Viña Fares

Bodegas Muga

Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2019

First time in a while with the Muga Reserva, one of the region’s most ubiquitous wines – and often one of its great bargains, too. Of the various vintages that I’ve had, I can’t say I notice a consistent style, but the quality is there more often than not. The 2019 is a polished, suave affair but a little over-extracted for my taste. Though there is some savoury quality on the palate, I wouldn’t say the wine is very demonstrative of this region’s appeal. That said, it is very harmonious throughout, and the wines of Muga age well, so I look forward to seeing how this fares in another five years. — 2 years ago

Bob liked this

Dureuil-Janthial

Bourgogne Passetoutgrains 2016

Bright, clear ruby. Shy (at first) nose of musty black cherry. Medium bodied palate of leathery cherry and birch. Not fruity by any stretch. Medium plus acidity and medium tannins make this a quintessential French food wine, a compliment to any place you’d normally take French Pinot Noir or Gamay. A perfect wine for rich fares of all cuisines. I’m upscaling my frozen pepperoni pizza. — 6 years ago

Jay Jackson
with Jay
Ron, Jonathan and 7 others liked this
Byron C Mayes

Byron C Mayes Influencer Badge

@Ron R - I need to read notes more! Thanks for the invite. I’m almost always working on the weekend. But must make my way up your way sometime. You’re in North Jersey right?
Ron R

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Yes mate. Close to the Lincoln Tunnel. Let me know when you’re in the vicinity...
Ron R

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And work sucks a big one.

Alibi

Vinho Regional Alentejano Selection Red Blend

Though widely known in Portugal, I was still quite surprised to find it at a major supermarket in Brussels... for €5.50, which is pretty much the lowest threshold here.That said, this is a wine that has enough strength to withstand deep red meats (including heavier game), but also fares well with lighter cheeses. In a sense, it’s rather gourmand, too, so you’ll easily drink half a bottle on its own (and all by yourself) before you even realise it. At three years of age, it’s pretty much ready to drink out of the bottle (though some aeration won’t hurt, either), making it the ideal bring-along wine when going to a dinner party or hosting a larger group. A definite keeper! — 7 years ago

Tenuta Monolo

Riserva Bramaterra Nebbiolo Blend 1990

A mixed bag, possibly due to a semi poor ( crumbly) cork. Aged Nebbiolo can sometimes feel to me like Ms Haversham’s preserved room-fascinating how some of it’s spirit has been kept alive, but ultimately too musty to enjoy. Let’s see how next bottle fares. — 2 years ago

Ira, Severn and 2 others liked this

Ca' Erto

Valpolicella Ripasso Corvina Blend 2012

JKT
9.0

Good bright balanced Ripasso with enough acids and complexity wrapped with lively and stimulating texture perfect for pairing with variety of fares. AA7 value buy! — 6 years ago

Ira liked this

Conn Creek

Carneros Chardonnay 2017

This new vintage is actually from Sonoma County instead of Carneros. Really fresh and lean for Chardonnay. Ripe tropical fruits, Asian pear, white peach when I first smelled. Not too much malolactic going on so it’s very smooth and crisp on mid palate with a light touch of acidity afterwards. Seems like neutral or less new oak barrels were used as the vanilla and oaky flavors were subtle. This is perfect for summer fares or just paired well with Shrimps Scampi. — 7 years ago

Ryan liked this

Beni di Batasiolo

Briccolina Barolo Nebbiolo 2010

I think their Cerequio fares better at this young age. Needs a lot of time but it will get there... — 7 years ago

Anthony, Dave and 6 others liked this

Headsnapper Wines

It's A Headsnapper Radiant California Red Bordeaux Blend

Honestly such a delicious and subtle red to pair with cheese or an evening with friends. Keep a few bottles of this one readily on hand, it fares well in so many spaces. — 6 years ago

Monte del Frá

Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore Corvina Blend 2017

Not our favorite, perhaps spicier than expected. Then finished with a whimper; going to see how it fares on day 2.

Update: this needed to be free. Day two and three were much better. Smoothed it out and much more expressive. Definitely crept up on our list.
— 6 years ago

Tracy Huff
with Tracy
Chris, Jason and 1 other liked this

Highlands Winery

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Deep ruby purple in the glass. Abundant nose of cassis, rhubarb, and light graphite. Fruit forward, full-bodied palate echoes the nose with medium acidity and medium plus, dusty tannins. Long, dark red finish wraps it all up. An excellent match for my cowboy rubbed porterhouse, and the perfect subject to test out my new Repour stoppers. ITD great now. I’ll be back over the course of the week to see how it fares. IF I don’t finish it all tonight! 😉 — 7 years ago

Ron, Laura and 4 others liked this
Anil Saxena

Anil Saxena

Porterhouse? That sounds awesome.
Byron C Mayes

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@Anil Saxena - Not just Porterhouse. “Cowboy Rubbed” Porterhouse!