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.” — 7 days ago

Jay Kline

8.9

Year in, year out this is one of the more reliable values in California Cabernet. I think it’s sort of a second wine of Optima and I’m certain I’ve tried every vintage since 2001 because it rarely disappoints. I used to be able to swoop it for around $17 but it’s closer to $30 retail these days. Nevertheless, great QPR. Popped and poured; consumed over three days and best on Day 3. The 2017 pours deep ruby with an opaque core. The nose black currants, grilled kofta, purple flowers, baking spice and very light pyrazines…almost undetectable. On the palate, dark and red fruits, smoke and baking spice. Dry. Medium tannin; medium acid. Finish is medium…and savory. A totally respectable Tuesday night wine. — 4 years ago

Andrew G

9.1

Perfect Tuesday night wine from Arezzo. Dark ruby with silky cherry and earthy notes. 91+ — 7 years ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Consistent both days. The 2017 Marqués de Riscal “Reserva” pours a deep ruby with a near opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. No signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with dark cherries, ripe bruised strawberries, baked apple, hibiscus, toasted coconut, vanilla, new leather and some baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Medium+ alcohol. A lovely pairing with my sort of modern riff on paella for a quick Tuesday evening meal. More please!

Having enjoyed vintages going back to the early 1980’s, I think Marqués de Riscal “Reserva” is one of the last few, true bargains in the wine world. They are classic in the sense that they are unmistakably Rioja and they have the ability to age for decades. It’s very hard for me to think of another wine that is widely available for under $30 that can drink this well and cellar that long. Let’s enjoy the disparity while we can! — a year ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Bright and clear dark ruby. Nose and palate of black cherry, black tea, and a bit it birchy wood. A bit of a tarry finish. Medium body, medium plus tannins, and medium acidity. Food is definitely its friend, but if you’re just looking for a Tuesday night by-the-glasser, it’s at home there, too. — 5 years ago

with Jay

Chris England

9.2

🎄 Advent Halfy Calendar Day 11 🎄

🎅 Santa says “what’s Mrs Claus after giving me this lovely festive juice on a Tuesday 😊”

📝 I say this is drinking well young but I’d leave 5-20 years 😉

⏩ 🍾 Mrs E got Pommery Brut Royal NV

📍 Chateau Langoa Barton 2010

🏵 92 points w/ more potential

🍇 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc & 17% Merlot

🍷 Deep dark blackened ruby

👃 Smoked oak through blackcurrant & dark plum w/ a touch of raspberry liquorice, cocoa, black cherry, light blueberry & minerals

👄 Med body of rich ripe punchy blackcurrant w/ dark plum, cocoa & raspberry liquorice

🎯 A long blackcurrant driven dark fruit bomb with a real raspberry undertone & blueberry tickle
— 6 years ago

Jamie Lauder

9.0

2016 vintage.
85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bright and shiny ruby red with a nose of cherries, sage, herbs and red tea.
Medium bodied with berries/cherries, leather, violets and a touch of earthiness.
The acidity is crisp and cleansing with soft tannins that are nicely balanced.
This wine is a great Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday drinker and don’t break the bank. — 3 years ago

Jamie Lauder

8.9

2019 vintage.
Ruby red, medium bodied and juicy.
I love this on a Tuesday night.
Cherries…berries, earthiness and a bit of spice.
Bright acidity makes it very versatile with dinner.
If you do get the chance, try Brigaldara Amarone…..impressive for the price. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Just love this wine, just gets better and better, had bottle for Fat Tuesday. Deep Ruby with an elegant bouquet of berry fruits, light spice with fresh earthy tones, a traditional Rioja. On the palate, the wine was silky smooth with layers of flavors, berry and cherry, tobacco, smoky cedar, dark fruit, vanilla spice, very well balanced with fine tannins and a clean structure ending with a nice lingering finish. Delicious! Can age well into next decade. — 5 years ago

Nina Zie

9.0

Sweet bubbly. Very fun wine. — 8 years ago