C'est du haut niveau sur du fruit mur. La mûre, les notes viandées, le sous bois, une bouche tapissante, une longueur folle.
Un tout petit excès d'alcool à peine domageable. — 7 months ago
Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; no formal notes due to the setting. It has been a few years since I last enjoyed the 2015 and I am happy to report that it is now very much open for business. The fruit is on full display and the oak is much better integrated. The structure is still quite firm but I found everything to be in better balance than it was upon release. This is squarely and its drinking window and should remain that way through the remainder of this decade and likely, well beyond. Drink now through 2030+ — 9 months ago
whoa! wild, totally unexpected nose. never smelled a chard like this. Menthol, eucalyptus, mint. Andes mint. high elevation, select rows from a single vineyard. Unlike any other chardonnay. Flipping beautiful. High acid, lemony citrus and mineral on palate. the mint is fascinating- almost overwhelming. decanting would prolly help. 10 just because it’s so interesting, so delicious. but it is not identifiable as Chardonnay. — a year ago
Lacked something… thanks Tom Tom — 5 years ago
Wow! Fabulous from very old Tempranillo vines in Roa Del Duero. The Esteban family maintains their 60 ha of vines meticulously using extensive biodynamic practices and precise winemaking. It shows in the wine. Black fruit and currants meld harmoniously with hints of tobacco, coffee, licorice, and mineral. The texture is rich; the concentration of fruit is dense. This is a seriously good bottle of wine that WS gave 96 pts. 2016 vintage on Feb 11, 2020 — 6 years ago
Amazing, super berry nose, rich, deep and complex. Slightly smokey. — 8 years ago
Pretty wine. Balanced and forward. Somewhat restrained in style. $9.09 B — 10 years ago
So good! My favorite Malbec currently. — 12 years ago
Very good... Not great but very very good... Smooth... Not acidic... — 13 years ago
C'est chaleureux mais très très harmonieux — 6 months ago
Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2020
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A Crianza-level Rioja built for approachability, freshness, and everyday enjoyment. Predominantly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, aged briefly in oak to soften the edges while preserving fruit purity.
Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry, and plum with hints of licorice, vanilla, and subtle spice. Light herbal notes and soft oak support without dominating.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light body, juicy and vibrant with mild tannins and easy-going acidity. Friendly texture that drinks effortlessly, even slightly chilled.
Food Pairings
Tapas, grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, or chorizo, anything casual and flavorful.
Verdict
An easy-drinking, fruit-forward Rioja that embraces the modern, relaxed side of Rioja Alavesa. Fun, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing without trying too hard.
Did You Know?
Crianza wines are Spain’s most versatile category, requiring a minimum of 2 years of aging with at least 1 year in oak, striking the sweet spot between young fruit and gentle structure. — 6 months ago
Okay Bordeaux blend. Likely too young now. — 9 months ago
Boardwalk Bellvue bar.
8/22 staycation.
Plum, raspberries, juicy and fruitful but not overpowering sweet. Dryer than Coopers. Better than coopers. The nose is very strong and elegant. Goes down smooth. Has an "evaporation" effect on the end. — 9 months ago
v21. Very good. Decant. Soft, clean, smoked meat nose. Bright, firm blackberry fruit. Smooth, lean, chocolate and new leather finish. Nice, terroir driven wine.. very good food wine. — 2 years ago
Delicious. Rich but not heavy. Fruity and velvety. $22.99 at ABC — 5 years ago
Bold wine with nice tannins — 9 years ago
Solid. Smooth. Right level of boldness — 11 years ago
Nice Malbec from trader joes — 13 years ago
Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2019
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, aged in oak. The 2019 vintage leans slightly riper and more concentrated than 2018, offering darker fruit and a touch more structure without sacrificing Valserrano’s signature elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum, and blackberry compote layered with vanilla, cocoa, sweet tobacco, and a hint of dried herbs. Subtle licorice and baking spice linger on the finish.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with polished tannins and more grip than the 2018. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the finish is smooth, long, and quietly complex.
Food Pairings
Lamb chops, Iberian pork, roasted mushrooms, aged Manchego, or paella with chorizo.
Verdict
A refined yet slightly richer expression of Valserrano Reserva. Dark fruit, subtle earth, and graceful spice come together with impressive balance and drinkability. Classic Rioja with modern finesse.
Did You Know?
The Valserrano estate, founded in 1880, is still family-run and among the pioneers of Rioja Alavesa. Higher elevation and limestone soils are key to the region’s lifted acidity and refined tannin profile. — 6 months ago
Orange funk…in a good way. — 9 months ago
Herbaceous, hint of mint and lemon, paired beautifully with a basil infused white fish. — 10 months ago
Really enjoying this tasty, dry sipper. I haven't had many Riojas but this is the first one I actually like. Good stuff! — 2 years ago
Smells like wet leaves (earthy), tastes like tart, cherry candy. — 5 years ago
LOVE THIS WINE. Super smooth and has a yummy berry finish that makes me want to guzzle the whole bottle. 10/10 would buy and guzzle again. — 6 years ago
Hints of green apple and melon. Nice floral notes as well. Acid very low; almost comes off sweet. — 9 years ago
Ripe fruit. Fantastic. — 12 years ago
@ Heckman's w filet & bernaise. More minerality than typical Toro. Great body. PA state store. — 13 years ago
"Odedi"
Purple in color with a reddish rim.
Strong nose of black fruits with wood, licorice and chocolate notes.
Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, oak, chocolates, black pepper, herbs, spices, black tea and light vegetables.
Medium finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 10 year old Malbec is still drinking very nicely, but will not last long, so better drink up. Nicely balanced and complex. Spicy and entertaining.
I've had many different vintages of this wine and it is much better with some age.
Good right out of the bottle and easy drinking.
Good by itself or with food.
13% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$20 (recent vintage). — 6 months ago