Mark Squires

At Robert Parker Wine Advocate from 2001 to June 2023. Reviewing wines from 2006-2023, primarily for Portugal, Greece, the USA off of the West Coast (esp. NY, VA), plus others in E. Europe, Middle East.

Recovered trial lawyer. (Eeek!) But interested in lots of things besides wine and law--travel, photography, politics, film, music, art and SyFy, among others.

The header photo is from Santorini, Greece.

This is a new instance for me--I've been at Masto a couple of years longer than Nov. '24!

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Last Notes

2025-04-05 18:14:15

Many representing in Philadelphia, in front of the Constitution center
"so much wrong, not enough cardboard"😁 That was my favorite sign.
#april5th #indivisible #philadelphia @nprofile…xy20
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2025-04-05 18:14:15

2025-04-05 16:20:52

I hear the tourist industry in the USA is terrified of what the coming summer season will bring. They should be. With every story like this, I imagine thousands of people from Europe, Canada, etc. stay home.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/i-was-a-british-tourist-trying-to-leave-america-then-i-was-detained-shackled-and-sent-to-an-immigration-detention-centre

2025-04-05 11:53:10

Don't know if we make it to then, but we have something to look forward to at least!
First Contact Day concerns the flight of the warp-capable Phoenix and the subsequent first interaction between humans and Vulcans.
Little known fact: April 5th was chosen because it was the birthday of the writer's son.
P.s. Please come early Vulcans. P.P.S. There may be tariffs imposed, but power through.
#startrek #firstcontact
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2025-04-03 00:37:14

People in my city still can't believe that there is such a thing as courtesy towing. Yet we can't seem to get rid of it.
Talk about Orwellian nomenclature... Outrageous. Watch this video. It's incredible.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8jJMP3o/
#philadelphia

2025-04-02 22:30:35

https://www.theverge.com/tech/638566/micro-usb-is-the-worst
@nprofile…h5sx I am proudly micro usb free. Tossed my last device last week.
#computers #usb #tech

2025-03-30 20:26:32

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/30/trump-tarrifs-alcohol-wine-spirits/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky
So it begins. Pity the winemakers, they are dust in the wind.
#wine

2025-03-28 11:38:14

1/2
Arlot's Les Suchots 1995, arrives at Age 30 year: Typical pale Pinot, but not mostly age-created color--I don't recall that's changed TOO much since I bought it c. 1997. The label is sure faded though! The wine is vibrant & lovely, however--raspberries, a bright feel, mid-palate finesse and a hint of earth. It adds complexity, not decay, but it did fade a bit on the second day tasted.
#wine #burgundy #france #pinotnoir
To 2 in replies
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2025-03-25 11:54:32

- reply

2/3
The 2023 Touriga Nacional is not a rich style, but it is ripe, fruity and delightful, fresh and friendly. You could lightly chill it. Aromatic, soft and tasty, it is laced with young blue fruits. Not much power, a wine with limitations for the long term maybe, but irresistible in ways and improves with air, showing grip. Stainless only, 14%, 1,000 bottles. $42 SRP. Not cheap for the style, but I liked this silky wine a lot.
#wine #portugal #alentejo
To part 3 in reply
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2025-03-25 11:52:39

1/3
Young winery (2020), young vines (2021). Posted the Pista profile/intro Monday. On to tasting.These justify my original optimism based on prior releases.
Let's start with the 2023 Arinto, one of my fave Portuguese white grapes. From vines at 400 meters, aged in stainless. Ripe, but clean, balanced and mouth-coating. This is delicious and the acidity folds into the whole. 13% alc, 700 bottles, $42 USA pricing (all wines, LJL collection imports in USA)
To replies for next part - 2
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2025-03-21 11:36:40

For World Poetry day maybe this will one day speak to TrumpWorld:
"I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert ....
"And on the pedestal these words appear:
‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’
"Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”
--Percy Shelley

2025-03-21 11:10:10

- reply

@nprofile…h4hy North Fork tends to have good concentration for reds, but certainly not Napa level richness. (Generalizing!)
That said, you have to pick the right vintages. In good years like 2010, 2013, they can have plenty of depth, more like old-school Bordeaux. But they also have lots of hurricanes and years that are ravaged by weather.
Sweet would usually suggest super ripe, which is not L.I. style in general. Not this one! This is complex, earthy, a lot of classic right-bank nuances.

2025-03-21 10:42:57

"First Label" is Raphael's way of saying "Reserve." In the big 2010 North Fork vintage, this Merlot delivers. (Long Island and Merlot--that's a thing!) It still shows fine depth, grip and length on the finish, and a classic medley of flavors, plus a touch of game. It evolves well. The fruit is mature (not dead), but the structure makes it vibrant as the complexity makes it interesting. 13.2%, under $40 in newer years (esp if you join their wine club). #wine #merlot #longisland #newyork
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2025-03-17 12:42:55

So some years after I got a new computer, I decided I should reset, wipe my old desktop. Plugged everything in. Got no image on the monitor. Almost ready to give up and then I noticed the old DVI plug was in the printer area, not the graphics card.
Oops. Now, what was my old password? Hmmm? 🤦🤷😱 #technology #computers

2025-03-15 12:39:08

The book you want to read before Zuckerberg succeeds in getting it yanked. 🤔
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/meta-facebook-employees-book-careless-people-buy-sarah-wynn-williams-rcna196312

2025-03-14 12:10:53

Some Portuguese regions like Dão could use some more places to stay. Interestingly, the Amorims and their Taboadella have now been awarded the Relais & Châteaux label. Taste, hang out. Looks nice.
#wine #portugal #dao
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2025-03-12 11:24:41

This 30-year Tawny is bright, fresh and spicy with the familiar caramel overlay and some grip. The persistent finish is long, and the balance just doesn't get better. It's utterly delicious and dribbles fresh flavors over the palate. From Mário Braga Herdeiros, Quinta do Mourão (though son Miguel now runs the winery). A bit pricey, worth it ($150), Bar-top cork (bottled 2017).
Note that you'll more easily find the brand name "São Leonardo."
#wine #port #tawny
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2025-03-10 22:41:16

https://apnews.com/article/ai-artificial-intelligence-wineries-vineyards-9afba3e163e8efc6c710210a83970dd1
Well, the AI revolution comes to wine.
"No, Mark, the computer has determined that Pinot noir is better today. I'm sorry. I cannot serve the Cabernet."
You just know that's coming. 😃🤫
#wine

2025-03-10 12:59:23

https://wapo.st/4iBL6LY
The secret spy life of wine guy Peter Sichel
This is a gift article link from wapo, you should be able to open it
#wine

2025-03-08 12:33:10

Been awhile since I mentioned one of these. Coming to the end of the stash, it's holding on nicely. (This is how I like to time it, not that the waiting was all that intentional!)
The white label was always more accessible and this drinks best now as a pop'n'pour. No decant. That's not to say it has no life or didn't improve in the glass--it does and did!--but it's elegance and freshness are paramount. Silky texture and lingering taste. I still like this a lot. #wine #barolo #italy
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2025-03-06 13:26:46

1/2 A wee bit of food & wine last night. Finished off with a wafer thin mint. Some people who actually make wine showed up with Rhone-y things. Let's go there first.
Ethan Lindquist brought his Ethan Grenache Blanc, prime-time for a 2012 and elegant. 12.5%. Former CORE owner Dave Corey @corewine brought a 2006 Elevation Sensation (Grenache and Mourvedre), which opened slow and revived very well. Liked it a lot ultimately. I was surprised at how well it came around. Ripe and tasty.
To reply
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2025-02-27 12:30:32

Was extra motivated to open a Baga after a recent discussion. Thought this 2011 Tonel 23 would be ready. Sort of! The fruit has developed, but the wine is still fairly fierce. Add silky texture. It's a burly and big Baga. It has the depth to absorb some tannins, but tannins still pop. Better with beef, though.
It improved with air, but when will I be happiest? Plenty of time left (10+ years?) to find out; it's old school Baga. We'll see. 12.8% alcohol.
#wine #portugal #baga #bairrada
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2025-02-24 13:38:28

Port weather? Probably. But when you feel like a Riesling...this beautiful Auslese Erd Trep (Fuder #10) hits the spot.
It shows bursts of acidity on a fairly tense finish. It doesn't seem sweet and it has plenty of life left. Lively and refreshing, the fruit wraps around that acidic backbone. This is prime time. Which is good since I have more. 🎉😆
A ridiculous $16 on release. Yeah, that won't do it today. Probably, triple it. 8.5%.
#wine #riesling #mosel @weingutmerkelbach
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2025-02-23 13:26:00

Cold, chilly. Took this on my first trip to Portugal, 2006. The iconic tower in Belem, Lisbon. Good memories.
I need some more sun, longer days.
Each to his own ray of sun. 😃 Click for full version. The preview is a little too cropped. #photography #portugal #belem
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2025-02-21 12:35:51

The iconic MdB Reserva from iconic João Portugal Ramos. Even a fine vintage.
His wines age well as a rule (even the $20 Vila Santa Reserva). Mostly Trincadeira, Aragonez and Alicante, this is unsurprisingly in fine form. Focused and precise on the firm finish, it has a beefy nuance, plus some mature hints. It's prime time and mouth-coating. Lovely, it has time left, but it has already exceeded expectations. $75 (after a price spike some years ago); 14%. #wine #portugal #alentejo
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2025-02-20 13:03:02

1/3 A tale of two Pauillacs, which demonstrates why it can be hard to evaluate young wines on release.
The '89s didn't always thrill tasters early on. The wines were harder, leaner, seemed very tight. It wasn't that modern vibe. It was a style,my style(!), that just needed more time.When they finally began to blossom, they showed increasingly well.
Two examples, about 35 years on. Needless to say, they are generally ready now and have been for some time.Both of these are prime time. To part 2
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2025-02-18 23:59:30

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Y4pxT3/
This historic Revolutionary tavern near my house has always been troubled, mostly closed, a failed museum. I am psyched that they have finally opened it again. It's actually serving booze! Incredibly, back in business.
#beer #history #revolutionarywar #philadelphia

2025-02-15 12:45:41

I was looking forward to this. Saw it last week and it was so disappointing.
Yeoh's character is great because of snark, malevolence and plots. Deliciously wicked. Here, they turn her into a watered-down action figure (she's small and 60!). Bleh. So-so plot. Destroyed her character vibe. Epic fail.
https://screenrant.com/star-trek-section-31-cast-character-guide/
#movies #syfy #section31

2025-02-14 15:23:08

The Eagles Super Bowl parade begins at 11:00 in S. Philly. (Valentine's Day is no longer important in Phila. 😃) Doing a little food shopping, watching people walk up from my neighborhood to Broad Street, part of the parade route, already chugging beers at 10:00 a.m. The floats should pass by around noon.
That crowd is going to be lit. 🤫😜 They are estimating a million people. I'm just going to watch on TV. But I am going to represent. That's the 2005 Super Bowl hat and the 2017 sweatshirt.🦅🦅🦅
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2025-02-14 12:25:38

This traditional LBV was made because they didn't declare a 2010 Vintage Port--the same fruit (mostly the Tourigas and Tinta Roriz), just aged longer in wood, per LBV rules. This was the Jorge Borges era (Wine & Soul).
The tannins are tamer, but it still has grip. The rest has developed well, adding nuance and balance. It was always on the sweeter side and still is to some extent, but that too is tamed. Bit of a high-toned hint. Plenty of time left on this, but in a great place now. Dive in.
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2025-02-14 11:19:45

I don't often republish parts of press packages, but I couldn't resist for this guy, one of Alentejo's (in particular) icons. He came from Australia and stayed in Portugal. Much of the original fame was at Esporão.
@revistadevinhos named him winemaker of the year (again). He's now at the WineStone Group by the way (Ravasqueira, Quinta de Pancas, Quinta do Côtto, Paço
de Teixeiró and Krohn). @davidbaverstock1955
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2025-02-11 12:49:41

This was never a blockbuster, but age has made it a complex, classic wine. It's held great for a $30 purchase (then). As one might say, it's a fine luncheon claret! Medium bodied, it's a bit silky, always lively, with hints of tobacco and red fruit. It has a juicy finish and tightens with air (better with 40 minutes). Last bottle. Sad! Bye, sweetie! It's been fun.
12.5% #wine #bordeaux
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2025-02-07 12:40:43

Yes, Virginia, there is Nebbiolo and the state's iconic producer is @barboursvillevineyards with its Italian winemaker and Zonin ownership. They age well, and no exception here. In prime time, this has some maturity, but it's ripe and lush, fruit-filled. Nice one, @paschinaluca
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2025-01-24 12:27:20

This 2016 bottling from Niepoort is what you'd expect (and want) from a fine almost-20-year Tawny--balanced, long on the finish, fresh and aromatic. It's not overly sweet, but not austere. There are typical traces of caramel and chocolate. This concentrated beauty is lush and just delicious. Long cork. About $50 on release. You might find this year still, but it won't be that cheap. Maybe $100. #wine #port #portugal
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2025-01-21 12:29:12

Joint venture of Prats at Cos d'Estournel; Symingtons at things like Dow's and Graham's Port. But 2005 was only a few years from its debut. This Touriga Nacional-dominated Douro blend (then lots of T. Franca) started disjointed, the fruit maybe showing a crack. It improved with air and became pleasing, but not as impressive as price ($90-ish newer years) would suggest.
Soft, without much backbone, it does have a bright feel, dances lightly. Drink up, even if it holds. #wine #portugal #douro
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2025-01-19 12:48:43

A silent Sunday offering from two or three years ago. Sunny day. Boats are out. Relaxation. Sit and watch the world go by.
I'd love to be there now, although it's probably a bit colder in January! (This was June.)
#porto #travel #portugal #wine #photography
#silentsunday
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2025-01-18 17:27:34

In the new Girl Scouts Cookie drive, these are THEM. You're welcome.
#cookies
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2025-01-18 13:04:13

A Lafite label?This historic estate (roots to the 1750s) has gone through changes! Lafite bought half in 1992 from owner Julio Bastos.He later left to create Dona Maria. Today, sometimes folks call Dona Maria "Quinta do Carmo," a nod to history,but big Bacalhôa bought at least the label and brand in 2008.
They always age well.This is gorgeous. Fresh, silky and complex with grip, there's a meaty hint and elegance.Typically Aragonez, Alicante, Cab, Syrah. 14%, $40-ish #wine #portugal #alentejo
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2025-01-17 13:06:50

Excellent article by
@mmasnick.bsky.social
on the Zuckerberg disaster. Today, is a good day to close my FB account. I think I will! I think I can! #socialmedia
#facebook
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/01/16/rogan-misses-the-mark-how-zucks-misdirection-on-govt-pressure-goes-unchallenged/

2025-01-16 11:33:41

1/2 This was not a top vintage for Cos, but some bottles have been better than others. Overall it has worked out. This one, perfect cork, was drinking well, but not fully matching the reputation of the estate. I'm not unhappy, but not dancing with joy and wanting to buy more. (Of course, I already have more, so there's that.) I did give this some decanting.That may hurt more than help. Soft and relatively silky, with mature notes, it goes down easy. $200 for this now, less for newer years.#wine
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2025-01-10 13:10:03

This mature beauty is hanging on great. Didn't expect that, didja, from a $20 (then!) Languedoc Cabernet Sauv (mostly; other grapes including Syrah, Merlot)? Even better, I have some left!
Complex, with a hint of red fruits turning earthier, this is elegant, velvety and lively, with a tasty and nuanced finish. It's a beauty. It will still keep--improved and tightened steadily in the glass--but no urgent reason to do so. #wine #languedoc
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2025-01-08 23:02:39

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8FBDYkN/
I am looking at some of the videos and it is incredible to see the devastation in the L. A. Area. #wildfire

2025-01-07 16:52:10

For some reason, Facebook doing a "look back" on this photo today telling me I posted it 5 years ago today (while tasting and reviewing in the Finger Lakes).
Who would be dumb enough to schedule a tasting trip in the Finger Lakes in January? The photo was really taken in May of 2019.
Oh well, I am going with it anyway because I always liked this photo and who doesn't want to think of the Finger Lakes in Spring? The wineries represented are Wiemer and Anthony Road. See alt text details #wine
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2025-01-04 13:20:17

- reply

@nprofile…tte6 Such a beautiful place (and nice pic!). It is one of those places that is every bit as gorgeous as its reputation.
And therein lies the rub, naturally--it is then swarmed by tourists. 😜 I guess that's the way of it--you can't keep the best places secret. And once they're not, the volume of people traveling is insupportable these days for many small places.A dilemma.
Things have certainly changed in terms of crowds since I started traveling circa 1980. #travel #greece

2025-01-04 01:08:44

https://anntelnaes.substack.com/p/why-im-quitting-the-washington-post?utm_campaign=post&triedRedirect=true
How it's going....

2025-01-03 18:48:22

Watching a Netflix miniseries from Norway, La Palma. There's a volcano and a tsunami. As disaster approaches, the Spanish scientist uncorks a young Pingus. Not gonna get a chance to age more, right? He invites a Norwegian to have a glass. Norwegian: "This is the worst beer I've ever had."
I can see they have quite the sense of humor in Norway. #wine #norway

2025-01-02 15:00:50

Yes, I was expecting some bumps along the way this year, but who knew they would start on New Year's Day. Some units had small floods. Some had losses of heat. I was unaffected. I will take this as a warning, though.
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2025-01-02 11:45:45

Bucelas, a small DOC in Lisboa, has one claim to fame: the popular Arinto grape with a connection to Shakespeare (called Charneco in Henry VI, Pt. 2, after a Bucelas village.) They milk that, but Arinto is the real deal. Very dry (Brut Nature), this is an Arinto with big acidity but perfect balance. Crisp and mouthwatering, it's a reminder: All that Sparkles is Not Champagne!
This overachiever was a bargain ($20-ish) then. 12%, 40 months on the lees. #wine #portugal #bucelas #arinto #lisboa
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2024-12-30 12:55:05

1/2
This '07 Areti red from Biblia Chora (a fave winery in Northern Greece) is all Agiorgitiko, a great Northern example, beyond the Southern Nemea base/appellation. Recently posted on the '08, but this will be the oldest as it's the debut bottling from young vines (5 years or so). It's a super performance with that context.
To #2
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2024-12-29 13:38:59

How many stupid trends has TikTok had over the years? This one, where people have discovered Google Earth allows a "look back" in time, has produced a lot of wistful, sometimes painful vids. You should be able to view this without being on TT. One example (not mine) #tiktok
https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleshanley11/photo/7449920307986451758?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7347683202730051074

2024-12-21 12:22:44

The vitality of Riesling is always amazing. Of my '01s, this has shown more nuances of age than most--many are ridiculously youthful--with darker color, some burnished notes. But it's still remarkably vibrant, a backbone of zesty acidity mingling with a bit of sugar for a juicy, tense finish. It's hanging in great, which is good; happily have some left. Refreshing! #riesling #germany @muellercatoir
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2024-12-19 17:05:35

Where did you come from? Don't remember when I got you, no record. 🤔 But, rummaging around, there you are. You been waiting for me?
Perfect cork. The wine's in equally good shape with some grip on the finish, lushness and all those maturing Cab Sauv nuances. It's pretty concentrated and full bodied too. The maturity means it's complex and good to go, but it should be ok at age 30 too. Much better the next day. #wine #bordeaux @chateaulatourcarnet
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/680/573/296/594/018/original/787c393b333a9032.jpg

2024-12-13 14:36:40

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@nprofile…l326 Wouldn't think so, would you? Hmmm.
So, I'm sticking with "aliens, and they don't want to admit it."
And I still have dibs on the diplomatic mission to Alpha Centauri. And I call shotgun.

2024-12-11 18:32:40

So, watching Only Murders, s.4 on Hulu. The Detective character says a suspect has left for Portugal.
The Selena Gomez character says: "That's suspicious."
Detective: "Right, because who the hell would go to Portugal when you could go to Spain instead?"
Sorry. This show is dead to me. #Portugal

2024-12-11 13:08:21

Don't know why I kept this mid-level St. Em so long. Maybe because the last one, 5+ years ago, was fine, so no rush? Modest but still a pleasure, it can hold but probably not getting better. Lively and fresh, it adds a touch of olive and grip on the finish. It's a bit compact & tight, but I love restraint & old Bordeaux. ($30 mid-90s, Dubois-Challon era; became Bélair-Monange from 2008). #wine #bordeaux
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/634/339/838/894/102/original/f2193361b36bc390.jpg

2024-12-09 15:57:01

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/faucet-wine-cofounders-auction-saga-1236003673/
Even if you aren't a geek, this is pretty amazing, quite a tale.🍷🍷🍷

2024-12-09 09:22:38

So I followed what looked like a routine Entertainment news account. (Still looks that way!) @nprofile…3anx
They have some 8300 posts...and 19 followers. What's up with that?

2024-12-08 12:14:52

1/2
https://www.wsj.com/.../nyc-holiday-season-cost-8a25d014
This is behind a paywall (I don't subscribe either), but the bit you can read (average hotel rates now $345 a night) and the headline make the point.
I used to go to NYC all the time. I loved staying over. Dinner, play. Concert. Club. Whatever. A late-night walk back to the hotel with the city still alive at Midnight. New York can be a special place, one of those sui generis cities in the world, and it's different when you stay over.
To Part 2

2024-12-06 19:10:44

This Naoussa bottling is Xinomavro, of course. They age! It's in beautiful shape, good acidity giving it a vibrant feel, and leading to a juicy finish. With brambles and dried plums, it tastes great. Adds finesse. It's even better for structure, and it has plenty of power and life left. Prime time stuff. #wine #greece #xinomavro
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/607/455/794/431/515/original/725ba5688d150ed7.jpg

2024-12-05 14:16:35

Prohibition: TWO Constitutional amendments (18th, 21st) passed in less than 15 years over...alcohol use, while it is almost impossible to get them passed on other things. Sometimes, things go off the rails.
#wine
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2024-12-04 11:43:21

Whine or wine? Last night, picked wine. An odd duo for the main event, the Thalassitis 2015 Assyrtiko, with synthetic cork, was super. So youthful, so fresh, restrained and elegant. The Pegau 1998 Reservée opened slowly, but blossomed into pure deliciousness. A little rough around the edges, it could use drinking, but it was no slouch. And a sweet conclusion posted on recently. Who doesn't like mature Sauternes? This is the way! #wine #greece #chateauneuf #santorini #Sauternes #assyrtiko
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/594/362/632/117/678/original/193ac58f11041633.jpg
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/594/362/627/872/705/original/e084ebcbee3808a1.jpg

2024-12-02 16:00:37

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@nprofile…dhpg @nprofile…rl8l @nprofile…snyn I found it, unfollowed, re-followed, maybe that will help with the new account. Thanks for the response.

2024-12-02 13:04:33

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@nprofile…dhpg @nprofile…rl8l @nprofile…snyn I recently switched instances and the bridge to Bluesky was working haphazardly on my old account, but I wanted to at least get it set up for my new instance. (I assume I would have to follow it again here)
I don't even see it coming up in the search results here now. Has it gone away?

2024-12-02 12:30:25

The '94 Smith Woodhouse Colheita (a house owned by Symington) is balanced and easy, replete with caramels. Not quite a 20-year Tawny (2012 bottling), it is not overly complex, but it is smooth, fresh and delicious. Loved the aromatics too. It's not a show-stopper, but it's hard to put it down. It does the job for a young-ish Tawny. #port #wine #portugal #colheitaport
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/583/228/137/361/323/original/f018763f1edcadf7.jpg

2024-12-01 12:50:38

Sitting in the park reading on a lazy Sunday. And then this alien thing wants to play. Nope. Not interested. Go away.
This park used to have more dogs. Just sayin'
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/577/649/909/365/445/original/8b9f3e0b6a2359d5.mp4

2024-12-01 12:47:48

Last wine photo today. I promise!
What's a trip to Portugal without a little wine tasting? I always promised to visit Herdade Aldeia de Cima, Luisa Amorim's own estate in Alentejo. That's her in the photo. Behind her to the right is the city of Beja. Needless to say, there were lots of good wines from this already fine estate, the 2019 Garrafeira red being my favorite.
#wine #alentejo #winesofportugal
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2024-12-01 12:45:10

Ok, so usually around now I divert from wine with some cute travel photo. I like other things too. Hmmm. We could do both! Yes! A plan for a lazy Sunday. (Planning is hard when the coffee is not yet finished.)This is Stellios Boutaris, the winery's head, at his Kir-Yianni vineyards in Naoussa, Greece a few years back. Beautiful, impressive, authentic.
This is why wine tourism is a thing! #greece #wine #travel
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/577/629/458/371/975/original/8f5eda47a0d34c82.jpg

2024-12-01 12:34:56

This pic was in the early 2000s in Montalcino, a tour of Tuscany. A couple of years later, went to Sicily. I came back to find a Neapolitan in my email with my family's ancestral last name!
I got more interested in the Italian part of my heritage. That led to becoming a dual Italian citizen. Which brings us to now.
A couple of months back, the 15th anniversary of Italian citizenship! Barolo stood up.Careful, I'm an Italian teenager. Wild and crazy.😜
#italy #barolo #travel #photography
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/577/577/526/962/016/original/10feed5f2c7cc5e1.jpg

2024-12-01 12:27:16

This *** Auslese was a bit lower in level than normal. I correctly suspected minor seepage. Still, top Riesling is amazingly resilient. Was I concerned? No, sir! (Ok, well, a little.) 🍇
But it was fine, better than fine. Maybe a little more mature, but still youthful. It drank great--ripe, rich and a hint of peach, delicious with a bit of tension. It's indestructible! 7.5%.
#wine #riesling #winesofgermany #mosel
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/577/555/223/588/514/original/804e44e8bb63b0a2.jpg

2024-12-01 12:21:50

This '99 Brunello is a great example of why I like to age wines. Silky, it is caressing and sensual. It was a bit hard when young, but finesse and focus rule today as time has helped make it balanced and more harmonious while keeping its bright demeanor. It is youthful but nuanced, a perfect food wine, everything in the right place. It seems great today, but it's still on the upswing. Well done. #Wine
#winesofitaly #brunello #tuscany
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2024-12-01 12:19:13

1/2 When you are dealing with expensive regions, find the less prestigious parts of them, or less famous vintages. The '99 Bordeaux were such good values. The ones I bought performed well. This was not the best of the group, but it was arguably the deepest and the biggest. At near 25 years from a small vintage, it has not thinned and there is still some power! Less surprising, there is a touch of green, more prominent with age.
#wine
To part 2
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/577/526/493/098/259/original/5aafa33953d2e2fb.jpg

2024-12-01 12:13:49

My label faded, but this '95 Monbazillac Cuvée Madame, the specialty bottling from Tirecul la Gravière, is young. Muscadelle and Sémillon from very old vines, this was and is a star. Darker in color now, but concentrated, powerful and laced with orange fruits, it's delicious.The structure is equally impressive.Big finish, tight, focused. 12.5%. $200 or so for this 500ml now, but newer years, half that.
Originally a Parker 100, but I'm stingy; not quite, even if exceptional
#wine #monbazillac
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2024-12-01 12:07:00

Well this may get lost in the Black Friday shuffle, but....
California Pinot can't age? This producer has made a few that age just fine! Still amazing how great this was nearing age 30. The color gives it mostly a youthful appearance for its age. It's silky, delicious and bright. It has the combo of finesse and flavor I want from Pinot. It added complexity as it aired out. This was gorgeous. These days, about $100 for new vintages. #wine #pinotnoir #california
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/577/476/048/127/657/original/d2eda53f5b74b205.jpg

2024-12-01 11:54:21

So, just moved from another instance. I think everything is set up now. I'll replicate a few posts just to make me look like a real person on this server. 🍷