"Odedi"

9.2

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim

The nose is still tight with red fruits and light oak notes.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing black currants, black cherries, light oak, tobacco leaf, herbs, earth, herbs and black pepper.

Nice length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Veeder in Napa Valley. Elegant and nicely balanced, with an Italian feel. Complex and entertaining.

Still young, and needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly. Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years.

Good by itself as a sipping wine or with a big piece of steak.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were aged for 19 months in (65% new) French Oak barrels.

14.9% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$115. — 2 hours ago

Michael Chelus

9.0

Apple, lemon, apricot, melon and blood orange. Racy acidity and bold minerality. — 4 months ago

Al Chew

10

One of my all-time favourites. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bodegas Faustino – Faustino V Reserva
Tempranillo-based Blend 2018
DOCa Rioja – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A standout vintage combining freshness, balance, and precision. The 2018 shows the most complete expression among the last two vintages (v16 & v17), harmonizing fruit, oak, and structure beautifully.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh red berries, cherry, subtle vanilla, cedar, and refined spice with a lifted aromatic profile.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, polished tannins, and a beautifully balanced, lingering finish. More energetic and refined than prior vintages.

Food Pairings
Versatile, grilled meats, tapas, roasted vegetables, or even casual pairings.

Verdict
The most complete and balanced of the last two; Fresh, elegant, and structured this is the sweet spot vintage.

Did You Know?
2018 in Rioja is widely regarded as a balanced vintage, offering both freshness and aging potential, often outperforming expectations at this price tier. (I have also reviewed v16 & v17).

🍷 Personal Pick
The winner of the lineup, precision, freshness, and balance all in one. A textbook example of why Rioja Reserva remains one of the best value categories in the world. — a month ago

Steve S.

9.1

Enjoyed this bottle on NYE. did not disappoint. Interesting subtle tangerine tastes lingered on the tongue that I’d forgotten about. This one n/v was bottled in early 2022. Been in my possession about 2 years. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Léoville Poyferré 2014
Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A distinguished Deuxième Cru Classé (Second Growth) from Saint-Julien, Château Léoville Poyferré has been elevated under the stewardship of the Cuvelier family and Michel Rolland’s consultancy. The 2014 vintage is a classic Bordeaux blend comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This cooler year yielded wines with notable polish, freshness, and age-worthy structure.  

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and refined, the bouquet opens with blackcurrant, cassis, and plum, framed by cedar, graphite, violets, and aromatic spice. The palate is layered with ripe red and dark fruits, along with hints of tobacco, pepper, and soft oak—a harmonious reflection of balanced ripeness and terroir depth.  

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with smooth yet structured tannins and vivid acidity. The finish is long and mineral-tinged, echoing Saint-Julien’s limestone terroir while expressing both strength and grace.

Winemaking Notes
Vinified traditionally and aged in French oak barrels (predominantly new), the 2014 benefits from meticulous attention to extraction and maturation, resulting in elegant concentration and finesse.  

Food Pairing
Wonderful with roast lamb, herb-crusted beef, or rich mushroom dishes. Decanting for an hour enhances its layered complexity.

Verdict
A classic expression of Left Bank finesse and depth, Château Léoville Poyferré 2014 strikes an artful balance between fruit, structure, and refinement. Enjoy now with decanter or cellar it to explore its evolution over the next decade.Cheers! — 8 months ago

Neal Krishna Devaraj

9.3

This is amazing! — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.6

Can you spot the difference? 2012 v 2022. Rebellion or Progression? At Cheval Blanc estate in Saint Emilion Bordeaux. — 2 months ago

Jim O’Gorman

9.1

Enjoyed this ultra full bodied Cab with nice steak. Let this bottle breathe a good 4-5 hours before serving. And then decanter. It was worth the wait. — 7 months ago

Ericsson

9.3

Oh yeah. This is that good. — 9 months ago