Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

When Abele Bolla opened up Al Gambero Inn in the northern Italian town of Soave over 100 years ago, no one could have guessed that the favorite pastime of winemaking would continue for four generations. Deep Ruby with aromas of jammy berry fruits, spice and oak. On the palate cherry and dried plum with bold spice, floral, cacao and cedar. Structured firm tannins, nicely balanced on long finish ending with fruit, cedar and earthy spice. Just starting to drink well now with room to age. — 4 years ago

Jason Sliwa

9.2

Fairly sweet but in the category of dry wine. Full bodied and luscious. Just need to pair it correctly. — 5 years ago

with Vicki

Jeff Byron

9.5

Although I’ve only had a half dozen CBs in my the, this one was the best! Only 600 cases made. — 5 years ago

Ganesh

9.0

Well balanced and showing great — 6 years ago

Erin Joyce

9.4

It was perfect. Peter May be > Robert these days — 7 years ago

with Sandra

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

In 1826, Hugh Barton, already owner of Chateau Langoa (1821) purchased part of Leoville estate, then became known as Léoville Barton. 6 generations of Bartons continue making wine for this 1855 classified 2nd Growth. A blend of 83% Cab Sauv, 15% Merlot, 2% Cab Franc. Deep red with aromas of ripe red berry fruits with hints of licorice notes. On the palate blackberry & rasberry with sweet earthy oak and floral spice tones. Fine tannins, lingering with mineral ending. Almost ready, this fine wine can be sipped young, wait a year or 2. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Located in the village of Castiglione Tinella in the heart of the Piedmont Region called the Langhe, four generations the Saracco family has been Moscato d' Asti. Clear, light, almost white, with small bubbles, Frizzante-style. Pronounced nose, floral and ripe white peaches, with notes of honeysuckle. Sweet, the palate follows the nose with the addition of orange citrus flavors with low acidity and nice medium length finish. Tasting Sample. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Sergio Zenato and his wife Carla began to produce quality wines from an indigenous varietal, Trebbiano di Lugana, and passed down through the generations. A blend of 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and Croatina. Medium Ruby with aromas of dried berry fruits, sweet and smoky notes with pleasant herb spice. On the palate flavors of ripe currants and sweet blackberries with cacao, spice, oak and nutty tones. Fine tannins, long complex finish ending slightly creamy with cedar notes. Starting to drink well now, enjoy over next 4-5 years. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Had this a year+ ago, tried a new batch, noticed label color changed. A big fan of Tawny Ports, especially the 20 year blends are a Fav. Fonseca Port was founded in 1822 and successive generations of the Guimaraens family have upheld the Company’s reputation. Medium amber color with aromas of honey and pronounced nutty notes. On the palate ripe dried fruits with sweet cinnamon spice and oak emerge from the glass. Soft tannins long smooth finish ending with a sweet nutty character. Very nice. — 5 years ago

Sean Lyons

9.5

An amazing value. Spiced fruit, clove, honey, vanilla, amazing oak notes - just an outstanding bourbon. It’s light enough that it would make an outstanding summer whisky, but drinking it neat with no water is serving me just right on this cold November night. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Our friend Christina brought this Paul Bara imported by Kermit Lynch. It’s 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay from 35 year old vines.

The Bara family started producing Champagne in 1860 in Bouzy. Six generations of Baras have worked their Grand Cru terroir in the heart of the Montagne de Reims

This started on the palate as rich & reductive and then slipped into slightly more oxidation on the long set. Started with some nice citrus, pineapple, followed by some bruised apple & pear, nice mousse cream soda, touch of brioche, followed by pronounced limestone minerals that pressed the palate, tightly beaded, good acidity and finishes well providing you like some oxidation on the finish. However, while I enjoy that style from time to time, it’s always not my favorite...I lean more toward reductive styles.

Photos of, Champagne House of Paul Bara, Chantale Bara who manages their House, old school basket press and one of their Bouzy vineyards. — 6 years ago

with James and Christina

Andy Tam

9.4

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 paired with Canto seafood is the best — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Had another bottle. The Rothschild family has owned the estate for five generations (since 1868). A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, deep red with fruit, floral and sweet oaky spice aromas. Flavors of ripe cherry and cacao, good structure and balance with silky tannins carry to lingering finish. Aged well. Drink now. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

For over 80 years three generations of Dubourdieu’s have produced sweet white wines: Georges (1924-1948), Pierre (1949-1999) and Denis since 2000. Bouquet of ripe sweet stone fruits and dried fruit and orange scents. On the palate ripe peach, citrus and apricot flavors adding in some floral spice notes with intense botrytis, "noble rot" fruit. Long finish ending crisp showing vivid acidity. Very Nice, but this one needs time. Tasting Sample! — 4 years ago

Paul Secombe

9.3

Just WOW. Thick, sticky, sweet and fruity with currants and sultanas all wrapped up in this golden ball which slides across the palate leaving a feel good glow. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Vocoret family has been growing vines for over four generations. The Kimmeridgian (limestone-rich) soils run through Chablis and gives the wines their mineral character. Aromas of stone and citrus fruits with flinty notes. On the palate stone fruit flavors with lemon citrus and vivid acidity. Long finish ending with a big chalky mineral expression. Very nice. — 5 years ago

Sharon B

9.2

My favorite place to eat when in St Augustine. And who can pass up their sangria? — 6 years ago

with Denise

Noren Kawakami

10

Juyondai. Slight melon aroma and flavor. Nice smooth, crisp finish. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Founded in 1970, first release in 1975, Marqués de Cáceres the Rioja bodega was established by Henri Forner, whose family has been active in the wine business for generations. Blend of 85% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha tinta & 7% Graciano. Deep red, ripe fruit, soft spice. Had this a year ago, aged nicely. On the palate blackberry and plum flavors with espresso, cacao & smoky oak notes. Well balanced smooth tannins, lingering finish with lively acidity. Nice value for a Gran Reserva with more room to age. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Raymond Vineyards has been around for five generations of winemaking. Dark red with aromas of dark berry fruits and earthy spices. On the palate plum and black raspberry with oak and cacao integrated into the wine, fine dusty tannins, medium finish ending with earthy tones. — 8 years ago