Vladimir Torres

Laurus Saint Joseph 2014, Ap

Ah the Northern Rhone! Saint Joseph might be half way up the region's "prestige ranking," but when you come across a wine like this, it goes straight to "Best Syrahs list." Northern Rhones of higher reputation will cost you so much more, begging the question: is the difference worth it? (Hint: sometimes a simple Crozes Hermitage, chosen as the house wine in a Bouchon in Lyon, tastes like the best you'll ever have)

Creation Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Walker Bay

Domaine Couroulu Vacqueyras Cuvée Classique 2017, A.O.C. Vacqueyras

Gorgeous Southern Rhône finesse. My only "regret," is that I could have easily waited another five years and it would be even better.

Remelluri Rioja Reserva 2011

Finca Constancia Altos De La Finca 2011, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla

I am not one prone to exaggerate (well, maybe sometimes), but I have to tell you, this wine is outstanding, and for the price simply unbelievable. Beautiful fruit, cherries and blackberries, round full body, tannic with phenomenal length… we are talking high quality all around greatness, and did I say ridiculously priced?
Enjoyed December 2016.

Elle De Landaluce 2017, Rioja Alavesa

Delicious black cherry, beautifully harmonious oak presence, medium to full bodied, and fantastic length. A modern Rioja from 60 years old vines, impressive... and if anything, I should have probably waited a few more years, because it will get even better.

Bodegas Puiggros Exedra 2019, D.O. Catalunya

Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Violette 2016, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Another "wow"!
This has all the black fruit beauty of a Northern Rhone Syrah, and it's appropriately named Violette.
Paired beautifully with a roasted leg of lamb covered with a crust of almonds and Moroccan inspired spices.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Rosso Di Montalcino 2018, D.O.C. Rosso Di Montalcino

Funny how subjective wine appreciation can be. I loved this wine (part of a recent wine exchange case). It has beautifully enticing red fruit, cherry and strawberry greeting you from the word go, which are then joined in the mouth with leathery, and tobacco undertones, while fine tannins and nicely balanced acidity complete a picture of surprising depths of integrated layers. I found it to be of great value at its price, considering similar offerings around the same figure but in EUROS! Finally, if you have a bottle in your cellar, drink it now (January 2023)

Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2016