Joseph Barsky

10

2012 Stock Syrah, not Grenache. Stein was the Grenache in the 2012 offering. Error in the database. Wow- Syrah of the tasting. Lovely fruit and lots of iodine and violets. Loved it. 2015 Le chemin vers l’ heresie Grenache was silky smooth and a lovely start to our Friendsgiving meal. — 7 months ago

K L

9.3

Really excellent. Smooth rich earth flavors. Would stock up. — 3 years ago

with Matt

Nick

9.2

Absolutely caught me off guard. This was a simple gift from family. Now my wife and I are scrambling to buy another bottle. A phenomenal blend. Full bodied and spice. I would love for someone who actually knows what they’re talking about to try and this lol — 4 years ago

Jason Troendle

9.4

Sweet and not too strong — 6 years ago

with Mandy

Rick Wolfen

9.4

Drinking beautifully with our short rib. Great bottle and aged just fine. Fruit all there with a lot of elegance — 6 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.3

Lovely in the glass. Red with a blush of plum. Nose is very interesting. Hint of funk. Zinjammy, and smoky. Little bit of mineral oil or linseed oil. Flavor is spectacular. Pure fruit. Tastes very true to the varietal. Pretty tart. Plenty of tannin too. For an under $10 Coastal style Zin, this is a steal. — 7 years ago

Neil Cornish

9.0

International style. Sexy oak treatment. Big palate presence. Rich and creamy, but also has good acidic and balance. — 7 years ago

with Jon and Michael

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Macchia – “Delicious” Barbera – 2023
Heaven’s Vines, Lodi – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Barbera from Lodi. an Italian indigenous grape known for its naturally high acidity, juicy fruit, and casual drinkability. Macchia Winery, celebrated for producing over 20 distinct styles of Zinfandel, also showcases its versatility with Italian varieties. Consistently recognized with domestic and international awards, the winery brings Barbera into the spotlight with this vibrant estate bottling.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries, plum, blackberry compote, and a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. Fresh, fruity, and forward with that classic Barbera brightness.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity and a smooth, easygoing finish. Juicy fruit drives the palate, making it approachable and highly sip-worthy.

Food Pairings
Perfect with pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie. A true “any day, any time” red.

Verdict
A fun, approachable, and fruit-driven Barbera with Macchia’s signature Lodi generosity. Casual enough for weeknight sipping yet polished enough to show the quality behind this estate-grown wine.

Did You Know?
Barbera is one of Italy’s most widely planted red grapes, cherished for its fresh acidity and versatility. In California, Lodi’s warm days and cool delta breezes help the variety express generous fruit while maintaining balance. — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note from January 2023. Pepper Liquorice and Raspberry. Savoury and full bodied on the palate. Such density despite the drinking window describing this as “Old”. 2011 to 2028. I see this as having many years to go. Riper having blackberry and not as much pepper as you would expect because of this warmer vintage. The vineyards were originally planted in 1964, establishing this as one of Australia’s leaders in cool climate Shiraz. It has always been one of my favourite Australian Reds. Best Shiraz and Wine of the Year for 2011 as voted by the Good Wine Guide. 98 points from Nick Stock. — 3 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.0

Basic and simple label. No extras. Rust edged ruby colored in the glass. Aroma is unique. Old books in a wood paneled room meets well made finished compost with a splash of cherry preserves. Flavors are cooked a bit, but not overly oxidized. Plenty of the cherry. Black cherry jam. Savory streak. Complex finish with some minty zip. This is fairly smooth and elegant. Low alcohol of 13%. Very much an Italian style like good chianti or clean Barbera. Great red vino at a very good price. — 5 years ago

JJ Lumia

9.3

The 2018 is out! The 2018 is out! On the downside, the price went up $5 to $25. On the plus side this is the best in several vintages so stock up! Lots of lush cherry fruit backed up by tar, mushroom, and leather. Just fantastic. As an aside, this is one of my favorite go-to wines and one of the best values out there each year hands down. But the low ratings just baffle me. Rate the wine quality my friends, not whether the wine is your thing. — 6 years ago

Zav Auz

9.7

Amazing that’s it — 7 years ago

Norman

9.4

Liked The Raven better. Will try again tomorrow with what I saved — 8 years ago

Jason Muniz

8.9

Very good, color was just ok — a year ago

Nick Sansone

10

So good, wine guy only has three in back in stock tiropez so smooth one of best I have had 2012
7-29-24 — 2 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2010 vintage. Just starting to enter Phase Two of life. Knitting together rather well with consistent nose/flavors of spiced plum, beef stock and baking chocolate. Medium body. Smoothish and unified except for a small, unripe berries hiccup in the center palate. Expecting this to resolve in the next few years but will taste for it next visit. 2.20.23 — 3 years ago

ESF

9.2

See previous note, some time has really improved this wine - represents outstanding QPR. Again, very international style Rioja - super generous & delicious — 4 years ago

Leonard Huot

9.0

Low yield production that’s hard to come by. For anyone that’s visited laughing stock you can appreciate this wine with the unique process of fermentation. Vibrant aromas and deep rich color with a silky palate. Last bottle 😞 — 6 years ago

Jeff Thompson

9.0

2017 on Nov 12, 2019 — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The 2015 Ramey ‘Hyde VIneyard’ Chardonnay is a simply gorgeous new wine that is one of the best of its kind by superstar winemaker, David Ramey. Set on clay loam soils, the strongly marine-influenced Hyde Vineyard has gained an international reputation for producing outstanding Chardonnay grapes. This Carneros bottling shows intense nutmeg, vanilla creme brulee, macadamia nut and heavy whipping cream flavors that impress. Lithe and rich, this gorgeous bottling will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 94 — 7 years ago