Mark Squires
@marksquires.com
Wine Critic 2006--June 2023 @ RobertParker WineAdvocate, mostly for Portugal, Greece, USA OFF West Coast (like NY & VA).
RECOVERED LAWYER! Good at politics,SyFy,music, films, etc.
MarkSquiresWine@Mastodon.social; Instagram; Ex-Post.
RECOVERED LAWYER! Good at politics,SyFy,music, films, etc.
MarkSquiresWine@Mastodon.social; Instagram; Ex-Post.
Pinned
Mark Squires
@marksquires.com
· Mar 13
First post. In the '90s, I had what might be called one of the original wine blogs. I later started working (2001) and reviewing (2006) wines for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, covering Portugal, Greece, the USA other than the West Coast, and other areas (until June 30, 2023; last day).
1/2 This traditional (unfiltered, long cork) old vines LBV is a fine off-vintage success, sensual today, caressing in texture, delicious on the finish too. At age 15, its structure is less imposing & it has always been a touch compact, but air makes it lively, focused and gripping.
To 2
#wine
To 2
#wine
November 13, 2025 at 12:39 PM
1/2 This traditional (unfiltered, long cork) old vines LBV is a fine off-vintage success, sensual today, caressing in texture, delicious on the finish too. At age 15, its structure is less imposing & it has always been a touch compact, but air makes it lively, focused and gripping.
To 2
#wine
To 2
#wine
It is getting harder to remember that the word "presidential" used to mean something.
#veteransday
#veteransday
November 11, 2025 at 11:17 PM
It is getting harder to remember that the word "presidential" used to mean something.
#veteransday
#veteransday
beware--just got a chat request asking me to verify account, threatening me with suspension
--When I started that process, eventually wound up in a place asking me to give them a credit card. Yeah, uh huh, sure.
--Reported. Their account profile has bsky.social but with two yys--bskyy
#scam
--When I started that process, eventually wound up in a place asking me to give them a credit card. Yeah, uh huh, sure.
--Reported. Their account profile has bsky.social but with two yys--bskyy
#scam
November 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
beware--just got a chat request asking me to verify account, threatening me with suspension
--When I started that process, eventually wound up in a place asking me to give them a credit card. Yeah, uh huh, sure.
--Reported. Their account profile has bsky.social but with two yys--bskyy
#scam
--When I started that process, eventually wound up in a place asking me to give them a credit card. Yeah, uh huh, sure.
--Reported. Their account profile has bsky.social but with two yys--bskyy
#scam
1/2 This '04 Naoussa (all Xinomavro) is super. It's (no surprise) acquired more harmony in the cellar, but the brightness typical of the grape makes it fresh, lively and vibrant. If the tannins have moderated, this still has some power. The fruit is prime time, mid-palate finesse is very appealing.
November 10, 2025 at 12:43 PM
1/2 This '04 Naoussa (all Xinomavro) is super. It's (no surprise) acquired more harmony in the cellar, but the brightness typical of the grape makes it fresh, lively and vibrant. If the tannins have moderated, this still has some power. The fruit is prime time, mid-palate finesse is very appealing.
share.inquirer.com/eHjc2i
gift link, no paywall hopefully
Sorry I'm not going to this, but Samara Joy is a joy to listen to. One of the great young singers around. Young woman, old soul.
#music #jazz #philadelphia
gift link, no paywall hopefully
Sorry I'm not going to this, but Samara Joy is a joy to listen to. One of the great young singers around. Young woman, old soul.
#music #jazz #philadelphia
Samara Joy will celebrate her 26th birthday, onstage in Philly, the city where her grandparents founded a savings club-cum-gospel group
The Grammy winning jazz singer, who has deep ties to the city, will kick off the final leg of her tour for her album 'Portrait' at the Miller Theater
share.inquirer.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:29 PM
share.inquirer.com/eHjc2i
gift link, no paywall hopefully
Sorry I'm not going to this, but Samara Joy is a joy to listen to. One of the great young singers around. Young woman, old soul.
#music #jazz #philadelphia
gift link, no paywall hopefully
Sorry I'm not going to this, but Samara Joy is a joy to listen to. One of the great young singers around. Young woman, old soul.
#music #jazz #philadelphia
@phillies.bsky.social Meanwhile, an Inky columnist thinks Harper should go back to the outfield and the Phils should sign Alonso.
Offensively, that makes sense. But Harper's had arm problems. And is Alonso available or is "at any price" the rule here?
Offensively, that makes sense. But Harper's had arm problems. And is Alonso available or is "at any price" the rule here?
November 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
@phillies.bsky.social Meanwhile, an Inky columnist thinks Harper should go back to the outfield and the Phils should sign Alonso.
Offensively, that makes sense. But Harper's had arm problems. And is Alonso available or is "at any price" the rule here?
Offensively, that makes sense. But Harper's had arm problems. And is Alonso available or is "at any price" the rule here?
Most of us are old enough to remember when we had presidents who were actually human beings and decent people. Maybe we'll do that again one day.
Remember the time Obama personally caught a fainting woman during his speech — rather than just blankly staring like a sociopath?
Character isn't something you tell people about.
It's something you live.
Character isn't something you tell people about.
It's something you live.
November 7, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Most of us are old enough to remember when we had presidents who were actually human beings and decent people. Maybe we'll do that again one day.
1/2
Dona Maria (the producer, in very small print) tends to make wines that hold well (an old tradition for them in Alentejo, Portugal). This old vines Alicante Bouschet J.B. Bastos is no exception. From a fine '07 vintage, it projects primetime, palate-coating fruit.
To 2
#wine #portugal
Dona Maria (the producer, in very small print) tends to make wines that hold well (an old tradition for them in Alentejo, Portugal). This old vines Alicante Bouschet J.B. Bastos is no exception. From a fine '07 vintage, it projects primetime, palate-coating fruit.
To 2
#wine #portugal
November 6, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Well, that seems really easy. I bet I can find something red in the drinks area.
It won't be wine. But it is from Wine country, Napa
It won't be wine. But it is from Wine country, Napa
November 3, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Well, that seems really easy. I bet I can find something red in the drinks area.
It won't be wine. But it is from Wine country, Napa
It won't be wine. But it is from Wine country, Napa
1/2 This top-level cuvée was a winner in 2013 & it's aging effortlessly. Mostly all from the winery's 1990 Long Island, N.Y. vines (but it might fool right-bank Bordeaux lovers), this Merlot has bite on the finish,velvet for texture, a touch of wood & finesse. It tightens and evolves with air.
To 2
To 2
November 3, 2025 at 12:29 PM
1/2 This top-level cuvée was a winner in 2013 & it's aging effortlessly. Mostly all from the winery's 1990 Long Island, N.Y. vines (but it might fool right-bank Bordeaux lovers), this Merlot has bite on the finish,velvet for texture, a touch of wood & finesse. It tightens and evolves with air.
To 2
To 2
One of my all-time favorite Halloween cartoons.
h/t Dr. Julie Reshe from the days I was on Facebook
#halloween
h/t Dr. Julie Reshe from the days I was on Facebook
#halloween
October 31, 2025 at 12:37 PM
One of my all-time favorite Halloween cartoons.
h/t Dr. Julie Reshe from the days I was on Facebook
#halloween
h/t Dr. Julie Reshe from the days I was on Facebook
#halloween
1/2 I have luck (good storage, foresight in choosing and care in provenance=luck!) with my oldies,but this is showing a bit too old from this bottle.As saying goes,with age it's often about the bottle, not the wine.The nose is uninviting on many levels. Structure is good, but fruit shows some decay.
October 31, 2025 at 12:09 PM
1/2 I have luck (good storage, foresight in choosing and care in provenance=luck!) with my oldies,but this is showing a bit too old from this bottle.As saying goes,with age it's often about the bottle, not the wine.The nose is uninviting on many levels. Structure is good, but fruit shows some decay.
I've already voted PA peeps. Don't forget, and ignore that incredibly misleading mailer coming from Trumpster billionaire Jeffrey Yass.
Pennsylvania has an important Supreme Court race coming up on Tuesday, November 4. If you live in the Keystone State, or know someone who does, vote YES to retain three justices who will protect your fundamental rights and freedoms.
October 29, 2025 at 11:29 PM
I've already voted PA peeps. Don't forget, and ignore that incredibly misleading mailer coming from Trumpster billionaire Jeffrey Yass.
1/2 This '05 single quinta is gentle (tho still has some bite), juicy and mature,without being an old relic.It's in a nice place, if somewhat on the lighter side. It seems more elegant than thin, tho, with a nice nose of flowers and darker berries. Add a tasty finish.
#wine #port #douro #portugal
#wine #port #douro #portugal
October 29, 2025 at 12:09 PM
1/2 click on photo, tho it still sucks.😀This 08 Agiorgitiko from Skouras can hold longer thanks to its structure. Still asserting itself, with some tannic pop and good acidity to boot,it is vibrant. But in the mid-palate, it's all finesse, ending with typical red fruits.
#wine #greece #agiorgitiko
#wine #greece #agiorgitiko
October 27, 2025 at 12:21 PM
1/2 click on photo, tho it still sucks.😀This 08 Agiorgitiko from Skouras can hold longer thanks to its structure. Still asserting itself, with some tannic pop and good acidity to boot,it is vibrant. But in the mid-palate, it's all finesse, ending with typical red fruits.
#wine #greece #agiorgitiko
#wine #greece #agiorgitiko
1/2
Had some '98 Barde recently. This '00 has similarities, but this is better. They both lean to ripeness and good fruit, but this is fresher and tighter, the fruit wrapped around the more imposing backbone. It seems more serious & adds a brighter feel to go with extra power.
To reply
#wine
Had some '98 Barde recently. This '00 has similarities, but this is better. They both lean to ripeness and good fruit, but this is fresher and tighter, the fruit wrapped around the more imposing backbone. It seems more serious & adds a brighter feel to go with extra power.
To reply
#wine
October 24, 2025 at 12:19 PM
1/2
Had some '98 Barde recently. This '00 has similarities, but this is better. They both lean to ripeness and good fruit, but this is fresher and tighter, the fruit wrapped around the more imposing backbone. It seems more serious & adds a brighter feel to go with extra power.
To reply
#wine
Had some '98 Barde recently. This '00 has similarities, but this is better. They both lean to ripeness and good fruit, but this is fresher and tighter, the fruit wrapped around the more imposing backbone. It seems more serious & adds a brighter feel to go with extra power.
To reply
#wine
Seems like an uptick in last month of what I generously call "dating accounts" on Bluesky.New followers seem like:
--2-3 legit
--2-3 might be
--12-15,scams or spam, of which vast majority are those "dating" ones.
To add insult to injury--they often sneak in with no notification they've followed me⁉️
--2-3 legit
--2-3 might be
--12-15,scams or spam, of which vast majority are those "dating" ones.
To add insult to injury--they often sneak in with no notification they've followed me⁉️
October 22, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Seems like an uptick in last month of what I generously call "dating accounts" on Bluesky.New followers seem like:
--2-3 legit
--2-3 might be
--12-15,scams or spam, of which vast majority are those "dating" ones.
To add insult to injury--they often sneak in with no notification they've followed me⁉️
--2-3 legit
--2-3 might be
--12-15,scams or spam, of which vast majority are those "dating" ones.
To add insult to injury--they often sneak in with no notification they've followed me⁉️
Reposted by Mark Squires
Well, this should be interesting. I don't practice any more, and not for a long while, but I have a continuing legal education seminar (keepin' up the old license!) on Law Firm adoption of AI. I admit the written materials seemed intriguing. Judgment reserved.
October 22, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Well, this should be interesting. I don't practice any more, and not for a long while, but I have a continuing legal education seminar (keepin' up the old license!) on Law Firm adoption of AI. I admit the written materials seemed intriguing. Judgment reserved.
1/2 98 Ponte, 1st vintage of a famous, old-vines field blend, was the curious wine of lunch tasting I mentioned recently. (Photo: Miguel Roquette of Crasto, making sure he hasn't poisoned me.)Nose, awful. Color, browning. Maybe a touch of maderization.And yet, revived & drank rather well. TO REPLY
October 22, 2025 at 11:56 AM
1/2 98 Ponte, 1st vintage of a famous, old-vines field blend, was the curious wine of lunch tasting I mentioned recently. (Photo: Miguel Roquette of Crasto, making sure he hasn't poisoned me.)Nose, awful. Color, browning. Maybe a touch of maderization.And yet, revived & drank rather well. TO REPLY
Everyday you look up and wonder how much further we can go from our essential values. Do you like the gold plating he installed? After all, 21st C America is about making us look like a monarchy. Because 18th century Versailles is the way to go.. 🙉🙈😱 Dictators and their egos.
Unfuckingbelievable how painful it is to watch.
It's just a symbol of what's happening in this country for 10 months.
It's just a symbol of what's happening in this country for 10 months.
It looks even worse by video 😢
October 21, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Everyday you look up and wonder how much further we can go from our essential values. Do you like the gold plating he installed? After all, 21st C America is about making us look like a monarchy. Because 18th century Versailles is the way to go.. 🙉🙈😱 Dictators and their egos.
1/2 This was a good vintage for the winery and the region, but few are this graceful. It's kinda gorgeous today for its finesse and its balance.It's mostly the Tourigas (this is one of only two vintages,the 2019 is the other, with more T.Franca than T.Nacional).Despite its age, this is prime time.
October 20, 2025 at 12:47 PM
1/2 This was a good vintage for the winery and the region, but few are this graceful. It's kinda gorgeous today for its finesse and its balance.It's mostly the Tourigas (this is one of only two vintages,the 2019 is the other, with more T.Franca than T.Nacional).Despite its age, this is prime time.
I attended one in June. This seemed 3 to 5 times larger, far more enthusiastic. The only danger the was the woman with the American flag who kept waving it near my eye.😊
Doing my part in yellow, as advised. To the right, Independence Hall. Phila. doesn't do kings.
#nokings #philadelphia
Doing my part in yellow, as advised. To the right, Independence Hall. Phila. doesn't do kings.
#nokings #philadelphia
October 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
I attended one in June. This seemed 3 to 5 times larger, far more enthusiastic. The only danger the was the woman with the American flag who kept waving it near my eye.😊
Doing my part in yellow, as advised. To the right, Independence Hall. Phila. doesn't do kings.
#nokings #philadelphia
Doing my part in yellow, as advised. To the right, Independence Hall. Phila. doesn't do kings.
#nokings #philadelphia
Science is amazing. It only took 2,000 years, but still, hard to believe they could rescue these. #herculaneum #newscientist
#science #herculaneum
www.newscientist.com/article/2498...
#science #herculaneum
www.newscientist.com/article/2498...
October 18, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Science is amazing. It only took 2,000 years, but still, hard to believe they could rescue these. #herculaneum #newscientist
#science #herculaneum
www.newscientist.com/article/2498...
#science #herculaneum
www.newscientist.com/article/2498...
1/2 A fun liquid lunch. From L, Miguel Roquette (Crasto), importer Frank Paredes, Jorge Borges (Wine and Soul), me,Xito Olazabal of Vale Meão.
There were thrills and spills, including the first Ponte ('98) from Crasto,a young Crasto Touriga National ('20) and a beautiful '07 Vale in prime time
There were thrills and spills, including the first Ponte ('98) from Crasto,a young Crasto Touriga National ('20) and a beautiful '07 Vale in prime time
October 16, 2025 at 6:42 PM
1/2 A fun liquid lunch. From L, Miguel Roquette (Crasto), importer Frank Paredes, Jorge Borges (Wine and Soul), me,Xito Olazabal of Vale Meão.
There were thrills and spills, including the first Ponte ('98) from Crasto,a young Crasto Touriga National ('20) and a beautiful '07 Vale in prime time
There were thrills and spills, including the first Ponte ('98) from Crasto,a young Crasto Touriga National ('20) and a beautiful '07 Vale in prime time