Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Pingus, named after childhood nickname, deep Ruby with concentrated dark fruit aromas and gently smoky notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and plum, licorice, sweet vanilla spice, well balanced, fine grainy tannins, long finish ending with slight oaky tones. Very Nice! — 2 months ago

Vanessa

9.0

Here’s a deliciously intense rosso wine from the Montefalco DOC in Umbria, Italy (Central). 🇮🇹 It’s comprised of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 15% Sagrantino grape varieties. 🍷 Prior to release this wine spent 24 months in large oak barrels, 6 months in stainless steel, 6 months in bottle. 🪵

This is a biodynamic wine, which means it was not only farmed organically, but also pursuant to a philosophy holding that the soil and vineyard are part of a bigger, higher system involving the cosmos. 🌙 This philosophy focuses on biodiversity and using natural and homeopathic preparations to enhance and strengthen the land and vines and their natural defenses. 💪

“Raina” is the nickname of the farmer who previously tended to the land from which this wine hails, a way of honoring the past and paying tribute to this history of the vineyards. 💗

This wine is deeply colored. It has markedly savory aromatic and flavor notes punctuated by blackberry bramble, juicy plum, dried mint, peppercorn, nutmeg, cardamom, smoked meat, leather, earth. Yum! — 4 years ago

with Deked1

Geoff Fairbourne

9.3

Rose...that's my nickname. Cocaine flowing in my thick veins.

Great dry flavor, notes of peach. Or something like that. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Bodega Catena Zapata — Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay 2022 — Mendoza. Argentina 🇦🇷

Overview:
Sourced from the high-elevation Adrianna and Domingo vineyards in Mendoza and crafted entirely from Chardonnay, this wine is a striking expression of mountain-grown elegance. Cool-climate tension, calcareous soils, and restrained oak shape a focused, mineral-driven style that delivers both finesse and pedigree at an exceptional value level.

Aromas & Flavors:
Fresh pear, crisp apple, ripe apricot, citrus zest, delicate jasmine, subtle vanilla, and a clean chalky mineral thread.

Mouthfeel:
Crisp and precise with vibrant acidity, layered texture, and excellent linear drive. Orchard fruit carries cleanly across the palate, finishing long, fresh, and finely structured with quiet elegance.

Food Pairings:
Grilled fish, scallops, roast chicken with herbs, lemon risotto, soft-ripened cheeses, vegetable-driven Mediterranean dishes.

Personal Pick:
This is one of my favorite examples of how Argentina can deliver world-class Chardonnay with real terroir identity. It drinks beautifully now but has the structure to reward a few years in the cellar — a smart buy every time I see it.

Verdict:
A refined, mineral-driven Chardonnay offering precision, balance, and outstanding value. Ideal for Burgundy lovers exploring high-altitude New World expressions.

🍷 Did You Know?:
The Adrianna Vineyard sits over 4,000 feet above sea level in the Uco Valley, earning its nickname “Grand Cru of South America” for producing some of the continent’s most mineral-driven, age-worthy Chardonnay and Malbec. — 9 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

From legendary winemaker Matthieu Barret of Domaine de Coulet in Cornas, nickname Little Bear. Medium Ruby organic wine with aromas fresh berries, floral and hints of spice. On the palate of this 100% Syrah, flavors of blackberry and blueberry with notes of lavender and white pepper spice. Medium+ finish, fine soft tannins, ending with fruit, cedar and smoky spice. — 5 years ago

Ely Cohn

9.2

Soda fountain suicide - this is that. RedWhitePink is a suicide of six grapes - Pinot Gris, Mondeuse, Viognier, Blaufrankisch, Ribolla, Gruner. Reds treated like red, whites like white, then blended. It’d be “illegal” in Europe, hence the wine’s nickname. It’s kind of a mind trip but any singular reference point would probably lead you to Tavel.

Glowing magenta. Sour cherry lozenge, bitter blood orange, mild woodsy notes and grippy tannins.

And of course, Dr. Pepper at the end. — 6 years ago

Ming L

9.1

Name after the nickname of the winery founder, the ‘19 is a blend of 65/35 Nebbiolo/Barbera that spent 12 months in French oak barrel, 20% new.

Very attractive nose of raspberry, strawberry, warm spices, thyme, and brambles. The palate is a slightly earthier than the nose suggests and quite dense even for a Nebbiolo, but with good intensity. Juicy tannins has a firm grip.
— 3 years ago

Kristen Weinstein

9.4

Takes me back to our first trip to Napa ❤️ There’s a reason Cathy earned her nickname Queen of Cabernet 👑! — 4 years ago

with Josh

Ely Cohn

9.3

Reggie is no nickname and no caricature either. He’s a stern faced cool Oregan Pinot with a splash of Pinot Gris for some lift.

Freshly stripped cedar and oils of minty wintergreen and peppercorn. Crushed raspberries and macerated strawberries growing wild in the thick of a dark forest. — 5 years ago

Dawn E.

9.3

We are testing this between two glasses! I prefer the Jamesse by far (although the shape is there on this glass....I am not convinced it is truly Crystal).

As for this Bubbly..I have waited months for its arrivaI and I am so thrilled!! This is a glass of total refinement..tangerine..cotton candy..minerals...red berries..Brioche...just super delicious!! I was able to acquire two bottles of this...will let the next one age several years!!

I am accompanying this with Vivaldi...(my Son's nickname while he was in QC Youth Symphony) — 7 years ago