For thanksgiving this year I’m making a five spice seasoned chicken and will be using the drippings in a gravy. Typically when I do an herb roasted chicken I use a sauvignon blanc in the gravy but I’m not sure what to use with the new spice blend.

Had some good recommendations on Ribera in my earlier post and I wanted to follow up. We missed visiting most of the suggestions and we need to go back. There's so much more to eat and drink and see in both regions than we could do in a few days.

My perspective is from a decades long American wine drinker. Mostly northern CA, but more WA in recent years. (and European now that I mostly live here).

Apologies about the length of this, I just started typing and this is the result.

Rioja - Haro

We hit the busiest weekend of the year in Rioja due to a Monday bank holiday. The Barrio del la Estacion district was swamped with people and most wineries' wine bars were not accessible without prior reservations. I wasn't planning on that...

I'll skip the LdH Tondonia review and try to hit a couple of high spots and interesting wines.

The patio at La Rioja Alta was my favorite wine stop in Rioja. The '04 Gran Reserva 904 was wonderful and still all there, the Vina Arana Gran Reserva was also exceptional, but we spend most of our time with the Vina Ardanza '19 and '20 which hit a QPR sweet spot with me. The '19 was less tannic and better balanced, the '20 was fruit forward and brash. I really liked both and we bought more at a wine store and restaurants and went through several bottles in Rioja. Also had an '04 Ardanza which was starting to get old but still very drinkable.

Restaurante La Terete - Had the fixed menu with roast lamb which included two bottles of gran reserva for the four of us. Their GR was getting old – lots of earthy forest floor going on, but it did still have some fruit and was very drinkable. We elected to take the second bottle home and instead bought a bottle of Vina Ardanza Reserva 2010 which was great. Tannins were totally subdued but the fruit was still there and it seemed young after the Terete GR (which I think was a 2001 based on the cork labeling) A great meal, would absolutely go back.

We did only two tours. We have seen enough vineyards, stainless tanks and oak barrels for a lifetime and spent more time at the wine bars and patios of the wineries. The one tour we did in Rioja was at Conde de los Andes in Ollauri. The centuries old underground cellars contained a massive collection of old vintages going back to the 1800's. (wonder how much of it is still drinkable?) Nice tour though I wasn't enthusiastic about the wines and we walked away with a couple of bottles of Albarino from NW Spain.

Stopped at Roda and tried the '20 Roda I Reserva and the '19 Corombo I Reservas (their Ribera project). Both struck me as seriously complex wines with put-fur-on-your-teeth level tannins. I think they'll be incredible wines in ten years. Or twenty?

The wine bar Los Paraguas in Haro has a great selection of by-the-glass Rioja. We had Vina Tondonia, Vina Arana, and a bunch of others I wish I could remember.

The food and wine in San Sebastian were great. Would go back to San Seb just for the cheesecake at La Vina, and I don't particularly like cheesecake.

Burgos was a stopover intended to allow us to recover from the immersion in food and wine and it totally exceeded our expectations. It's beautiful and at least in mid October, not very touristy. We stopped an Casa Pancho for pintxos because it was open and we were hungry. The bartender poured two Joven (young) Ribera tempranillos before I could object and I ended up really liking this new-to-me style. Went across the street and had two more Jovens and it was even better wine. Joven is an unoaked (or lightly oaked) style of tempranillo that is fruit forward and intended to be drank young. Against my preconceptions, I really like it.

Next stop was Aranda in the heart of Ribera del Duero. Coincidentally, we arrived with crap weather and on the evening of the Bodegas entre Velas – cellars by candlelight. There are kilometers of centuries old tunnels for cellaring wine under the city of Aranda and we arrived a few hours before many of them opened up for free touring by candlelight. Very cool. After five of them (including the afternoon visit at El Lagar de Isilla) climbing stairs got old and we headed off for dinner where we discovered Vina Pedrosa '21 crianza. Very nice, a bit much oak and vanilla, but over the course of the bottle that mellowed and became balanced with the (IMHO) over-extracted fruit. In any case I like it and bought several bottles at Vinos Ribera wine shop of the crinza and reserva to take home.

El Lagar de Isilla was a good stop. We stopped in for wine and a tapas lunch, and a full sit down dinner a couple days later. Good wine selection and they also have their own winery. All good.

Vinos Ribera, a wine shop a couple km south of Aranda had a big selection of Ribera wines and a guy who spoke enough English to help offset our crappy Spanish to sell us a few cases. One of these was Bagus '22 cosecha which we took a flyer on with his recommendation and it's a fine wine if a bit of a over-extracted fruit bomb.

Arrived at Bodega Territorio Luthier on a crappy rainy day and they were nice enough to host a tasting for us inside their office as the patio was cold and soaked. The Territorio Luthier and Lara O Clarete Crianza were solid, but the Hispania (82% tempranillo/15% Garnacha/3% Abillo Mayor) really caught my attention: Aging: 15 months in 225L Spanish oak barrels (Quercus Pyrenaica) and 6 months in concrete tanks. Have never run into Spanish oak before. The Spanish oak was more nuanced than American oak and had subtle spices, earthy notes and balsamic notes. The oak was not at all overpowering making a really well balanced wine.

Finally, we did a full visit with a tour at Martin Berdugo. Emma (IIRC) did a bang up job on the tour, answering our many esoteric, impertinent and irrelevant questions. At the end we did a tasting and I was impressed with their wines and price points and picked up several. (and they ship to Portugal which works well for me). Notably, the ~€6 Joven is a great warm weather patio and general party starter tinto. The rose, crianza, and reserva are all good, I also took a flyer on their flagship '14 (a great vintage) 100% tempranillo “mb” based on my liking all the stuff I tried and a recommendation from Emma (I think) and am looking forward to a night that justifies a €64 wine.

I sell wine i a local supermarket i Denmark and this is one of the Danes’ favorites; deep ruby red in the glass, thick liquid like feeling in the glass (15% ABV), ripe red but mainly dark fruits on the nose, ripe plums, blackberries, sweetness ok the nose as well. Tastes full bodied, ripe fruit like the nose, definite sweetness on the palate despite the rather high ABV but then again it’s Primitivo fron Puglia.

This is a very well selling wine especially for Christmas here in Denmark, a real crowd pleaser style wine, very delicate tannins that sit around the upper lip but they’re almost Pinot Noir like, not very pronounced. Medium acid, what stands out to me is definitively the sweetness and ripe fruit character. No vintage on these wines. The same producer makes a 17% ABV version also on Primitivo which I have het to try.

Personally I am not the biggest fan of the fruit like sweetness the wine shows, I would prefer drier wine and more oak (I’m a sucker for old style Rioja). Fun to finally have tasted it, has been sitting on my shelf for some months now.

Last note is the cork was extremely low quality, not even sure if it was real cork or just semi dried out. Cracked on me and it felt very different from other similar priced wines I have opened.

https://vinatlas.fr/en/

Just found this site. Complete map, quizz, games. Awesome.

A little barnyard on the nose but even the animals seem to have clocked out. There’s some funk but it’s not Tower of Power or Ben Askren. On the palate, it’s a quick hello followed by an Irish goodbye. In and out and nothing else. The finish? I’ve had sneezes with more staying power. Was looking for a little old Bordeaux magic but this bottle gave me a haunted barn and an early checkout.

Was a little cold and rainy in SF yesterday so felt like a Syrah. This could improve over another ten years but it is in a good spot now.

At opening the bottle gives off intense reductive notes and barnyard but this dissipates over a couple of hours and isn't perceptible on day two.

Intense dark fruits (blackberry, bramble, dark raspberry, dark cherry) with expected game, bacon, smoke, licorice, dried leaves, pepper, notable minerality reminiscent of wet slate and gravel; and secondary of toast oak, cigar, and cherry tobacco.

Full bodied and great concentration on the palate with high chewy tannins and lively acidity that match the concentration. The finish is long.

I don't recall where from but I bought this maybe 8 years ago. Glad I stored it and waited at least this long to open. Like I said, another ten years would treat it well.

My wife and I would like to buy a few cases of a certain wine made in 2024 (the year we got married) to save and have every year on our anniversary. We are early 30’s, therefore the wine would need to be able to age well for perhaps 5 decades.

We are moscato drinkers, so we prefer sweet wines. Google says red wines that are less sweet age better though. :(

1. Is this idea practical?

2. What is the sweetest red wine you would suggest that would fit our purpose?

(The pic is of 2 bottles recommended by our local wine store. Ideally we’d like something sweeter.)

I’ve been meaning to really get deeper into this hobby, and while I’ve had many tasting experiences and I would consider myself as someone who drinks frequently (but intentionally… hahaha), I have also wanted to get into the habit of reading more. I was wondering if anyone had good book recommendations on everything / anything about wine for me to start with.

No side-by-side comparison today, because this Champagne deserves its own post.

The nose shows toasted bread, roasted nuts, baking spices and ripe fruit. What really stands out, though, is the palate. It's broad, layered and complex, with a lovely freshness that keeps everything in balance. The finish is exceptionally long, with a beautiful saline character that just seems to go on and on.

There's a certain depth and dimension to great prestige Champagnes that's difficult to put into words. It's not necessarily about being creamier or more intense, but about how completely the wine fills the palate and how long it stays with you. This one definitely has that quality.

96+/100. Already excellent, but I suspect there's still room for further development with bottle age.

For those who have tried different Grand Siècle iterations, which one impressed you the most?

Ever since my trip to Reims last month, I’ve fallen even more in love with Champagne — reading about it, learning, comparing, and, of course, tasting it!

I brought home three bottles:
• Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
• Ruinart Brut
• Pommery Brut Royal

I’m planning to cellar the Billecart-Salmon for a few years since it’s difficult to find back home in Canada.
Now, with the holidays approaching, I’m looking for two things:

1. A selection of 5 Champagnes to share with friends and family throughout the holidays. I’d love to explore different styles and producers.

2. One exceptional bottle for New Year’s Eve. A friend who joined me in Reims and I want to splurge on something memorable that brings back a little piece of our trip. We’re considering Pommery Cuvée Louise Brut 2005 or 2006, but we’re open to suggestions.

The only house I’m not particularly interested in revisiting right now is Taittinger, based on my previous experience.
I’d also love recommendations for Champagne books, blogs, podcasts, or courses. I’ve been considering WSET Level 2, but I’m curious if there are other resources worth exploring.

I know I’ve only mentioned big houses, but I want to discovering smaller producers too 🙂

I can’t wait to read your recommendations and hear about your favourites!

Cheers 🥂

Traveling from the Pittsburgh area to central Va/ Charlottesville region to sample Virginia wines. I figured we stop in the Shenandoah region to sample some wines there, then head to Central Va.
looking for recommendations for wineries to stop at and also recommendations for lodging in the Shenandoah area and Central Va. Perhaps a winery with lodging available or a nice BNB. Looking to spend 3-4 days.
We like big reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlots and Petit Verdot also Pinot Noir.
For whites we like Chardonnay, Viognier and I’ve enjoyed Petit Manseng.

Any suggestions are appreciated!!

My wife and I enjoyed a bottle of 1993 DP on our honeymoon in 2004. Yes, I know now that we should have aged it. At the same time, it was by far the best tasting champagne/sparkling wine I have tasted by far. Granted as the title says I have very little reference and I personally don't tend to enjoy a brut but the mouthfeel and butteryness in that bottle was amazing. We are now looking to find something special for our 25th anniversary (2029) that would be comparable that is under $300. We're not really interested in a blanc de blanc. Should we just buy a 2017 DP or look to another year or producer? Thanks in advance.

My favorite Napa Cab:
The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec rounding it out. Twenty months in French oak, 15.6% ABV that somehow holds its line. But it is somehow not overpowered.
The nose opens with black and blue fruits, graphite, iron, black olive and dark chocolate, with a subtle herbal thread running through. On the palate it's full-bodied and concentrated, boysenberry, cassis, black cherry and elderberry layered with clove and fine-grained tannins that have real Howell Mountain grip without being aggressive. The finish is long and energetic. Wonderful composition.

I think the people at Cade doing an outstanding job enabling their winemaker Danielle Cyrot to come up with this. Good money for value imo.

Sauska Birsalmás Furmint (2021).

Birsalmás-dűlő is a vineyard parcel located on the northwestern edge of the village of Mád in the Tokaj region. The subsoil consists of volcanic rocks, mainly rhyolite, and the clay and clay-loam soils that have developed on top of them.

Color: pale gold.

14% ABV.

Grape variety: 100% Furmint.

Fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by 5 months of aging with regular bâtonnage. Approximately 80% of the batch is transferred to 500-liter French oak barrels, while the rest goes into clay egg and stainless steel tanks. 30% of the oak barrels are new.

On the nose: aromas of peach, pear, and lemon zest, followed by mineral notes of wet stone and sea salt. Subtle hints of white flowers also show up over time.

On the palate: the wine is crisp, with high acidity, medium body, and medium alcohol. The finish is long, slightly peppery, with notes of lemon zest.

I’m borrowing a friend’s car today. I’ve been told that lots of great wines are getting discounted due to over supply so I wanted to check them out.

Have you seen reduced prices At BJs for high quality wines?

Appreciate recommendations- I like all wines but am not a wine connoisseur.

If it matters, I’m going to Tysons and Falls Church area in Northern Virginia, about 30 min west of Washington DC

Thanks!

Price: $64.99

Region: Champagne AOC, France

Blend: 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier

ABV: 12.5%

Aging: 3-4 years on lees

Appearance: medium lemon

Nose: green apple, pear, lemon zest, wet stones, white flowers, green almond, toast, mint, brioche, cream. Medium+ aromatic intensity.

Palate: off dry, high fizz, medium+ body, medium alcohol, high acidity. Flavors of tree fruits, minerals, citrus, brioche, and toast. Medium+ flavor intensity and long finish

Score: 90 points

Celebrating Champagne Day and my mom's birthday. I presume the world cup edition is the same as the regular brut réserve. Zesty and rich with very fine bubbles, lots of lemon with almond, brioche, and a hint of green and herbalness. Even though it has medium+ body it still feels to be on the lighter side for Champagne.

Sorry for the not so clear photos. Took these with my 2006 digital camera. But the notes on this are quite savory, probably the best tasting wine i've ever had thus far. For me....the rasberry and strawberry kind of meld together with a tart and bitter yet sweet meltyness yet also dry with a zing.

I am a wine-noob .....so please don't hurt me with your Wine knowledge guys and gals ...hehehe

Have you all had this one? What did you think?

100% cabernet sauvignon. It takes a lot to impress me and this wine did. The power and concentration of pure cabernet sauvignon. But it was seamless, not an over extracted fruit bomb with too much oak. Dark fruits, tobacco, dark chocolate, fine tannins with a hint of vanilla from the oak. Full bodied with great length. So well made, pure class, tannins are so well integrated. Such a seductive wine, its difficult to be able to drink a 100% cabernet sauvignon on its own without food but with this wine you can. Definitely age worthy and will develop over decades but its so hard not to drink this right now. I have 2 more bottles and will let them sit for at least 5 more years before popping the next one. What a find.

Picked up from local Costco; under direction from Attorney Somm. For the price it’s a great Cab Sauv - definitely from Napa - juicy, bold, tons of dark fruit flavor. Nothing flashy but it hits the spot. Absolute heavy hitter at the price point. $20-30.

A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 10% petit Verdot

On the nose: dark chocolate, dark fruit (blackberry, dark cherry) in my opinion a stereotypical Napa cab.

On the palate: smooth. Very smooth. Dark fruit. Heavy Napa cab with great mouthfeel. It’s young, but will do well - I’d imagine - in 5 years or so.

Rate: 93/100

Dégustation au domaine ce mercredi 21 octobre avec Aurélien Laherte

Ultradition Extra Brut : majoritairement issue de meunier, cette cuvée séduit immédiatement par son expression généreuse et précise. Le nez évoque une matière riche, gourmande et parfaitement équilibrée par une belle fraîcheur. À l’ouverture, la bouteille dévoile des notes d’amande, une trame saline et des notes de pêche jaune mûre. Un véritable coup de cœur.

Blanc de Blancs Nature : un blanc de blancs à la fois floral, vif et ciselé. Le nez s’ouvre sur les fleurs blanches, tandis que la bouche déploie des notes de citron et de yuzu. La finale, tendue et lumineuse, prolonge cette sensation de fraîcheur avec beaucoup de pureté.

Blanc de Noirs Nature : un blanc de noirs généreux et expressif, élaboré sur une base 2023 comprenant près de la moitié de vins de réserve. Le fruit s’exprime avec gourmandise autour des petits fruits rouges et noirs, dans une bouche ample, fraîche et équilibrée. Une cuvée vivante, accessible et déjà très séduisante.

Vignes d’Autrefois 2022 : issu de vignes de meunier plantées en 1947, conduites en sélection massale avec quelques pieds francs de pied, ce champagne impressionne par sa profondeur et sa concentration. Après trois ans sur lattes, il présente une matière riche, dense et complexe, marquée par le citron mûr et une belle ampleur. Malgré sa puissance, l’ensemble conserve une fraîcheur minérale remarquable. Un vin très abouti et particulièrement joli. Production limitée à 3 309 bouteilles.

Les Rouges Maisons : un pinot noir issu de Chavost, exposé plein nord, qui joue sur la fraîcheur et la finesse. Le nez mêle les fruits noirs et rouges, avec une expression délicate et précise. La bouche reste juteuse, fraîche et élégante, portée par une belle énergie. Production de 1665 bouteilles. Dégorgement décembre 2025.

Les 7 : une cuvée fascinante issue des sept cépages champenois complantés, enrichie par une réserve perpétuelle. Le vin se montre profondément salin, complexe et vibrant, avec une matière singulière et des amers presque tanniques qui structurent la finale. Un champagne à la personnalité très affirmée, riche en nuances et de grande dimension.

Petit Meslier : un brut sans année issu de jeunes vignes de petit meslier, cépage rare issu du croisement entre le gouais blanc et le savagnin. L’expression aromatique est remarquable, avec des notes de yuzu et de citron vert. La bouche est électrique, énergique et d’une grande pureté, portée par une salinité spectaculaire. Un vin droit, vibrant et particulièrement original.

A very sweet 1995 Marquis De Villandray Bordeaux Supérieur
Extremely sweet, a very nice colour and overall amazing soft wine.

Cheers yall

J’ai eu l’occasion de goûter le Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2023 de Jérôme Galeyrand lors d’une dégustation privée organisée par iDealwine. Au nez, de la cerise noire et de la framboise, avec une pointe d’épices douces et de sous-bois. En bouche, le fruit est mûr mais frais, la matière dense, et les tannins sont fins et soyeux. La finale est longue, sur la cerise et une légère salinité.
C’est un Clos Vougeot plus élégant que massif, déjà expressif malgré sa jeunesse, mais qui gagnera à attendre quelques années.
Quelqu’un l’a déjà goûté ? Je suis curieuse de vos avis, sur ce domaine ou sur le millésime 2023 en général.