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.
If you see this post your getaway vehicle
November 22, 2025 at 8:52 PM
If you see this post your getaway vehicle
1/2
Haven't posted on this for well over a year--always good to check in--and since this one was with BlueSky'er Sandwich King @lifeattable.bsky.social, why not?
a.co/d/izR5pRN
For wine:
Haven't posted on this for well over a year--always good to check in--and since this one was with BlueSky'er Sandwich King @lifeattable.bsky.social, why not?
a.co/d/izR5pRN
For wine:
November 22, 2025 at 4:59 PM
1/2
Haven't posted on this for well over a year--always good to check in--and since this one was with BlueSky'er Sandwich King @lifeattable.bsky.social, why not?
a.co/d/izR5pRN
For wine:
Haven't posted on this for well over a year--always good to check in--and since this one was with BlueSky'er Sandwich King @lifeattable.bsky.social, why not?
a.co/d/izR5pRN
For wine:
1/2 This medium-dry Niagara Riesling is fresh and bright, most of all--beautifully balanced. It has a fair share of sugar but the acidity gobbles it up; it seems dry-ish, not sugary. It's not a big or dense wine, but you look up and it touched all the bases. And it's gone. And you would like more.
November 21, 2025 at 12:24 PM
1/2 This medium-dry Niagara Riesling is fresh and bright, most of all--beautifully balanced. It has a fair share of sugar but the acidity gobbles it up; it seems dry-ish, not sugary. It's not a big or dense wine, but you look up and it touched all the bases. And it's gone. And you would like more.
The beneficial effects of coffee vs. no coffee. Seems clear to me.
November 20, 2025 at 1:05 PM
The beneficial effects of coffee vs. no coffee. Seems clear to me.
1/2 1998 Montpeyroux for the win! Bought a case of this Syrah-dominant wine back when (only $25 per!),drank it all as of 3 years back. Um, why is this still here? Miscounted somehow.
And that last bottle was uninspiring. I would have assumed this was dead. Never assume, peeps! Use that corkscrew.
And that last bottle was uninspiring. I would have assumed this was dead. Never assume, peeps! Use that corkscrew.
November 19, 2025 at 12:48 PM
1/2 1998 Montpeyroux for the win! Bought a case of this Syrah-dominant wine back when (only $25 per!),drank it all as of 3 years back. Um, why is this still here? Miscounted somehow.
And that last bottle was uninspiring. I would have assumed this was dead. Never assume, peeps! Use that corkscrew.
And that last bottle was uninspiring. I would have assumed this was dead. Never assume, peeps! Use that corkscrew.
1/2 Unlike its heralded counterpart from Northern Greece (Xinomavro),I tend to drink Agiorgitiko younger,but this beautifully structured red seemed likely to age and improve. Oh yeah. In prime time, it's got bite and velvet on the finish, and delivers waves of red-fruit flavor,without candied notes.
November 17, 2025 at 12:22 PM
1/2 Unlike its heralded counterpart from Northern Greece (Xinomavro),I tend to drink Agiorgitiko younger,but this beautifully structured red seemed likely to age and improve. Oh yeah. In prime time, it's got bite and velvet on the finish, and delivers waves of red-fruit flavor,without candied notes.
Ah, leaf season. Decision to occupy a high-rise rather than a single-family home looks better every year. That pile of leaves, not my building, but nearby & when they pile up in front of my building--ain't me sweeping them up😊 That's what building staff is for. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
November 14, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Ah, leaf season. Decision to occupy a high-rise rather than a single-family home looks better every year. That pile of leaves, not my building, but nearby & when they pile up in front of my building--ain't me sweeping them up😊 That's what building staff is for. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
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
2/2
Best of all, this has always been a fine bargain from big Boutari in Greece--around $30 in new vintages. This silky red looks like it will continue aging gracefully for another 10+ years. The grape ages well. 13% alc.
#wine #greece #xinomavro #naoussa #boutari
Best of all, this has always been a fine bargain from big Boutari in Greece--around $30 in new vintages. This silky red looks like it will continue aging gracefully for another 10+ years. The grape ages well. 13% alc.
#wine #greece #xinomavro #naoussa #boutari
November 10, 2025 at 12:44 PM
2/2
Best of all, this has always been a fine bargain from big Boutari in Greece--around $30 in new vintages. This silky red looks like it will continue aging gracefully for another 10+ years. The grape ages well. 13% alc.
#wine #greece #xinomavro #naoussa #boutari
Best of all, this has always been a fine bargain from big Boutari in Greece--around $30 in new vintages. This silky red looks like it will continue aging gracefully for another 10+ years. The grape ages well. 13% alc.
#wine #greece #xinomavro #naoussa #boutari
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.
I went there many years ago and we just called it "Rats sculpture garden." It is so much fun.
The picture published in your article today in Inky with people posing among the Renoir statues Is virtually identical to something my friends staged 20 years back. Great minds think alike.
The picture published in your article today in Inky with people posing among the Renoir statues Is virtually identical to something my friends staged 20 years back. Great minds think alike.
November 9, 2025 at 5:13 PM
I went there many years ago and we just called it "Rats sculpture garden." It is so much fun.
The picture published in your article today in Inky with people posing among the Renoir statues Is virtually identical to something my friends staged 20 years back. Great minds think alike.
The picture published in your article today in Inky with people posing among the Renoir statues Is virtually identical to something my friends staged 20 years back. Great minds think alike.
Delicious & juicy, long finish, plus some elegance. It has freshness, not just fruit and concentration. A touch of beef and a touch of plums lead to a fine conclusion. It was far better the next day. It will likely do 30 years without problem, and can still improve. 14% alc. Around $125.
#alentejo
#alentejo
November 6, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Delicious & juicy, long finish, plus some elegance. It has freshness, not just fruit and concentration. A touch of beef and a touch of plums lead to a fine conclusion. It was far better the next day. It will likely do 30 years without problem, and can still improve. 14% alc. Around $125.
#alentejo
#alentejo
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.
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
2/2 Maturing,but fruit's not giving up the ghost,tasty on the juicy finish.The wine overall is far better the next day.It went from interesting to terrific. It really needs food (Andouille sausage, if you care)--it's not a simple version of this popular grape. 13.5% alc, mid-$30s for newer years.
October 27, 2025 at 12:24 PM
2/2 Maturing,but fruit's not giving up the ghost,tasty on the juicy finish.The wine overall is far better the next day.It went from interesting to terrific. It really needs food (Andouille sausage, if you care)--it's not a simple version of this popular grape. 13.5% alc, mid-$30s for newer years.
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
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
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.
They said it would get worse and the right eye was closed. But why do I have this impulse to say "Shiver me timbers, matey, hand over the treasure or else!"
October 19, 2025 at 11:42 AM
They said it would get worse and the right eye was closed. But why do I have this impulse to say "Shiver me timbers, matey, hand over the treasure or else!"