aging continues for 16 months in French barriques, including 6 months on lees, drawing out both richness and aging potential.  

Food Pairing
Pairs brilliantly with Tuscan specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or aged Pecorino Toscano. Its structure also complements urban grills, roasted game, or hearty stews.

Verdict
Valdisanti 2020 is a refined Super Tuscan that marries Bordeaux balance with Tuscan character. With its 50/50 Cabernet blend and meticulous winemaking, this wine is both graceful and powerful—a true standout for collectors and dinner tables alike. It will cellar beautifully over the next 10–15 years. A la salute!! — 8 months ago

Janice in Livermore

9.3

2019 with Andrea in Cincinnati — 2 years ago

Janell Buchkoski

10

Drank it at home when we came home after a cross country trip with Gabe — 2 years ago