Late lunch early dinner. Great — 4 months ago
Valserrano – Viura – 2023
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A barrel-fermented white made from 100% Viura, showcasing the bright, zesty character of Rioja Alavesa with a subtle touch of oak for texture and lift, without weighing it down.
Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and citrus blossom with hints of saline minerality and light vanilla. Fresh, vibrant, and expressive.
Mouthfeel
Crisp acidity, medium body, and a lively, zesty profile. Clean, balanced, and enticing with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back.
Food Pairings
Seafood, grilled octopus, oysters, ceviche, or manchego cheese. Also excellent with sushi or Mediterranean salads.
Verdict
A modern, energetic take on Viura, bright, balanced, and quietly elegant. Perfect for fans of zesty whites with just enough structure to feel serious.
Did You Know?
Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo) is the backbone of white Rioja, and barrel fermentation, rather than just barrel aging, adds complexity and finesse while preserving freshness. — 10 months ago
When something is sooooooo good, you go back and bring in your own bottle.
This is drinking beautifully, but would be even better in 5yrs.
This started with a caramel front. After a hour decant…it’s evenly balanced fruit, florals & spice/earth. It is now elegance refined with spice and roses from my backyard.
The best version of ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, strawberries, bright cherries, pomegranate & raspberries. Dry crushed rocks-top soil, cedar shavings, tobacco, old leather, mid berry cola, hints of graphite, charcoal, just a touch of moist herbs, some clove/nutmeg, a dab of olive tapenade, tree bark puree, the most insane red & pink roses, red florals, seriously perfect acidity, balance for months, mid tension, long length and elegance that most Tempranillo doesn’t give and long sets in dry soils.
Not your average Tempranillo with the right age. It is refined.
@KobeBeef511 Tokyo
If you find yourself in Tokyo, don’t miss it! They shave fresh Wasabi. — a month ago
bold, powerful, and deeply colored—perfect for steak ; — 2 months ago
San Polo “Rubio” Toscana IGT 2023
Toscana IGT – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
A modern Tuscan red blend crafted with certified organic grapes, primarily driven by Sangiovese and complemented by small percentages of international varieties, typically including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon depending on the vintage. Produced by San Polo in the heart of Montalcino, this wine captures the approachable yet structured identity of contemporary Toscana IGT wines.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, wild berries, plum, and subtle violet notes layered with touches of spice, dried herbs, and soft earthy undertones. The international varieties add roundness and darker fruit nuances while Sangiovese maintains freshness and energy.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity, polished tannins, and a balanced texture. Fresh and approachable while still maintaining enough structure to feel distinctly Tuscan.
Food Pairings
Excellent with pizza, pasta with red sauce, grilled sausages, charcuterie boards, roasted chicken, or aged pecorino cheese.
Verdict
A very enjoyable and versatile Toscana IGT that showcases Sangiovese as the backbone while allowing international grapes to soften and broaden the profile. Authentic enough to reflect Tuscany, yet approachable enough for casual everyday drinking.
🍷 Did You Know?
The Toscana IGT classification was created partly to give producers more flexibility beyond strict DOC/DOCG regulations, allowing the use of international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot alongside traditional Tuscan varieties, ultimately helping launch the famous “Super Tuscan” movement back in late 60’s and early 70’s. — 5 months ago
C'est chaleureux mais très très harmonieux — 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! — 3 years ago
Juicy, spicy, high alcohol — 5 years ago
Muy bien! — 21 days ago
Started rough and really opened up. Perfectly paired with red sauce — 3 months ago
Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2018
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸
Overview
A classic Gran Reserva blend of Tempranillo with a small percentage of Graciano, aged extensively in oak and bottle. The 2018 vintage delivers depth, elegance, and maturity without excess weight, a refined display of Rioja Alavesa pedigree.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, dried fig, redcurrant, and plum layered with cedar, leather, vanilla bean, clove, and cocoa. Subtle dried herbs and balsamic notes appear with air, adding savory complexity.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with silky, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Supple, harmonious texture with a long, elegant finish that leans more refined than powerful.
Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, grilled ribeye, aged Manchego, or mushroom risotto.
Verdict
A beautifully composed Gran Reserva that blends classic Rioja maturity with freshness and finesse. Complex, layered, and quietly profound, more about harmony and nuance than sheer extraction.
Did You Know?
Gran Reserva wines represent only a small fraction of Rioja production and must undergo a minimum of 5 years of aging, including at least 2 years in oak and 2 years in bottle, resulting in their signature silky texture and developed aromatics. — 10 months ago
Finish of apricot. Orange wine but not funky — 5 years ago
Conrad Green

Gorgeous stuff. I really enchanting nose with great fruit that is fully resolved. The telltale soft oak presence warms and underpins this delicious wine. Complex and perfectly poised… This is great stuff, and a good time to be drinking it. — 5 days ago