Jay Kline

9.3

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and some dried fruits: bramble berries, slightly stewed black cherry, dried herbs, stony earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Grenache-based blend, Corvina-based blend or Sangiovese-based blend from France or Italy. I felt the combination of slightly stewed cherry and spices ruled out what I would want from a Sangiovese blend. Which, left me to decide between Southern Rhône or Valpolicella. I liked this wine…the oak treatment was interesting. I was getting a French barrique. Hmmm…

So, for my final conclusion: I’m calling this a Grenache-based blend, from France, from Southern Rhône, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2017, from a more modern leaning producer using a good portion of barrique. I’ll be damned! I don’t hate my call but I gotta get better at distinguishing these wines from Southern Rhône. I probably just need to drink more of both, lol. Tasty stuff! Drink now through 2039. — 7 days ago

Victor Charcan

9.0

Expressive nose of dark cherries, blackberries, clove, strawberry, a hint of caramel, well integrated oak. In the mouth the tannins are still harsh, thinner Ribera (this is Soria, they filmed Dr Zhivago here). Drunk too young (the story of my life) — a month ago

Sergio Fernández de Córdova

9.5

Global advisory meeting dinner. — 4 months ago

Adam Baker

9.4

Great dark red fruit. Bright and could use a few years, but great with thanksgiving dinner at marks. See stafford hill for food notes. — 21 days ago

with Elissa

Liselotte Brouwers

9.0

Mooie frisse wijn. Was ook fantastisch bij de kreeft met gruyère, kaffir limoen en sambal — 24 days ago

George Hesse

9.0

Dinner at the Savoy Grill. — 2 months ago

Tyler Felous

9.4

Took a flyer buying this from Benchmark. Bottle was in perfect condition, but sadly past its peak. Nose was outstanding - huge - chocolate, spice box. Had lost any acidity to balance the huge fruit. And at 17%, it kicked our ass. Would love to try a slightly younger rendition. — 3 months ago

Suzanne Verhulst

9.2

Very dry and juicy at once. Blackberries and minerality. Yum! — a day ago

Rob van Kalmthout

9.4

Ribera at it’s peak of the drinking window. Seductive dark fruit backed with elegant vanilla, cedar and subtle bacon fat. Love it. Bought directly from Jorge Monzon. Fascinating visit. Still taste the Albillo. 😉 — 19 days ago

Jan A

9.7

Beautiful saline nose — 2 months ago