Sierra Alta

Bodega Catena Zapata

Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay 2022

Sourced from the high-elevation Adrianna and Domingo vineyards in Mendoza, this 100% Chardonnay is a striking example of mountain-grown elegance. It opens with vivid aromas of pear, apple, and apricot, laced with citrus zest and delicate jasmine.

On the palate, those orchard fruits carry through with clarity, lifted by chalky minerality and just a whisper of vanilla from restrained oak aging.

There’s tension and precision here, crisp acidity, textured mouthfeel, and a lingering, clean finish that speaks to the cool, calcareous terroir. A beautifully structured Chardonnay with real pedigree, and an excellent value for its level of finesse.
Cheers!
— a month ago

Dave, Daniel and 1 other liked this

La Clarine Farm

"Sumu Kaw" Syrah 2008

First vintage of this wine, finished with a German-made glass closure, rich and complex, dark fruits, really fantastic Sierra foothills (2,900 feet elevation) Syrah, long, lingering finish, and, 14.9% ABV, yet not hot?!?! — 3 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Scott@Mister, Tom and 5 others liked this

Sandlands

Amador County Chenin Blanc 2022

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two hours. The 2022 pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart orchard fruit: passion fruit, lemon, sea spray, white flowers, lanolin and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ with a wooly texture and lovely minerals. Drinking now through 2037. — 4 months ago

Brian, Douglas and 8 others liked this

Cruz Alta

Reserve Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Delicious. Vibrant, bold, berry flavor with a really great price tag. — 6 months ago

Viña Real (CVNE)

Reserva Especial Rioja Tempranillo Blend

Elegant, balanced, not the strongest example of 68, but subtle fruit, medium length. Delightful. Comfortable slippers on a cold rainy night in Napa. — 8 months ago

Eric, Laura and 1 other liked this
Tirso del Junco Jr

Tirso del Junco Jr

Paul I just took my 47 56 68 74 . When we packed when we were evacuated because of the fires 🔥
We bought these together from our friend MM.

Forlorn Hope

San Hercurmer delle Frecce Shake Ridge Vineyard Barbera 2018

Tart black cherry, anise, pine and alpine vibes, high acidity, low spicy tannins.
A beautiful Cali Barbera with the acidity and spice of Piemonte, with the high toned fruit of California sunshine. I love!
— 4 years ago

La Rioja Alta

Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2020

Tasted during WSET Level 2 class on 6/9/25. Very good tenparanillo. Mix of red and black fruits, hints of spice! — a month ago

La Rioja Alta

Viña Ardanza Reserva Selección Especial Tempranillo Blend 2017

Beautiful Rioja. Layers of red fruit and nice acidity. Super mellow tannins at this age. Doesn’t need much to open up. — 3 months ago

Pinotman liked this

Bodegas Sierra Cantabria

Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2020

Good and simple. Crianza for sure. Just squeaks into a 90. — 3 months ago

Ray and Paul liked this

Terra d'Oro

Amador County Zinfandel

Delicious. Low tannins, sweet, fruity, smooth. Blueberry, blackberry, plum jam. — 5 months ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2015

2015. Wasn’t sure what to pair with this delicious Filipino rice dish with longanisa, chicken, and cumin crab fat butter (likely a wide range of whites, rosés, and lighter reds would work well), but I wanted to try this Spanish Crianza and it was wonderful! The fruit flavors were enough to complement the sweet sausage and the smooth tannins cut through the richness without intensifying the spice. — 6 months ago

Somm, Iwan and 10 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

If you are unsure of the pairing, here is an easy to use site for the assist. Cheers! 🍷

http://www.winedin.com/
Brian Hearty

Brian Hearty

Thank you!

Bodegas Bilbainas

Viña Zaco Rioja Tempranillo

VA
8.9

2013 Drinking in 2024 — 8 months ago

Marqués de Murrieta

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2017

Exceptional interpretation of Ribera del Duero — a month ago

Ted, Bob and 2 others liked this

Bodegas Ramón Bilbao

Crianza Rioja Tempranillo

Had in València. We really like this Rioja. Dry and smooth. A definite buy. — 3 months ago

Bodega Catena Zapata

Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2013

Well the wife got brave and opened a bottle I didn’t want used in a sauce the other day. Probably had her dad over since I was on a bis trip. Glad I got to try. Nice wine. — 3 months ago

La Clarine Farm

"Cedarville" Mourvèdre 2019

Lovely redfruits and low ABV (11.5%) crispness and freshness, very good balance and acidity, medium-long finish, very good foothills Mourvèdre! — 5 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Bob, Ira and 3 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Wow that’s low ABV.

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 890 Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2004

Comida jorge baeza con winegeeks chih — 8 months ago

Juan liked this

Dirty & Rowdy

Shake Ridge Ranch Mourvedre

yes, this is a photo of a computer image. tasted as part of a Mourvèdre wine group tasting via zoom, wines portioned into woozies. 2018v. super aromatic, raspberry/cranberry juice, fresh leather, violet. palate texture is silky, light but complex and flavorful, acid medium +, long tannins- just a bit of grip. fantastic — 4 years ago

Shay liked this