Mark LaClair

9.2

2010 now tawny in color. Very dry with secondary aromas of oak, nuts, some earth, but maintaining a good degree of dark fruits. Paired with homemade brick oven pizza. True Tuscan gem here. Strong but smooth tannins match the pepperoni and peppers. — 9 months 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

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Dark Ruby with aromas of black fruits and complex notes of spice, herb and earth. It was a cooler season in 2010, resulting in higher acidity that made this wine big and needed a lot more time in the bottle, than the last time I tried in order to soften the massive tannin structure. On the palate plum and blackberry flavors with some nutty notes, wet stone and earthy herbs show harmoniously on the palate. Full body, fine tannins with a deep rich long finish. A Gem! Tasting well now! — 6 years ago

Scott Soren

9.2

Pleasantly surprised by this little gem. As a super Tuscan lover was drawn to this by the age statement from this little restaurant. Not a big nose, but medium bodied with nice acidity. Black raspberries and currants on the pallet with some Smokeyness. Lovely wine — 7 years ago

Chris England

9.4

After my fabulous experience with Ch Margaux, Ch Palmer & Ch Dauzac 1990s a few months ago (remember the boxing 🥊 match review 😁) I just couldn’t resist buying one of my favourite Margaux’s, Ch Lascombes, when I saw this €108 1990 gem in St Emilion with high level & good cap 👍 In 🇬🇧 retails £85 - right at its peak 😉 Oh & Mr Parker it’s not 86 points 🤣

🏵 94 points

🍇 50% Cab Sauv, 45% de Merlot & 5% Pet Verdot

🍷 Deep ruby w/ brick edge

👃 Heady dark fruit soaked charred soft oak oozing toasted beaten blackcurrant & dark plum w/ a sooty mocha red liquorice herby date infusion in a damp mushroom cellar filled w/ leather whips

👄 Med body of velvety soft blackcurrant, red cherry, date & chocy double mocha w/ earthy red liquorice & dried blackberry twang

🎯 Long earthy mocha liquorice red & black fruit linger — 8 years ago

David Gillespie

9.4

A gem I don’t want anyone else to know about. Buying a case and putting it away, a light red for people who don’t like light reds, and far more interesting than most of what those who do will drink instead. — 9 years ago

David Wanek

9.6

My favorite DB vintage. Looking forward to seeing how this gem evolves — 9 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Macchia – Delicious Barbera 2023
Lodi, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Barbera may be native to Italy, but in Lodi it thrives in the warm days and cool nights, producing generous, fruit-driven wines. Macchia has built a reputation for crafting some of the most expressive New World Barberas, with a track record of winning international medals (including Gold at the International Barbera Competition in Italy for earlier vintages). This 2023 vintage keeps that pedigree alive with a vibrant, approachable style.

Aromas & Flavors
Explodes with blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with chocolate, spice, and hints of licorice. There’s an intensity of fruit without losing freshness, showing why Barbera adapts so beautifully outside its homeland.

Mouthfeel
Juicy, full of energy, with supple tannins and balancing acidity. Medium-plus body with a long, fruit-forward finish dusted with cocoa and spice.

Food Pairing
Pairs effortlessly with rich tomato pasta, grilled lamb chops, or a hearty sausage pizza. Also excellent with strong cheeses that complement its ripe fruit core.

The Verdict
Macchia delivers again with a Barbera that’s as delicious as its name. The 2023 vintage stands out as a casual yet compelling New World take on an Old World classic—backed by a winery whose style already carries international pedigree.

✨ Personal highlight: This wine style has pedigree from past events, but the 2023 is very much its own statement. It’s “delicious” in every sense and shows how consistent Macchia has been across vintages. Cheers! — a year ago

Jason Troendle

9.4

Sweet and not too strong — 6 years ago

with Mandy

David Walser

9.4

At home eating leftovers tonight enjoying this surprise. I bought 6 bottles based on Russell Bevan being the winemaker. My experience with the first few bottles was disappointing, but tonight was special. I wish I could understand these differences; bottle variation???...dumb phase???...I just don’t know.

I’m generally not a Merlot drinker as a varietal but I also have fond memories of the 2008 Bevan Cellars Showket Vineyard Merlot...a wonderful wine. — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.7

The 2015 'Y' from Chateau D’YQuem is a head turning, simply brilliant blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The Sauvignon Blanc is harvested rather early in the growing season to retain its freshness, while the Semillon is given more time to mature and allow botrytis to take effect. The wine itself displays a lovely golden hue, and begins with an exotic bouquet consisting of star jasmine, honeydew melon, starfruit and lemongrass aromatics which all take shape. On the palate this possesses remarkable tension and viscosity, which is truly one of a kind as the mouthfeel takes on a sultry, unctuous character as lemon cream, kumquat, cantaloupe and roasted pineapple flavors all come together beautifully. It continues to impress with its gorgeous seamless quality and balance while showcasing the ripeness and intensity of the vintage. While this is already showing trememdous appeal it should go on to age exceedingly well over the course of the next two plus decades. This is a absolute gem from the legendary Château. Drink 2019-2038- 97 — 8 years ago

Manny Canales

9.5

Love this. I grab a bottle of this gem every chance I get. — 9 years ago

Maniac TJ

9.1

Bold red with strong aroma and hearty taste — 9 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

Nathan Renfro

9.5

Inky dark purple. Solid fruit. Short decant all that is needed but this wine sings after an hour plus. Ripe blackberry and plum, some black cherry. Solid acidic backbone with medium tannins. Smooth chocolate finish. This wine is a gem of a deal from Realm. — 5 years ago

Ericsson

9.2

Wine of the night. Impressive nose. Full, bold and round. A gem. — 6 years ago

John Asbury

9.5

Sandy soils and salty winds, all located within a few miles of the vast Atlantic Ocean lend themselves to the creation of this little-known gem from Portugal. Made in the same way, by many of the families since the mid-1800s, this classically dry red with sharp tannins and a refreshing brightness are a perfect match to grilled meats, and tangy, herb -laden salads. It’s nose is deep and mystical. Is that tar and over-ripe purple plums? The finish stays with you, on and on. It’s a Colares, pronounced “Cool-arsh”. These are a rarity even in better wine stores. But, are worth grabbing if you see one. — 7 years ago

E & K G

9.2

Jumped on the opportunity to pick up this rare gem. Has some heat for a rose but it comes all layers of red fruit flavors that have taste a bit more like a cherry or strawberry life-saver. #wheninparis — 8 years ago

Michael Kadenacy

9.7

Earthy leather, fruit forward, hints of cherry and anise. 30 + years and going strong! Amazing. Blown away by this beautifully aged Spanish gem!!! — 8 years ago

Eric Stec

9.0

2007 on 9/25/17. Jammy, almost too smoky, chalky at first sip. Better longer it's open. Smooth, leather smell, mix of tannins, wet stone, rain. Been a while since I've had an enjoyed a bottle or glass that gets better the longer it's open, this was a nice surprise! A gem. — 9 years ago