The Leader

Lagar de Sabariz

A Pita Cega Abariño Blend 2015

Flagship white by the amazing Pilar Higuero, one of Spain’s most exciting proponents of biodynamic farming and the unofficial “lideresa” (leader) of the Spanish vignerons association “Artisan Wine Attraction.” The wine is named after the traditional children’s game “a pita cega” (“blindman’s buff” in English, literally “the blind hen” in Galician language) and the tools used to clean up vineyards in this spectacular biodynamic farm: a flock of chicken (Her red wine labels, on the other hand, feature the sheep used to graze and fertilize soils). Blend of mostly Albariño, Treixadura and other indigenous varieties, fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and aged on its lees for 20 months. Very expressive, complex nose with aromas of apples, white fruit, fennel, floral notes and minerals. Medium to full bodied, round, sumptuous on the palate. Lively, fresh, vibrant, good acidity. Amazing wine ⚡️ — 4 years ago

Ira, Mike and 1 other liked this

Vigne Regali (Banfi)

Rosa Regale Sparkling Brachetto d'Acqui

The leader of our wine tasting said that Julius Caesar and Cleopatra tasted this wine or at least something close to it. It is delicious. — 5 years ago

Anne Miller
with Anne

R. López de Heredia

Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2007

Elegant Cubillo from the 07 vintage. Plenty of spicy/oak notes on both nose and palate. More finesse than other LDH bottles I’ve had, but no complaints here. One of my favorite producers in the world. Enjoyed alongside a curiousity, The Groderdeck Whipperjenny which is a spaced out jazz funk effort led by David Matthews who was also James Brown’s arranger and band leader at the time. Great stuff all around here. — 7 years ago

Douglas, Peter and 51 others liked this
Stanley Barrios

Stanley Barrios Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Great wine. Killer album. Conclusions is a hell of a piece. Thanks for introducing me to it!
Peter Hladun

Peter Hladun

Just visited this winery, quite an amazing approach to winemaking

Domaine Jamet

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2000

Austin Ferrari
9.5

The ring leader — 8 years ago

Levi, Larry and 3 others liked this

Kosta Browne

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2014

Founders Dan Kosta, Michael Browne and Chris Costello's dedication to quality and commitment has propelled the brand to industry leader, producing some of the most sought-after new world Pinot Noirs. Deep Ruby with aromas of red fruits and floral spice. On the palate cherry and sweet raspberry with toasty notes and cinnamon spice. This wine spent time on French oak (44% new). Full-bodied, elegant textured tannins on a lingering finish. Has room to improve. Tasting Samples. — 9 years ago

Karina et Guillaume Lèfevre (Chateau Sulauze)

Pomponette Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé Blend 2015

The early leader for Rose of the Summer! Great balance between dry and sweet not too much of either - lovely! A bowl of nice cold summer peaches. — 9 years ago

Jessy liked this

Weingut Hexamer

Weissherbst Spätburgunder Rose 2015

We have a new leader in the clubhouse. — 10 years ago

Tyler and Michael liked this

Yalumba

The Virgilius Eden Valley Viognier 2015

Lemon yellow in colour in the glass. Aromatic Pear and nutty notes. The palate is unctuous, rich and delicious of medium plus intensity and low acid. Excellent Viognier from the acknowledged leader in the variety making the best examples in Australia I believe. Not for long cellaring and drinking really well right now. Had another bottle 37 weeks later on 30th December 2021 with consistent notes. Always a pleasure to drink one of these. Julia Harding said a perfect varietal expression. Had my final bottle on 12th June 2022 with consistent notes. Apricot notes with an oily unctuous texture - an excellent winter white. — 5 years ago

Severn, Aravind and 20 others liked this

Bodegas y Vinedos Ponce

P.F Manchuela Bobal 2016

Juan Antonio Ponce stands alone as the leader of the Manchuela DO and the master of the region’s indigenous Bobal grape. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, spice and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with some floral spice, cacao and earthy accents. Medium+ finish, fine grainy tannins, ending with fruit and mineral tang. Nice value! — 5 years ago

Daniel P., Jayna and 3 others liked this

Poggio Antico

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2012

Dark, ripe cherry with integrated soft earthy tannins giving it a very nice finish. Notes of leader, fig and spice. We drank out of a stainless steel thermos with our picknick, baguette, salami, fig spread and various Italian cheeses picknick after a 2.5 mile hike along the abandoned rail road with a roaring Payette river as the back ground. Fun times! — 5 years ago

Tammy de Weerd
with Tammy
Dennis, Alane and 1 other liked this

Gramona

Gran Reserva III Lustros Brut Nature Cava Xarello Macabeo 2010

The biodynamic Cava house Gramona remains a leader in the category with a portfolio that maximizes tradition and innovation. Where else in Catalonia can you taste a cryoextracted Xarello "ice" wine? III Lustros is a benchmark bottling for Spanish sparklers. Flavors of green olive skin, petrol, fresh pear, and white rose emerge from the fine, caressing mouse. Sensual yet sharp, it has a laser-like precision that is undeniably Cava. — 8 years ago

Stacy liked this

William Chris Vineyards

Mary Ruth Muscat Blend

William Cris showing why they are the leader in Texas wines. Excellent summer wine. — 9 years ago

Lindsay liked this

Round Pond Estate

Kith & Kin Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Nice rich value cab. But instead of rating the wine. Here's to Ron our friend and spiritual leader. Get well buddy. Heal easy and fast. @Ron R @David A Lentine @TheSkip @Martin G Rivard @Mike Rowe @Shay Aldriedge x@Paul T @Kimberly Anderson and @sorry whoever I left out. — 9 years ago

Shay, Frank and 17 others liked this
"Odedi"

"Odedi" Influencer Badge

Sad to hear that @Ron R . get better fast my friend. Wine heals all... 🍷
Kimberly Anderson

Kimberly Anderson

@Jody Scharf agreed! Cheers to a speedy recovery @Ron R 🍷
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Kimberly Anderson thanks a bunch! As Jody indicated, I'm very much with you guys. I'm all out of Tylenol, but there are products and other metabolic pathways that can be explored to manage pain.
😃

Lucy Margaux Vineyards

Wildman Domaine Lucci Pinot Noir 2015

Domaine Lucci Wildman Pinot Noir 2015: We're not sure what's behind the "Wildman" name. We've heard it makes reference to Tim Wildman, MW extraordinaire and leader of the fabulous James Busby wineland tours. Or it could easily refer to Anton himself - not a stretch given this is the man who's been known to wear hot pants to official Aussie tasting events. Or may it refers to the general wildness of the wine - whole bunch, nothing-done-to-it pinot noir that manages to be juicy and earthy, structured and gluggable, a touch funky but not at all dirty. If you've had the Noir de Florette, this one is the deeper, darker, very slightly more grown up version. It's awesome. And a great peek into all that's new and different... and wild... from the land down under.
— 10 years ago

David, Ira and 3 others liked this

Domaine Carneros (Taittinger)

Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Pinot Noir Chardonnay Rosé Blend

Here’s to all of the strong, brave, inspiring women from all ends and angles of the industry. 🥂🥂 You contribute to and enrich the world of wine.

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day with a beautiful bottle of rosé bubbles from @domainecarneros, where Eileen Crane, a pioneer, innovator, and intrepid leader, spent 33 years as CEO and head winemaker, having just retired last year.

Thank you, Eileen Crane, for your example of strength, ingenuity, humanity, and commitment to your craft. I’m excited for the deliciousness that lies ahead with incoming CEO Remi Cohen and her team. We’re looking forward to visiting the Domaine Carneros Château next month. 😆

Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Cuvée de la Pompadour, Brut Rosé, Methode Traditionnelle. 12% ABV.
— 5 years ago

Deked1
with Deked1
Deked1, Shay and 21 others liked this

Ochota Barrels

a forest Pinot Noir

Like many I opened a bottle of ochota last week to toast the life of Taras Ochota who passed on Monday. I have long loved the Ochota wines and have felt lucky to have them in the Charleston market, but this “A Forest” Pinot was a gift from afar and one I  have held onto for a year knowing the right time would come to open it. Well, last week seemed perfect time to celebrate a person who was a leader in making natural wines that were vibrant, beautiful, and sound. Any article about Taras and his wife Amber brimmed with their positive energy, and I loved this quote from him that appeared in a Imbibe tribute:

‘We could make more,’ he said to a room full of journalists, sitting round his enormous kitchen table last year. ‘But then I’d have to work harder, and then I wouldn’t be drinking wine with you guys.

‘I just want to make wine and have a nice life.’

Here’s to a life well lived! ❤️
— 5 years ago

S.S., Brian and 15 others liked this

La Sirena

Moscato Azul Napa Valley Paso Robles Dry Muscat Canelli 2016

The search for the perfect summer wine has a new leader. Heidi BARRETT has put forward a strong entrant. Incredible florals and clean clear crisp flavor. Delightful — 8 years ago

Shay, Hugh and 2 others liked this
Hugh O'Riordan

Hugh O'Riordan

A very fine wine!

Roar

Sierra Mar Vineyard Viognier 2016

SLH without too much explanation is a premier site for Pinot Noir and Chard. But like Napa/Sonoma and Santa Barbara the similar theme is we're finding more grape varietals to diversify ourselves because of how great our weather is and generally our love of many options. Roar is a local leader of quality wines, if you're looking for an SLH example of the good stuff.. here you go.

Went on a cool personal tour of some vineyards at the winery and tried some wine after. This is a newer vineyard for them, high elevation grown Viognier (10 years). Keep in mind this is a foggy climate versus most other Viognier climates. Rich peaches outweigh the honeydew melon fruit for an ideal balance of fruit I'd prefer. I think an edge to this wine is some minerality I usually find clouded from old world veen. Also out here we're in our 2nd or 3rd year in a row of very cold summers and cold spring/fall. It's really what I imagine Seattle to be because most days I just get overcast with my beach view😂 I look forward to a very warm SLH year; this will wake up the locals.
— 8 years ago

Mike, Ron and 5 others liked this

Julien Sunier

Fleurie Gamay 2015

From magnum. Feminine floral and red berries, silky and very fine palate. Sunier is a leader of the younger gang of Beaujolais makers. — 9 years ago

LM, Joe and 15 others liked this

M. Chapoutier

Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Villages Red Rhone Blend 2013

Young first wine I've had from this cult leader. — 10 years ago

David, Ron and 1 other liked this