Wine Lover 12 Pack
Federico Curtaz
Gamma Etna Bianco Carricante 2016
A perfect example of a low alcohol (12%) wine that can pack a punch. A variety of citrus scents that transition effortlessly to the palate. Mandarin orange, grapefruit, lemon all draped in a robe of saline and smoke. To top it off, an extended and lingering finish. — 3 years ago
Paloma
Napa Valley Syrah 1997
So, Barbara and Jim Richards (RIP) planted 5 acres back in 1991 (1990?) of Syrah on the northeast (downslope) corner of their Paloma vineyard on Spring Mountain in what visually looked like a “low spot” (partially shaded and also maybe an area that maybe occasionally got standing water back in the days when California got enough rain). The rest of the vineyard was of course Merlot and also some Cabernet Sauvignon used mostly for blending with their fantastic mountain Merlot. The vineyard is just east of Pride Mountain and across the road from what used to be (??) Schweiger Vineyards.
Anyway, Bob Foley, who was making the wines for Pride in those early days, was consulting for Barbara and Jim early on, but I have ZERO information as to what involvement he had with the Syrah, if I recall correctly, the first Syrah in 1995 was less than a barrel (12-15 cases), and was aged in a super OLD, neutral barrel. My Chicago friends, who knew the Richards, dragged me along to taste that fateful day. That 1995 Syrah, first wine they ever made from those young Syrah vines, was, frankly, eye-opening and FANTASTIC, as I told Jim Richards that day. After tasting the INCREDIBLE 1995 Syrah, which was so northern Rhône-like and so pure, I begged Jim to sell me a bottle or two, but he politely declined. Later that day, after tasting the rest of their great wines, as we were leaving, Jim GAVE me a 4-pack box of that 1995 Syrah, which he wouldn’t accept any $$$ for, and that 1995 Syrah still in my memory remains the GREATEST CA Syrah I’ve ever tasted!!
As you can probably tell, I adored Jim and Barbara Richards, amazing people and generous to a fault!! Amazing people!!! I don’t think I ever met their son, Sheldon, but from all accounts he is continuing the tradition of great Paloma wines, though that great Syrah vineyard was pulled out in the early 2000s — Sheldon, if you happen to see this post, I welcome any corrections if I got any details wrong!!
Oh, and this Syrah is pretty dang good as well!!! — 8 months ago
Soquel Fermentation Project
Golden Sour A With Apricot
Golden sour A. Aged with apricots. Best beer of the 12 pack so far. Just outstanding wild grassy flavors with subtle ripe apricot mixed with tart skins. Hugely floral with lemongrass. — 5 years ago
Wyndham Estate
George Wyndham Shiraz 2018
Love this! I am a lover of Pepperjack but at between $8.50-$12 it is by far our budget friendly version. Really fantastic for the price (even for wines double the price) — 6 years ago
Talbott
Estate Grown Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
2021 vintage. First tasted this wine with the 1991 vintage when it was resto cost $240 a 12-pack case (which was pretty pricey for CA chard at the time). FF three decades where I'm pouring this btg and paying less than the 1991 pricing. Has always held a soft spot in my heart. Unique flavor profile that consistently upends a blind white Burgundy tasting as a ringer-regardless of the price range involved...and it do get pricey these daze. Still bringing the serious mineral hammer along with bracing acidity but a bit of lanolin and variety of citrus when things warm up a tad. Last tasted 5.5.23 (9.1). 10.27.24. — 8 months ago
Leconfield
Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Have you grabbed your $60 wine subscription sampler from Wine Selectors yet?
This pack includes 12 mini bottles of Aussie wine. Head to the blog to read all about it: travellingcorkscrew.com.au/blog/wine-subscription-sampler/
This Leconfield 2020 Cab Sauv came in the sample pack I was sent and it went down a treat! Definitely a nice taster.
In the glass it’s a juicy plum red colour. On the nose it’s rather earthy/forest like alongside having notes of blackberries, and vanilla oak. On the palate it’s fruity and fresh with plentiful black cherries and berry flavours. Nice full flavour without being overpowering. Balanced and delish!
All opinions are my own. Drink what you enjoy! — 3 years ago
Duckhorn Vineyards
Napa Valley Merlot 2015
January 12, 2020. Tucson. This was TTW Wine of the month, Dec 2019. Brought to AZ for the holidays and to share with my favorite wine critic and fellow old world wine lover. We are, BTW left bank Bordeaux fans. In blind tasting my fav critic says “Tastes like a California wine.” We did, nonetheless, enjoy it. Not bad for a right bank imitation Bordeaux. Will still spend my money in the old world. Hope my cellar outlasts the tariffs...😬 — 5 years ago
Full Rack
Special Red Blend
Part of a 12 pack gift from my b-inlaw. Mellows out with some time, a nice fruit forward taste of blackberries. I enjoyed this with chicken and a nice spicy peach sauce. Too bad there isn't a second btl in the box... oh, lucky me, there is! Going to have with smoked/grilled tomahawk ribeye. — 6 years ago
Willem Booij
The Iconic Wines of Estate Argyros – Santorini’s Volcanic Elegance in a Glass
On the windswept volcanic slopes of Santorini, Estate Argyros crafts some of the island’s most expressive and age-worthy wines. This historic family-run estate, founded in 1903, combines deep-rooted tradition with modern precision to showcase the full potential of Santorini’s unique terroir—defined by volcanic soils, scarce rainfall, and sun-drenched vineyards.
🍷 Cuvée Evdemon
One of the estate’s flagships, this biodynamic Assyrtiko is sourced from old, ungrafted vines and reflects power, minerality, and finesse. A wine of great depth and aging potential, with citrus oil, wet stone, and saline energy on the palate.
🍷 Cuvée Monsignori
Named after one of the oldest vineyards on the island, Monsignori is a single-vineyard expression of Assyrtiko, made from vines over 200 years old. It’s precise, textured, and layered—combining volcanic tension with elegant complexity.
🍷 Vinsanto 4, 12 & 20 Years
These legendary sweet wines, made from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Athiri grapes, are a tribute to Santorini’s history. Aged for years in oak barrels, they offer stunning aromas of dried apricot, honey, caramel, and spice. Rich, balanced, and endlessly long on the finish.
🍷 Cuvée Palatia (New Release)
The latest jewel in Argyros’ crown, Cuvée Palatia is a bold yet refined new interpretation of Assyrtiko. Crafted from a meticulous blend of grapes from seven different vineyard plots, each adding its own nuance, the wine is strikingly complex. Vibrant acidity, intense minerality, and layers of citrus, flint, and white flowers make this a truly distinctive, age-worthy wine that speaks of place, precision, and innovation.
Estate Argyros’ premium wines are more than just drinks—they are stories bottled in glass, capturing the essence of Santorini’s raw, ancient beauty and the passionate craftsmanship behind every vintage. A must for any serious wine lover. — 2 months ago