*Former Wine Critic @ Robert Parker Wine Advocate, reviewing wines from 2006➡️June, 2023, primarily Portugal, Greece, USA off of West Coast (esp. NY, VA) & […] 🌉 bridged from ⁂ https://mastodon.social/@MarkSquiresWine, follow @ap.brid.gy to interacthttps://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gyhttps://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mrud42bkrxa2Baumard'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]30 Jul 2026 11:20 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrud42bkrxa2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mruaq6qhhan2Recently, been getting waves of emails re: changes in Terms of Service on a number of apps and services, including, for instance VENMO. (VENMO, btw, has determined that if litigation in court is necessary, it may only be in NY. Good luck if you're in San Diego.) Is there something going on, a […] https://mastodon.social/@MarkSquiresWine/11700849270806377330 Jul 2026 10:38 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mruaq6qhhan2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mrp6jsbr7km2Dr. Heather Cox Richardson's newsletter today, citing reporting from @NOTUSReports Trump's America: "Trump-appointed judges of...1776...competition, emceed by Education Secretary...apparently rigged the competition to cut out a 17-year-old Indian immigrant in favor of a homeschooled blonde […] https://mastodon.social/@MarkSquiresWine/11699707886061996228 Jul 2026 10:15 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrp6jsbr7km2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mrmrolpyfhu2Ermelinda 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]27 Jul 2026 11:20 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrmrolpyfhu2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mrf66bfd2gc21/2 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]24 Jul 2026 10:42 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrf66bfd2gc2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mrcqfdrjdk52This 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]23 Jul 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrcqfdrjdk52https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mr34cuxjvqp21/2 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]20 Jul 2026 10:42 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr34cuxjvqp2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mqytcq7aoym2Mike Layne on Insta, who likes to do these trend lists, listed states where people drink the most wine. It was a surprise at times. Cal, Ore, VA = producer states, sure, in the top 10. No surprise. But NH isn't and wins (5.7 gallons per capita), while Fla, AK, HI, DE, are also in the Top 10 […] https://mastodon.social/@MarkSquiresWine/11694674953199268819 Jul 2026 12:56 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqytcq7aoym2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mqr54kvqgny2From granitic soil at 250 meters, this was a good pairing for 100F heat. This is usually a steelier wine than their Classic brand, but in vintage 2017, maybe it too is a bit riper. A little! It's still focused, dry and crisp. The winery's products always age […] [Original post on mastodon.social]16 Jul 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqr54kvqgny2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mqjlqck25dx2This Finger Lakes winery has been planting Saperavi, a Georgian grape, since the 1960s. Their expertise is hard won! This 2014 is pretty great, spicy, elegant, and aromatic. There's good acidity and big flavor on the finish, blackberries and tart black cherry […] [Original post on mastodon.social]13 Jul 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqjlqck25dx2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mqc2cwgglwz2This 2018 "sur lies" Assyrtiko is a fave off of Santorini, also from an island (Evia). Solid in the mid-palate, fresh with a hint of stones, it adds ripe fruit and a tasty finish. It has the concentration to hold up to most typical foods. This is a cut above […] [Original post on mastodon.social]10 Jul 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqc2cwgglwz2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mq7i2eyrs4c2Calder Gardens and Barnes===free to Philly residents in July! https://caldergardens.org/free-july/09 Jul 2026 10:58 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq7i2eyrs4c2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mq4xborjvjr21/2 This 1999 Pfalz Riesling Beerenauslese was just stunning. But then, I expect these to be immortal, more or less, and exceptional. Dense and seeming very concentrated, it had plenty of depth, but impressive balance too, the acidity easily keeping this […] [Original post on mastodon.social]08 Jul 2026 10:52 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq4xborjvjr2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mpxx53lccjo21/2 Iconic brand by iconic husb/wife winemakers (Sandra Tavares da Silva/Jorge Serodio Borges).Many icons! 😉This was just the 5th vintage, a field blend from old vines (then, 74 years). I did not remember, but top of the cork has a "5" on it. That's how you […] [Original post on mastodon.social]06 Jul 2026 11:07 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpxx53lccjo2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mpxvx5cxbsq2I've recently come to love the scheduled posts option for Masto via @Tusky I rely on it increasingly for original posts. My only issue with it--it's been flawless--is that sometimes I have a thread, not a single post. If I were live, I'd make a reply to my original post. Almost never more than […] https://mastodon.social/@MarkSquiresWine/11687262593122450506 Jul 2026 10:45 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpxvx5cxbsq2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mpsyeihfgx22Chaos. People and events everywhere in the historic part of my city. 😁 FIFA, France match, 250th July 4, brutal heat wave. Maybe it's best to stay indoors today 😄 In 1976, I bought this classy souvenir bottle holder (pewter? don't remember). I'm old. I have […] [Original post on mastodon.social]04 Jul 2026 11:45 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpsyeihfgx22https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mpqfixdccnv21/2 As we hit the holiday weekend, the Barboursville story makes a good wine & history story. The original mansion was designed by Jefferson for Gov. Barbour, constructed circa 1814. The modern winery only dates to 1976, though. And, um, the winemaker is […] [Original post on mastodon.social]03 Jul 2026 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpqfixdccnv2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mpqe6dinxr42As a lawyer, it was sometimes interesting back in the day wondering if hospital consent forms would hold up in litigation. The process evolved over the years to include more specifics, but now it's moving in the wrong direction. They give you a stylus to sign form X on a tablet--but you never […] https://mastodon.social/@MarkSquiresWine/11685561256538878203 Jul 2026 10:39 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpqe6dinxr42https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mplg56hcm4y2"Triumph" (2025 harvest), from Finger Lakes Cider House, is a blend of Golden Russet, Margil & crab apples fermented with Triumph & Cascade hops.Yepper! Lightly bubbling, it's a pet nat style with a beer cap closure. There's a tasty combo of apple cider and […] [Original post on mastodon.social]01 Jul 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mplg56hcm4y2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mpgerjhrnvf21/2 Let's have an all-American week! We'll start with these! This Marcassin (last-bottle drum roll, please) has plenty of flavor, even at this point in its life. It is a warm style leaning on its big fruit. It's not exactly bright and light on its feet,which […] [Original post on mastodon.social]29 Jun 2026 11:23 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpgerjhrnvf2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mpgcww5zj6h2Willful blindness, i.e., the Republicans mostly agree. When a sentence in the article starts "Justice Samuel Alito's ruling...." it's worth noting that he is so extremist that he probably would fall off the right edge of the Earth if it were flat.29 Jun 2026 10:50 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpgcww5zj6h2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mp6tsdobfwu2Sousão (Vinhão in Vinho Verde) might be tamer in Douro, but it's still crisp, elegant and shows off a medley of dark red fruits. Earthier with age, it's held well and the good acidity no doubt helped. It is silkier than most reds. Perfect food wine, easy to […] [Original post on mastodon.social]26 Jun 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp6tsdobfwu2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mozsvcpdrjc2This Riesling "GB" was in perky form, easygoing at a young age. It's light on its feet, projecting grace and delicate persistence,dancing across the tongue. It's dry but not stern, and perfectly balanced. It's not a landmark bolt from the blue, but it's easy […] [Original post on mastodon.social]24 Jun 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mozsvcpdrjc2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3movbihybo4s2Les bleus have taken over Philadelphia. Mon dieu. They brought me neither wine nor cheese. https://www.tiktok.com/@phillypublicist/video/7654232070054513934?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc22 Jun 2026 16:09 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3movbihybo4s2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mourh5rvcef2"It's summer, you need me." This high altitude old-vines '19 Robola projects aggression and austerity--letting it warm up is a very good idea. There's tension and mouth pucker, a bit of lemon. It adds pungent citrus on the nose, stonewashed minerality on the […] [Original post on mastodon.social]22 Jun 2026 11:22 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mourh5rvcef2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3moqdn3vofpq2New York City on a beautiful sunny day...add Broadway... pretty busy. Might need a traffic cop for the sidewalk😂 But it sure works for me. #broadway #newyork20 Jun 2026 17:04 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3moqdn3vofpq2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mokq3lqmcxy2This dessert Riesling desperately needed aging, which has brought it into good balance. Serious stickies do better with aging! Once just unctuous, it's now a complete package with integration of sugar and fruit. In its opulent style, it doesn't have much […] [Original post on mastodon.social]18 Jun 2026 11:31 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mokq3lqmcxy2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mod53x2berg21/2 Thought 2013 Douro whites were better than reds, if only because less erratic (good reds were pretty nice). This is in great shape, handling aging perfectly and benefiting from time. Solid & fresh, it has the depth to counter a perky opening and the […] [Original post on mastodon.social]15 Jun 2026 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mod53x2berg2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mo3nao5fvpq2All Xinomavro from Naoussa. It needed age, shows great now. It still opens tight, a little old school, with acidity and grip. It needs 30-40 minutes of air to evolve, open and become more harmonious. At that point, it's earthy, complex, crisp and wonderfully […] [Original post on mastodon.social]12 Jun 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mo3nao5fvpq2https://bsky.app/profile/marksquireswine.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy/post/3mnwmd4576ym2A Calif. icon & one of my faves. Drinking well, albeit youthful, this is perfectly balanced. It's not surprisingly a Bordeaux ringer (Cabernet Sauv-dominated, with a big chunk of Merlot etc). It rolls over the palate with harmony, but without bombast or […] [Original post on mastodon.social]10 Jun 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:kdblcbwwdy42i7um6qq2tj7v/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnwmd4576ym2