The Competitor

Montsarra

Brut Cava Macabeo-Xarel-lo-Parellada

A real competitor in the cava department! Perfectly balanced apple and mineral with that natural, small producer feel. Doesn’t break the bank either! — 2 years ago

Bodegas Alejandro Fernández

Tinto Pesquera Crianza Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2015

Deep ruby, stewed red fruits, white and black pepper, clove, herbaceous, some vegies. Medium + tannins, high alcohol, full bodied, medium acidity. Medium finish. Very nice. On to an older competitor...

Please read my subsequent notes in the Muga Prado Enea for more context.

@Antonio Galloni any thoughts?

92 points
— 4 years ago

Eric, Cleora and 4 others liked this

Alpha Omega

Two² Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2016

Delicious! Compared against Caymus; a real competitor!
— 5 years ago

Byron Blatty Wines

Tremor Los Angeles County Grenache Blend 2016

Beautiful. Silky. Balanced complex jam with subtle baking spice and sweetheart vanilla love in a bottle. Deathbed wine competitor. — 6 years ago

Jo, Daniel P. and 6 others liked this

Va La Vineyards

Mahogany Red Blend 2011

Va La Vineyards Mahogany 2011: Elegant tannins. Rich complex flavors. Velvety texture. Dark fruits. Mushrooms. Cedar. Leather. Earth. A beautiful, ultra small production red blend consisting of 8 varietals that will simply blow your mind away: Barbera, Malvasia Nero, Charbono, Petit Verdot, Carmine, Teroldego, Lagrein & Sagrantino. All in all, this is the real deal; a definite must-try if you want to experience the best red wine/winery in Pennsylvania. Watch out Napa, here is a legitimate competitor! Cheers🍷 — 3 years ago

Trixie, Mike and 1 other liked this
Trixie

Trixie

Cheers!🍷

Trimbach

Alsace Riesling

Find me a better entry-level competitor (there isn’t one) — 5 years ago

Vincent Dauvissat

Montée de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2013

MDT side by side I’ve always wanted to do! 😍

Vincent Dauvissat “Montée de Tonnerre” 2013- The first vintage of Dauvissat’s MDT, with just 2 barrels made and incredibly minuscule amounts making its way overseas. It’s super giving, seamlessly balanced and finely detailed showing a complex array of yellow fruit, lilies, wildflower honey and hazelnut with lemony acids and a stony minerality. It continued to gain volume and focus with air. A true competitor to Raveneau’s 2013 MDT, if not the wine I actually found myself ultimately savoring. It’s just in a great place and very ready to drink.
— 3 years ago

Jan, Andrew and 8 others liked this

Matsui Distillery

Aged 12 Years The Kurayoshi Malt Whisky

A real competitor to the yamazaki 12 and I consider the Yamazaki 12 the gold standard! a little sweeter on the profile but the flavor is incredible! A steal at current price point. — 4 years ago

Amit Srivastava
with Amit
Amit and Eric liked this

Hall Wines

Kathryn Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Been saving this one & it is in the sweet-spot of its prime. Never forget the first time I had it at the Wine Spectator, Grand Event “Tasting of the Ages” Thing at the Marriot Marquis back in 2014. In the highest of company it beautifully defined itself as more than just a “competitor” with some the most sought-after Cabs in the world- it was in a Leauge of its own. Good chance it’s my favorite Cab of all time.
@tonight its in its prime.
— 5 years ago

Beth Zitzman
with Beth
Chris, Beth and 1 other liked this
David L

David L Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Two nights to remember. Cheers. When you get the chance, open a 15 .
Chris Zitzman

Chris Zitzman Influencer Badge Premium Badge

I most certainly hope I get such a chance!