Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Macchia – “Delicious” Barbera – 2023
Heaven’s Vines, Lodi – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Barbera from Lodi. an Italian indigenous grape known for its naturally high acidity, juicy fruit, and casual drinkability. Macchia Winery, celebrated for producing over 20 distinct styles of Zinfandel, also showcases its versatility with Italian varieties. Consistently recognized with domestic and international awards, the winery brings Barbera into the spotlight with this vibrant estate bottling.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries, plum, blackberry compote, and a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. Fresh, fruity, and forward with that classic Barbera brightness.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity and a smooth, easygoing finish. Juicy fruit drives the palate, making it approachable and highly sip-worthy.

Food Pairings
Perfect with pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie. A true “any day, any time” red.

Verdict
A fun, approachable, and fruit-driven Barbera with Macchia’s signature Lodi generosity. Casual enough for weeknight sipping yet polished enough to show the quality behind this estate-grown wine.

Did You Know?
Barbera is one of Italy’s most widely planted red grapes, cherished for its fresh acidity and versatility. In California, Lodi’s warm days and cool delta breezes help the variety express generous fruit while maintaining balance. — 7 months ago

Daniel Bloom

9.3

One of finest mass produced “ craft “ beers on the east coast.
Wonderful bitterness on a hot day.
Some sugar shack residual sweetness.
Really packs a resinous punch. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Jean-Pierre, François and Pierre Perrin craft wines, inspired by the memory of their grandfather, Pierre Perrin. Mostly Grenache, this is a classic Châteauneuf du Pape. Vivid Ruby with dark fruit and spice aromas. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of herb pepper and leathery character. Soft tannins, good balance, long finish ending with fruit and spice, very nice! — 5 years ago

Matt Sterr

9.2

Rice vodka. Nice flavors — 7 years ago

Rachel Kraft

9.8

This is amazing. Unlike any sort of Rose I’ve seen. Not dry. Rich I color. — 7 years ago

Kia

9.3

A nice light flavor — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Owner Doug Margerum and winemaker Doug "Scotty" Scott, craft world-class wine working with the top vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Blend of 49% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Counoise, 5% Cinsault. Deep Ruby with dark fruit and floral aromas with complex spice. On the palate flavors of plum, cherry and raspberry with lively acidity. The finish brings notes of cacao, licorice, espresso and earthy minerality on a long ending. Nice value. — 2 years ago

Nick

9.2

Absolutely caught me off guard. This was a simple gift from family. Now my wife and I are scrambling to buy another bottle. A phenomenal blend. Full bodied and spice. I would love for someone who actually knows what they’re talking about to try and this lol — 4 years ago

Diane Is Moving To CellarTracker

9.6

Pears and flowers, like roses and marigolds. Fun stuff! A real find at my local Wegmans ❤️🍶🍐 — 5 years ago

Russ Flynn

9.2

Yum yum gimme some. A perfectly crisp and slightly funky cider. You bet yer sweet tuchas I’d buy it again. — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The 2015 Ramey ‘Hyde VIneyard’ Chardonnay is a simply gorgeous new wine that is one of the best of its kind by superstar winemaker, David Ramey. Set on clay loam soils, the strongly marine-influenced Hyde Vineyard has gained an international reputation for producing outstanding Chardonnay grapes. This Carneros bottling shows intense nutmeg, vanilla creme brulee, macadamia nut and heavy whipping cream flavors that impress. Lithe and rich, this gorgeous bottling will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 94 — 7 years ago

Brett Kozinn

9.4

dry, funk, farm, creamy finish — 8 years ago

Mirelsa Modestti

9.4

This 2007 Rioja Alta is a blast. I have to admit that the nose was not very enticing. Nice, but nothing to write home about. But then, at the palate, it was a feast. Fresh herbs, with a black fruit, silky aftertaste. Rioja Alta’s magic craft at its finest. Tremendous value for money. — 8 years ago

Adam Kincaid

8.9

Really nice Pinot noir from Craft. Has a bright rose petal aroma with cherry, raspberry and wood. Smells very alive for six years old and being under $30. Flavors are bright and medium intensity. Plenty of jammy red fruit but with some tangy citrus notes and lots of mild pepper. Drinks very fresh and has a medium lasting finish. Awesome bargain. — 3 years ago

R Bl

9.0

Nice cab blend - still a little tannin. Label says 30% France, 22% Chile, 30% Australia, 18% USA. No vintage on label but artwork says ‘92 which seems right. — 3 years ago

ESF

9.2

See previous note, some time has really improved this wine - represents outstanding QPR. Again, very international style Rioja - super generous & delicious — 4 years ago

Jason Troendle

9.4

Sweet and not too strong — 6 years ago

with Mandy

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Freeman Vineyard & Winery is the fruition of a 20-year dream shared by Ken and Akiko Freeman to craft cool climate CA Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Aged for 11 months in French oak (about 25% new). Aromas of berry fruits with tea and tobacco notes. On the palate blackberry and cherry with tobacco and tea spice, soft tannins, well balanced, vivid acidity on lingering finish ending with earthy tones. Will keep in cellar for some time. — 7 years ago

Berg

9.0

Great buy, funky natty Pinot — 7 years ago

Kurt Wong

9.6

Loved this Pinot Noir. — 8 years ago