Shawn Thompson

9.3

A 2017 Sangratino from Australia. Pinot like with an earthy, stewed rhubarb, hint of fennel nose, sour cherry palate and a bit peppery on the initial approach. Cloudy, unfiltered. We had it chilled and paired it with a spicy prawn puttanesca pasta. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Karas Reserve Blend 2016 — Mount Ararat, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A sophisticated Old-World inspired blend grown in the Armavir region at the foothills of Mount Ararat. Aged in Armenian oak. Composition: Syrah 35%, Malbec 35%, Cabernet Franc 20%, Tannat 10%. A wine rooted in one of the world’s most ancient winemaking cultures — 6,200 years in the making.

Aromas & Flavors
Red compote, black plum, dried cherry, subtle baking spice, cedar, and a hint of earthy volcanic dust. Layers unfold slowly with touches of cocoa and dried herbs.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body, beautifully integrated tannins, silky and rounded. Balanced acidity with mature harmony from bottle age. Structured yet graceful, nothing sharp, everything in sync.

Food Pairings
Lamb kebabs, grilled eggplant, slow-braised short ribs, aged Gouda, or spiced Middle Eastern dishes.

Verdict
Worth the wait. The 2016 vintage shows evolution, composure, and balance. A blend that overdelivers, polished, expressive, and deeply satisfying. A reminder that Armenia is not just historic… it’s seriously compelling in the glass.

Did You Know?
Armenia is considered one of the birthplaces of wine. The Areni-1 cave complex revealed the world’s oldest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years.

🍷 Personal Pick
Holding this bottle paid off. A mature, balanced Armenian blend that danced on the palate and proved patience is sometimes the best decanter.
— 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château de Fesles – La Chapelle Vieilles Vignes Chenin Sec 2010. Anjou, Loire Valley – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A limited-edition bottling from one of Anjou’s most historic estates, this Chenin Blanc comes from old vines (“vieilles vignes”) rooted in schist soils surrounding the chapel of the domaine. Château de Fesles is renowned for producing some of the Loire’s most age-worthy Chenins, and this 2010 shows just how gracefully the grape can evolve.

Aromas & Flavors
Complex layers of baked quince, dried apricot, acacia honey, chamomile, and lanolin, underpinned by beeswax and a mineral flintiness. Secondary notes of almond and brioche hint at its decade-plus of bottle age.

Mouthfeel
Dry (“sec”) yet textured, with a medium+ body, bright acidity still intact, and a long, savory finish. The balance between freshness and maturity is remarkable, showing both vitality and evolution.

Winemaking Notes
Fermented in oak and matured patiently, with low yields from old vines contributing depth and concentration. Loire Chenin’s natural high acidity is what makes wines like this so age-defiant.

Food Pairing
Perfect alongside roasted chicken with herbs, veal in cream sauce, or rich seafood like lobster and scallops. A natural match also for aged goat cheese (think Valençay or Crottin de Chavignol).

Verdict
A stunning example of aged Loire Chenin Blanc: vibrant, layered, and endlessly complex. Proof of why Anjou and Loire whites belong among the world’s most cellar-worthy wines. — 10 months ago

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9.4

The 2020 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is bright and wonderfully saline, with plenty of mineral and savory accents. Citrus peel, mint, white pepper, chalk and dried flowers open nicely with a bit of time. There's terrific energy and plenty of cut. Most of this fruit is sourced from the own-rooted vines first planted in 1971. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 4 years ago

Aaron Rankin

9.2

Wine geek Pinot. Own rooted, carbonic maceration, no sulphur, magnum. Personally I’d love to taste this with traditional fermentation. The fruity crunchiness almost gets in the way; yet that’s what it’s supposed to be. I’m asking for inauthenticity. For what this is, the expression is incredibly pure, nose to tail. — 5 years ago

Martinez

9.0

Blend of Grenache (80%) and Mourvedre (20%) from 6 parcels in the Palastor, Bois Dauphin and Cabrières lieux-dits, located around the road to Orange in the cooler, northern part of the Châteauneuf du Pape AOC. From 60-80 years old vines Gradassi inherited from his grandfather rooted on sandy and clay soils, with few galets roulés (round river stones). Whole-bunch fermentation in cement vats. Aged for 10 months in older barriques. Intense, complex and fabulously aromatic, with aromas of dark fruit, garrigue, licorice and an edge of graphite/gunpowder. Big and powerful (14.5%) yet balanced. Earthy, leathery qualities and some chewy tannins. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Rocca Felice – Nebbiolo d’Alba – 2023
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC – Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A regional expression of Nebbiolo crafted in a more approachable, early-drinking style. While rooted in Piedmont tradition, this bottling leans toward accessibility, offering a softer and more casual interpretation of the grape.

Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruit profile with cherry, raspberry, and subtle cranberry notes. Light hints of rose petal and a touch of tartness are present, though not as pronounced or intense as in more structured Nebbiolo styles.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and fresh acidity. Noticeably softer and more rounded than classic Barolo/Barbaresco expressions, making it easygoing and immediately drinkable.

Food Pairings
Pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, charcuterie, or casual Italian fare. Also works nicely as a standalone sipper for relaxed evenings.

Verdict
A truly Piedmontese yet approachable Nebbiolo—m, juicy, affable, and tasty. It tones down the grape’s typical intensity, making it perfect for casual drinking without losing its regional identity.

Did You Know?
Nebbiolo d’Alba often offers a more accessible entry point into Nebbiolo compared to Barolo or Barbaresco, with earlier drinkability while still showcasing the grape’s signature character.

🍷 Personal Pick
My “pizza night Nebbiolo”, all the charm, none of the intimidation. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.3

I have a new favorite winery in the SB area. The Riesling was sold out 😢. This Pinot is from the Santa Rita Hills AVA. Not a CA fruit bomb like so many other Pinots from this area. 1971 own rooted. Still a good amount of fruit pomegranate, cranberry, strawberry, touch plum. Beautiful. Some spice (Oregano) some stem inclusion? Not a burgh but really well done. I like the very low 12.5%!!!! — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Château Coucheroy Blanc 2019
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A 100% Sauvignon Blanc crafted by the esteemed Vignobles André Lurton family at Château Coucheroy. Located in Pessac-Léognan, this estate combines noble Bordeaux heritage with modern elegance. The wine’s name—rooted in legend of King Henri IV’s visit—underscores its timeless appeal.  

Aromas & Flavors
Pale yellow with green highlights, the nose is bright and vibrant with notes of lemon, citrus, and floral undertones. The palate mirrors this freshness with lime zest, delicate white florals, and a subtle saline touch that adds harmony.  

Mouthfeel
Refreshing and balanced, this wine is well-rounded yet crisp. Its texture is smooth and approachable, finishing with a clean, lingering mineral accent. 

Winemaking Notes
Vinification blends complexity and purity: partially fermented and aged in oak barrels for structure, and part in temperature-controlled stainless steel for freshness. Lees aging enhances depth without overpowering natural vibrancy.  

Food Pairing
Perfect with bright, lightly seasoned seafood: think green asparagus flans, grilled langoustines, or classic Saltimbocca alla Romana. 

Verdict
Château Coucheroy Blanc 2019 is a beautifully crafted expression of Sauvignon Blanc from Graves. It pairs refreshing acidity and mineral clarity with elegant texture—making for both a delightful aperitivo and a refined pairing wine. Its appeal lasts across meals and moments. Cheers! — 10 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Grapes sourced from 2 vineyards, high altitude sandy souls in Vera d’Alba & Renesio Incisa cru in Canale. Originally called "Nebbiolo bianco" due to the shape of the bunch and the size of the berries similar to Nebbiolo. Pale lemon with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with herb notes. On the palate flavors of lemon, apple and herb character. Medium finish, lively acidity balance, ending with creamy citrus and mineral character. Nice value! — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, blossom and sweet spice, spending 20 months in new French oak, grapes grown mostly in alluvial sandy souls. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with notes of licorice, cacao and spice, savory. Full fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice and mineral character, slight alcohol presence. Tried about a year ago, aging well! — 5 years ago

great.lena

9.2

Soft, balanced, velvety, long aftertaste — 6 years ago

Jason Keefer

8.9

Good, very interesting concept with the own root stock and unobstructive, non crushing process. Have to let it breathe a bit to round out but once you do, pretty easy drinking! — 7 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2018 vintage. Nicolas Jay 10th Anniversary wine dinner @Mister A’s Restaurant-San Diego. 4.12.26. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2023 vintage. Heavy body and banging for the price. 2.18.26. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Confidence de Bastor-Lamontagne – White Blend, 2023. Bordeaux AOC – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A modern white Bordeaux from Château Bastor-Lamontagne, crafted with an unconventional yet compelling blend of 51% Sauvignon Gris, 29% Sémillon, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. This composition brings both aromatic lift and textural depth, delivering a wine that balances freshness, subtle richness, and a distinctly mineral profile rooted in classic Bordeaux terroir.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh and expressive on the nose with notes of citrus peel, white peach, and hints of mango, followed by soft herbal tones and a touch of wet stone. The palate leans crisp and clean, showing lemon zest, green apple, light tropical fruit, and a gentle brioche nuance from the Sémillon.

Mouthfeel
Dry and refreshing with bright acidity and a lightly stony texture. Medium-bodied, well-balanced, and smooth, finishing clean with a subtle saline and mineral-driven persistence.

Food Pairings
Shellfish, grilled or poached white fish, oysters, goat cheese, vegetable-forward dishes, or light poultry. Also works beautifully as an aperitif.

Verdict
An approachable yet thoughtfully made white Bordeaux that bridges the gap between casual sipping and more serious tasting. Its balance, freshness, and unique grape composition make it versatile and crowd-pleasing without sacrificing character.

Did You Know?
Sauvignon Gris is a rare mutation of Sauvignon Blanc and brings extra weight, aromatics, and texture, adding a distinctive twist to traditional Bordeaux white blends.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This wine really resonates with my white-blend style preferences. Dry, crisp, and subtly mineral, it’s the kind of bottle that easily becomes a go-to companion for casual cuisine or relaxed sipping, effortless yet quietly sophisticated. — 6 months ago

Seth Masterson

9.2

To me good wine stands out from average wine when I can sense three things from it: time, place and intention.
This rustic garnacha clearly carries these three indices.
The top layer of smell is rustic- farm, soil. Sticking my nose in the glass I'm greeted with a maraschino liquor soaked cherry wood barrel.
The palate tells me it's been maturing and mellowing for three quarters of a decade - this is mature but eagerly waiting to be opened. There aren't layers to this- it's straight forward, direct, open and expressive. Elegant in it's simplicity but certainly not posh. Dry, but very much alive, like the garrigues that was once rooted where this vineyard now stands. This is central Spain. — 4 years ago

Martinez

9.0

100% Pedro Ximenez from vineyards in Moriles Altos, one of the top areas within the Montilla-Moriles appellation. Vines are rooted in albariza (tosca hojaldrada) soils. Aged for an average of 3 years under flor in the solera system and bottled en rama (unfiltered). Intense nose with notes of toasted almonds and yeast. Sharp, very dry and saline on the palate. A very powerful and sapid, quite persistent wine. Umami 💣 — 5 years ago

Arecibo Message

9.1

Initially very candy-like! Then settled in to “whatever”. — 5 years ago

Jan-Willem van der Hek

9.5

Super sensual and exciting Grenache. 140yrs old own rooted Grenache from sandy soils, from the Vine Vale Barossa Valley. Made like Rayas, so pure, clean, delicate but with a lovely old Vine Grenache punch! — 6 years ago