iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 22h

I was surprised this was a bit tightly wound on opening, but that was fun, not a problem. It's focused and flavorful. Evolving nicely in the glass, it was pretty tasty, with black cherry, wonderfully aromatic as well. It's holding brilliantly. Super the next […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2005 "Rochioli Riverblock" from Williams Selyem, Russian River Valley California

000 0

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/10/2026

This '98 Auslese is so young it hardly seems possible. It took a long time to come around, but the last few bottles are ready. That's the good news. The bad news--I opened this, said "uh-oh." It was subtle, but was there some TCA? I decided not to care. It […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A bottle and glass of J.J. Prum Riesling Auslese, 1998, Mosel, Germany

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 22/10/2026

This 2013 is Touriga Franca-dominated, most of the rest Touriga Nacional. Seemed likely to be drinkable early. It's on schedule, leaning to fruit-forward over power & structure. Full of flavor, delicious. The power is harder to find for a young Port, but […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass and bottle of 2013 Vintage Port from Vale Meão, Porto, Portugal

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/10/2026

2/2 It's the next day when it drinks great, at which point it is velvety and focused. (Another solution: decanting. With the sediment, not a bad idea, although I am mostly anti-decanting.) This probably outlives me, although as I age that is not quite the […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Back label of Diaporos, oak-aged, 22 months, 14.5%

000 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/10/2026

1/2 Happy Xinomavro day (Nov 1) This '08 from Kir-Yianni is a Xino (Block 5 from 1972 vines) with something different--a 13% chunk of Syrah. It's got personality as a result. Plus, smaller production and more wood than the winery's popular Ramnista This is […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass and bottle of 2008 Diaporos, a red blend (87% Xinomavro, 13% Syrah) from Kir-Yianni in Northern Greece

000 0

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 15/10/2026

The 2016 Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch is organic Pinot from 1300-1800 feet in Okanagan Valley, B. C. This is super this year, a relatively young winery hitting a home run. Seductive and intensely aromatic, it's laced with black cherry, strawberry and roses […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Glass and bottle of 2016 Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Pinot Noir from British Columbia, Canada

002 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 12/10/2026

1/2 This '99 from Silvia Imparato has stood the test of time. The juicy freshness of the wine is enticing, the fruit lifted on the palate. It turns earthier, but never decaying, with a touch of herbs, always with big acidity. It's mostly Cab Sauvignon, with […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass and bottle of 1999 Montevetrano (Silvia Imparato) from Southern Italy

112 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 08/10/2026

2/2 This is a wine to revel in. I'm not sure it will ever be the wine to admire for subtle nuance as time goes on, but age may change that answer. Let's check back in another 10 years. 😉 14.5% alc, around $75-ish #wine #portugal #douro

Back label of Touriga-Cha, 14.5%, from Quinta da Touriga, Jorge Rosas vinhos, Douro, Portugal

011 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 08/10/2026

1/2 This 2012 from Jorge Rosas (Ramos Pinto's CEO) is a personal estate, Touriga Nacional-dominated. Quinta da Touriga was the first to be planted almost 100% with Touriga Nacional in Douro. It's in a great place, ripe, laced with blueberries, a bit plump […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass and bottle of 2012 Touriga-Cha from Jorge Rosas, in Douro, Portugal

103 3

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 05/10/2026

2/2 The '03 Rieussec is holding beautifully, better balanced than anticipated, not as rich as suspected. Botrytis and some vanilla lead the way, while persistence on the finish is perfect--and delicious. From 375ml, this first growth in great shape, although […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Glass and bottle of 2003 Rieussec Sauternes

010 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 05/10/2026

1/2 So, if there was a Bordeaux week, there must be a Sauternes addendum. If that's not the rule, I'm making one. 😁 First up, 1996 Raymond-Lafond is a Sauternes with a hard edge of Botrytis. It was certainly pleasing and delicious, but not the generous style […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Glass and bottle of 1996 Raymond Lafon Sauternes

111 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2026

Sitting in an arbitration panel yesterday. Saw this public notice. My local courts have banned pervert glasses😝🤭 Good job! #tech

Court notice announcing banning of smart glasses in facility

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2026

2/2 I could drink this all day long. Gorgeous. Bordeaux week will now take a pause.😞 13%. $60s for newer years? This 2000 will be more (maybe triple) if you try to backfill. That's always perilous for other reasons, of course. #wine #bordeaux #margaux

Alternative shot of the the Chateau Giscours

010 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2026

1/2 This '00 Giscours another in Why I Love Bordeaux. Subtly concentrated fruit shows up on the palate, but never jammy, always bright. It still feels fuller bodied than I thought at first It adds a complex medley on the finish, with a touch of bitter herbs […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass and bottle of 2000 Chateau Giscours, from the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux

222 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 30/09/2026

Another oldie Bordeaux, and very different than the Ch. Latour (Monday's post) with which it was drunk. A little weightier, a little meatier, but not as silky, or as unctuous. It showed great and again showed how Bordeaux seems to age so effortlessly. Age […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass and bottle of 1989 Chateau Montrose from Bordeaux

002 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2026

2/2 There were tertiary notes on the nose and palate, as expected, but a certain subtle unctuousness to the fruit as it washed over the tongue. Call that a hint of youth. Add some classics like slate and cigar box to go with cassis. It was by no means just […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Additional picture of Latour showing fill above neck

000 0

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2026

1/2 By reputation, '89 isn't a superstar Latour, but I always thought a lot of '89s were underestimated as some were hard in their youth (more so on the Left Bank by my own aging recollection) and took more time to unfold. Still, if not ready now, not gonna […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Glass and bottle of 1989 Chateau Latour, Bordeaux 1st Growth, on a table

102 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 25/09/2026

This 2013 is crisp with a hint of lemon and a demeanor initially focusing on finesse. That can cause it to be underestimated. As it airs and warms, it coats the palate, then fleshes out. The proof is in the pudding, or the aging. The color is a bit darker […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Back label, 200 meters in altitude, 14%, 1200 bottles produced

000 0

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 25/09/2026

1/2 "Goodbye to Summer" week marches on. Fall is here, Nor'easter approaches. Flannel sheets on, Bordeaux standing up. Check But still time for wine with a summer hint or two. Of course, Santorini produces whites with depth that work all year round, but who […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass and bottle of Domaine Sigalas' 2013 Kavalieros, a single vineyard Assyrtiko from Santorini, Greece. Nice color, eh?

101 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 23/09/2026

Taking another look at this "classic" Alvarinho. I'm always liking this 2015 as my stash dwindles down. A fresh white, a "remember summer" wine, it has surprising depth, a green hint, a bright and somewhat tense demeanor, and powerful aromatics. There's a […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Glass and bottle of 2015 Soalheiro Alvarinho Classico from Vinho Verde Portugal

013 3

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 21/09/2026

Fall is Wed. Still time for summer-y wines! Let's go Greece! Alpha Estate's unoaked '22 SauvBlanc from a single block over 600m in Northern Greece, is tight, bright, grassy on the nose and predictably a bit green on the palate. Also nicely concentrated with […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Glass and bottle of 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Alpha Estate in N. Greece

Back label, showing high altitude vines at 620 to 690 meters in northern Greece

102 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/09/2026

Gorgeous day, nice crowds for Rittenhouse art fair. Virginia artist Brie Hayden specializes in antique liquor bottles! These were nice (my photo is bad ...) Briehayden.com @Briehaydenart on Instagram NFI #philadelphia #wine #art

052 5

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 17/09/2026

A field blend, this 2012 Douro Reserva opens as a big boy, dark, plump and deep, chock full of ripe fruit. A creamy overlay leads to Assault by Tasty Old-Vines fruit, which has held mostly well for now. Pretty sexy. This is a pretty good time to dive in, but […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A bottle & glass of 2012 Vallado Reserva, a field blend from Douro, Portugal

Back label, indicating an old Vines field blend, over 80 years, and oak aging.

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 14/09/2026

Morlet's 2014 is a beauty, but it's not what you think of readily from Sonoma--it's mostly a Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend. Yet everything comes together. It's crisp, tingly on the finish, and a little different. Vive la difference, right? Liked it a lot […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Bottle and glass of 2014 Morlet Proportion Dorée, Sonoma Ca

Back label of wine, 68% Semillon, 32% Sauv Blanc

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 10/09/2026

'01 Private Reserve is stuffed but balanced, with beautiful fruit and some grip still on the finish. Tasted next to 01 Schrader, I preferred this, even though I brought Schrader. 😄 The styles of this and the Schrader were very different, Schrader showing […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2001 Beringer Private reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa valley on the table

A trio of Napa wines, including the two discussed in my post. Hiding, is a Morlet.

020 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 08/09/2026

The '01 Beckstoffer from Schrader is an elegant Cab with finesse, silky texture and lifted fruit. Tasted next to a Beringer Private Reserve 01, this was leaner, but perhaps livelier and with subtler concentration. I confess to liking the Beringer a bit better […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Tokalon from Schrader, Napa

Back label detailing the history of this vineyard from 1868

Schrader with other Napa wines tasted at the time, including the Beringer that I mentioned. I'll get to that soon!

021 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 07/09/2026

Rewatched recently. Once again I say, it has to be one of the greatest sequels ever done. So many are so limp. This manages to be as exciting as the original even though this time you know what's going to happen. Shout out to Carrie Henn who portrayed the […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Aliens movie poster, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, 1986

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 04/09/2026

2/3 The #Phillies seem haunted by playoff demons, so appropriately Frank holds Luis Leocádio's 2020 Titan of Távora-Varosa, white counterpart to Titan of Douro (Titan=their dog), an old vines blend (mostly Cerceal) over 140 years at 900 meters, with good […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2020 Titan of Tavora-Varosa Daemon 666, white wine from Portugal and winemaker Luis Leocadio

100 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 04/09/2026

Well, I don't like long threads, but...1/3 at least with two wines, not one. My Phillies edition, with Portuguese consultant Frank Paredes and his Harper jersey. We also had wine. Start with Luis Pato's Vinhas Velhas Branco 2016. It's in fine form, an old […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Portuguese wine importer/consultant Frank Paredes holds a bottle of Titan of Tavora-Varosa Branco 2020 from Portugal

102 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/09/2026

1/2 My Riesling secret--I prefer a little sugar. Yes, some say an off-dry style has gone out of fashion. Do NOT vex me, heathens! The faithful know that those off-dry German miracles are perfect contrasts of acidity and sugar. The war between Acidity and […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Glass and bottle of 2016 Semi-Dry Riesling from Hermann J. Wiemer in the Finger Lakes.

102 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

2/2 Tasty, but also increasingly nuanced and complex at this point in its life, this might be its best showing for me. No rush drinking them. Plenty of life left. 👉👉Yes, threw a lot of sediment! See full pic 🍷🍷I am a bit into Napa the last couple of weeks […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

010 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

1/2 This '02 is another Seavey, love and keep revisiting, but it evolved slowly, took a while to hit peak for years. It could be hard & closed in its first 15 years. This is arguably the best bottle I've had so far, big winner from winemaker Philippe Melka […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2002 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon on a table, showing a lot of sediment!

101 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 27/08/2026

Some call the grape Portugal's Chardonnay. Sogrape's 2011 Encruzado, from Carvalhais in the Dão region, is Encruzado that ages, and here's some proof. It's no longer young, but the maturity isn't decay either. There's concentrated fruit, a bright finish and […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass on bottle of Sogrape's Quinta dos Carvalhais Encruzado 2011, from Dão Portugal

012 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/08/2026

Posted on the Gewurz Cluster Select Late Harvest, Navarro's luscious dessert wine, not too long ago. It held great, but now back to the bigger star--the Riesling CSLH ('02) Every time I've come back to this over the years, it's intriguing and delicious […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2002 Riesling cluster select late harvest from Navarro in Mendocino, CA

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 21/08/2026

Whenever I rant about fat, overly oaky Chards, I get reminded there is also this, that a friend brought along. Crisp, textured, focused and penetrating, this Grand Cru 2019 tingles a bit on the finish and always seems bright. Very youthful to boot, it's […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A bottle of 2019 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur, J. Moreau & Fils, with glass on table

021 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/08/2026

Assyrtiko from N. Greece, my bookend to Monday's Santorini. Gorgeous, there’s laser-like focus and a textured finish--it's all come together perfectly. It needed a couple of years in bottle to blossom. It will be interesting to see how this evolves in the […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2021 Assyrtiko bottle from Alpha estate in northern Greece

Back label, in particular showing, a single block at 535 meters from vines planted in 2006 in the Florina appellation

002 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 17/08/2026

The 2016 Pyritis, the Santorini "Mega Cuvée" from Karamolegos, meaning a blend of parcels (2 from Pyrgos Village, 1 from Megalochori, often with 120-year-old vines), is all Assyrtiko. This is a great time to dive in. It has come together well, graceful […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2016 Pyritis, The 2016 Santorini "Mega Cuvée" from Karamolegos, SANTORINI, Greece

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 13/08/2026

The 2018 old vines Baga from Pato/Wouters (they're the "Nossa" of Nossa Calcario) is classic, with tight but controlled tannins, and obvious acidity. The fruit is fresh, with a surprising feel of ripeness too. It's drinking decently, but another year or two […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass on bottle of 2018 Baga on the table from Portugal, Pato/Wouters in Bairrada

003 3

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 10/08/2026

2/2 It shows nice and dry, though, fruit forward but never sappy. Nuance is not the strong suit here, but it comes together well, has a touch of beef on Day 2 (the Syrah being more assertive?), and is very pleasing overall. Perhaps a bit pricey, $21, in my […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Back label of Miraval, showing 2025 and Cotes de Provence

000 0

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 10/08/2026

1/2 Summer's waning and I don't think I've had a rosé yet. Yikes?! Something a bit different for me--2025 Miraval, a pretty bottle containing a popular, pale-salmon colored Côtes de Provence Rosé blend (Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah). It's partly owned by […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2025 Miraval Cotes de Provence Rosé, bottle, glass, cork on a table

101 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 09/08/2026

The ominous "Sit here or die" sign at Hedonism Wine. Cheeky bastards. Looking thru some photos, I stumbled on this. I visited London a few years back (for the zillionth time). Of course, I went to the Tate, the British Museum, Picadilly Circus. Nah, just […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Storefront of Hedonism Wines, London, with bench that has a sign, "Sit here or die." My photo

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 06/08/2026

This 2017 Vinhas Velhas is an old vines blend from Madre de Agua, a relatively young Dão winery (2007), but the winemaker is Paulo Nunes (better known at Passarella). This sure seems to reflect what I find to be his style, polished, bright and fresh with […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2017 Madre de Agua old vines blend from Portugal, Dão, glass & bottle

014 4

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 03/08/2026

The pretty and familiar sea-blue bottle is 2019 Santorini from Gavalas, an elegant, Assyrtiko-dominated creature. Ripe but restrained, it's a textured white with a polished feel, tasty and harmonious. This isn't a big blockbuster style, or meant to be, but […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

2019 Santorini, Assyrtiko-dominated from Gavalas, and it's pretty blue bottle

001 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 30/07/2026

Baumard's 2002 Quarts de Chaume, a Loire icon, is a sweet Chenin Blanc, never close to cloying. It's solid and concentrated even at its age. Easy going, tasty and friendly, it adds a long finish, but most of all, it's focused and perfectly balanced. It seems […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A glass of 2002 Quarts de Chaume next to its bottle on a table, Loire, France. Producer: Baumard

012 2

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 27/07/2026

Ermelinda Freitas' 2000 Moscatel de Setúbal (Muscat of Alexandria) Superior is a fortified dessert-wine style able to hold pretty much indefinitely. A whiff of brandy underneath is overwhelmed by the good fruit, aromatics and orange-y nuances. It's got good […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Close up of a glass of the 2000 Moscatel de Setubal from Southern Portugal

023 3

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/07/2026

2/2 It shows better acidity and focus as it airs out. It's off-dry, but the acidity is a perfect counter. Pretty delicious, too, a peachy finish. It still leans more to young, that low fill even so, not yet middle aged? Debatable. But prime time. $27 or so […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

Back label of the 1998 1* Auslese, reciting 400 year old history of winery, old vines, wines aged oak casks.

000 0

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/07/2026

1/2 The conclusion of the 1998 duology, as promised. When I pulled these '98 1-star "Urz. Wurz." Auslese from Christoffel back last year, all the bottles had somewhat low fills, some evidence of seepage. Not a good sign on 27-year-old Riesling, right? I was […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A bottle and glass of J.J. Christoffel 1* Riesling Auslese "Urziger Wurzgarten" from Mosel, Germany

111 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 23/07/2026

This FK Schmitt 1998 Auslese is on the darker side, but drinks far younger than it looks. Concentrated, with a bit of caramelized sugar, it's not as ripe or as youthful as the '98 Christoffel 1★ I had recently, but it might be more focused. Still prime time […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A bottle of Franz-Karl Schmitt Riesling Auslese and the glass on a table

A different view of the label of the same wine, showing the full producer name

011 1

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 20/07/2026

2/2 This early bottling has held great and won't die soon, but this tasty moment is as good as it's going to get. I'm actually a little surprised it held this well. Dive in. Newer vintages, $30s. #greece @skouras #wine #peloponnese #drinks

Back label of Synoro, showing grape blend (20% Agiorgitiko, aka Saint George; 40% each of Cab Franc and Merlot

000 0

Mark Squires @marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 20/07/2026

1/2 This is a right-bank Bordeaux-blend with Cab Franc and Merlot...except when it's not--it adds 20% Agiorgitiko and its red-fruit nuance. From 1990s 650-meter vineyards that border each other ("synoro"), this is a fresh and elegant red, a fine food wine […] [Original post on mastodon.social]

A bottle of 2007 Synoro, a red blend from Skouras in Peloponnese, Greece

111 1