Sequence Of Events
Bollinger
La Grande Année Brut Champagne Blend 2008
Domaine Taupenot-Merme
St. Romain Chardonnay 2022
I tried this 10 hours after it was opened and it's one of those white burgundies that gets better with some air time.
Great texture from the soft minerals - limestone and marl?
Just enough acid to keep it fresh.
So approachable. This is the wine I would serve at events or weddings.
A Kermit Lynch find. — 7 months ago
Pommery
Cuvée Louise Brut Champagne Blend 2005
Not really a time for celebration given the recent events, but life is too short no to live in the moment.
I thought this cuvée has higher % of PN, but it does not seem to be the case for 2005 (can’t fine the exact blend for the vintage) as it shows prominent apple and citrus notes. Peach, pomelo, brioche, and white flowers as well. Very intense yet quite refined on the palate with chalky minerals. The finish is precise and long. — a year ago
Château Cantenac Brown
Margaux Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1986
Flight 4 , wine 2. This was quite a difficult wine to read at first , again quite closed , mineral and tobacco edged . Dark fruits. On the palate rounder than expected , good richness and balance , dark cherry , blackberry fruit . Good rounded tannin and ok length . Quite obviously Bordeaux in the context of this tasting , though I had this as the Lynch Bages 1982 when it was actually the Brane Cantenac 1986 …..I give up ! 90
This was an interesting , though challenging tasting , all served blind in flights of 2 wines , 3 flights of 1 Napa and 1 Bordeaux and 1 of 2 Bordeaux; served in a random sequence . The fact that at least a couple of wines were not pristine didn’t help , though if you will taste 8 , 40 year old wines that is probably par for the course . I found it relatively easy to spot whether what was in the glass was Napa or Bordeaux but didn’t actually get a single wine completely correct ! Probably overall the winner of the tasting was Napa (won the 3 rounds 2-1) as they had more suave polished , rounded personalities. Many put the wines the wrong way round , imagining that Napa was Bordeaux etc. The 1982s in general showed poorly too much funk and brett on the Lynch and Talbot but the Duhart showed surprisingly well . The 86s both showed pretty well and equalled the Dominus (even though I didn’t think we had a pristine bottle) . The Montelena was enjoyable , though was the first to oxidise whilst the Inglenook was the biggest positive surprise , still drinking surprisingly well at 47 . — 10 months ago
Kirkland Signature
Ti Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
I love New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! This wine may not pack the punch of other contenders; it definitely is not far behind! QPR is outstanding, under $8 per bottle! Think your favorite NZ SB, but it's a bit diluted! Great option for events/weddings ! — 2 years ago
Château Le Gay
Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 2000
Big shout out to @Ron R for his selection and generosity. I got started on my wine journey later in life and didn’t have birth year wines for my boys. This wine and vintage marks 21 years for our first son. Thanks again @Ron R !! Let this wine decant for three hours and it got better and better over the three hours. Licorice smell to start, modest cherry, currant. More fruit smells developed over time. Incredibly soft tannins with earth tones coming out as well. Not a fruit bomb like some of the CA wines and enjoy having different choices for special events. — 4 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Macchia – Delicious Barbera 2023
Lodi, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Barbera may be native to Italy, but in Lodi it thrives in the warm days and cool nights, producing generous, fruit-driven wines. Macchia has built a reputation for crafting some of the most expressive New World Barberas, with a track record of winning international medals (including Gold at the International Barbera Competition in Italy for earlier vintages). This 2023 vintage keeps that pedigree alive with a vibrant, approachable style.
Aromas & Flavors
Explodes with blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with chocolate, spice, and hints of licorice. There’s an intensity of fruit without losing freshness, showing why Barbera adapts so beautifully outside its homeland.
Mouthfeel
Juicy, full of energy, with supple tannins and balancing acidity. Medium-plus body with a long, fruit-forward finish dusted with cocoa and spice.
Food Pairing
Pairs effortlessly with rich tomato pasta, grilled lamb chops, or a hearty sausage pizza. Also excellent with strong cheeses that complement its ripe fruit core.
The Verdict
Macchia delivers again with a Barbera that’s as delicious as its name. The 2023 vintage stands out as a casual yet compelling New World take on an Old World classic—backed by a winery whose style already carries international pedigree.
✨ Personal highlight: This wine style has pedigree from past events, but the 2023 is very much its own statement. It’s “delicious” in every sense and shows how consistent Macchia has been across vintages. Cheers! — 3 months ago