Gus Clemens
@gusclemensonwine.bsky.social
Gus Clemens on Wine explores and explains wine in an easy-to-read, humorous style. Search "gusclemensonwine" on Perplexity for more information. Substack: https://gusclemens.substack.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GusClemensOnWine/
Tenuta Gorghi Tondi Coste a Preola Nero d’Avola, Sicilia DOC 2023—made by Sala sisters, fourth generation of stereotype-busting female winemakers. Less-is-more statement. Wine sees no oak, presents fresh, pure expression of Sicily’s signature red grape. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Tenuta Gorghi Tondi Coste a Preola Nero d’Avola, Sicilia DOC 2023
Made by the fourth generation of stereotype-busting female winemakers
open.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Tenuta Gorghi Tondi Coste a Preola Nero d’Avola, Sicilia DOC 2023—made by Sala sisters, fourth generation of stereotype-busting female winemakers. Less-is-more statement. Wine sees no oak, presents fresh, pure expression of Sicily’s signature red grape. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Benziger Family Winery Merlot 2022—classic smooth, supple, lush California merlot. Fruit forward with emphasis on varietal purity. Food-friendly everyday merlot. Elegant and approachable. Delivers impressive value. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Benziger Family Winery Merlot 2022
Food-friendly everyday merlot
open.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Benziger Family Winery Merlot 2022—classic smooth, supple, lush California merlot. Fruit forward with emphasis on varietal purity. Food-friendly everyday merlot. Elegant and approachable. Delivers impressive value. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Textbook Mise-En-Place Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, Napa Valley 2022—very well-behaved Napa cab presents elegance, balance, polish. Dark fruits, fine-grained tannins. Cab with 8% merlot to soften edges. Will age, can be enjoyed now with decanting. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Textbook Mise-En-Place Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, Napa Valley 2022
Very well-behaved Napa cab that presents elegance, balance, polish
open.substack.com
January 4, 2026 at 12:13 AM
Textbook Mise-En-Place Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, Napa Valley 2022—very well-behaved Napa cab presents elegance, balance, polish. Dark fruits, fine-grained tannins. Cab with 8% merlot to soften edges. Will age, can be enjoyed now with decanting. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Column: Wine’s tough year 12-30-2025— Heady time while it lasted. Wine enjoyed more than 50 years of vineyard, winery growth, 50 years of improving quality, 50 years of consistent year-over-year market expansion. Reality: nothing lasts forever. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Wine’s tough year 12-30-2025
Boom is over, what happens next?
open.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Column: Wine’s tough year 12-30-2025— Heady time while it lasted. Wine enjoyed more than 50 years of vineyard, winery growth, 50 years of improving quality, 50 years of consistent year-over-year market expansion. Reality: nothing lasts forever. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Karas Areni, Armenia 2023—checks amazing number of wine world boxes. Delicious wine. Evidence of arena grape dates back 6,200 years to world's first identified winery, near Karas winery. Winery in shadow of Mount Ararat, possible location of Noah’s Ark. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Karas Areni, Armenia 2023
Checks an amazing number of boxes in the wine world
open.substack.com
December 30, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Karas Areni, Armenia 2023—checks amazing number of wine world boxes. Delicious wine. Evidence of arena grape dates back 6,200 years to world's first identified winery, near Karas winery. Winery in shadow of Mount Ararat, possible location of Noah’s Ark. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Trapiche Tesoro Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2021—impressive complexity, concentration, structure. Showcase for Mendoza’s celebrated Uco Valley high-altitude vineyards. Generous fruit, drinkability hallmarks of Trapiche’s malbec mastery. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Trapiche Tesoro Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2021
Delivers impressive complexity, concentration, and structure
open.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Trapiche Tesoro Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2021—impressive complexity, concentration, structure. Showcase for Mendoza’s celebrated Uco Valley high-altitude vineyards. Generous fruit, drinkability hallmarks of Trapiche’s malbec mastery. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Herzog Wine Cellars Lineage Pinot Noir, Clarksburg 2022—affordable, fruit-forward, kosher wine from US’s largest fully kosher winery. Value play in pinot noir rather than sophisticated, but is very serviceable. Wallet pleaser; smooth, easy crowd pleaser. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Herzog Wine Cellars Lineage Pinot Noir, Clarksburg 2022
Affordable, fruit-forward wine from America’s largest fully kosher winery
open.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Herzog Wine Cellars Lineage Pinot Noir, Clarksburg 2022—affordable, fruit-forward, kosher wine from US’s largest fully kosher winery. Value play in pinot noir rather than sophisticated, but is very serviceable. Wallet pleaser; smooth, easy crowd pleaser. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022—Shoots, scores for emerging Napa target: powerful enough to assuage that group, polished enough to stroke those who seek structure, nuance. Does not excel at one thing, does nicely color in all the boxes. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022
Nice example of restrained Napa cab style
open.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022—Shoots, scores for emerging Napa target: powerful enough to assuage that group, polished enough to stroke those who seek structure, nuance. Does not excel at one thing, does nicely color in all the boxes. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Gillmore Wines Aglianico del Maule, Valle del Loncomilla, Chile 2020—Chilean take on esteemed red of southern Italy. Red and black fruit framed by tannins and acidity somewhat dialed back from Italian aglianico, still important to character of the wine. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Gillmore Wines Aglianico del Maule, Valle del Loncomilla, Chile 2020
Chilean take on Italy's "Barolo of the South"
open.substack.com
December 21, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Gillmore Wines Aglianico del Maule, Valle del Loncomilla, Chile 2020—Chilean take on esteemed red of southern Italy. Red and black fruit framed by tannins and acidity somewhat dialed back from Italian aglianico, still important to character of the wine. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Val delle Rose Litorale Vermentino Maremma Toscana DOC 2024—delightful iteration of vermentino’s lighter, fresher style. Good acidity with smooth creamy texture, slight oiliness that creates excellent mouthfeel, tension. Clean, crisp winner. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Val delle Rose Litorale Vermentino Maremma Toscana DOC 2024
Delightful iteration of vermentino’s lighter, fresher style
open.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Val delle Rose Litorale Vermentino Maremma Toscana DOC 2024—delightful iteration of vermentino’s lighter, fresher style. Good acidity with smooth creamy texture, slight oiliness that creates excellent mouthfeel, tension. Clean, crisp winner. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Early Mountain Vineyards RISE, Virginia 2021—smooth, well-behaved, merlot-led Bordeaux blend produced in exceptional years. Entering drinking window, good for another decade+. Virginia flagship. Profits go to VA communities, wine industry innovation. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Early Mountain Vineyards RISE, Virginia 2021
Merlot-led Bordeaux blend only produced in exceptional years
open.substack.com
December 13, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Early Mountain Vineyards RISE, Virginia 2021—smooth, well-behaved, merlot-led Bordeaux blend produced in exceptional years. Entering drinking window, good for another decade+. Virginia flagship. Profits go to VA communities, wine industry innovation. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Podere Sapaio Volpolo Bolgheri DOC 2021—admirable, elegant Super Tuscan from western Italian region famous for Super Tuscans. Balance of tannin, acidity frame rich, black fruit flavors w impressive complexity, length, particularly in price range. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Podere Sapaio Volpolo Bolgheri DOC 2021
Admirable and elegant Super Tuscan
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December 1, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Podere Sapaio Volpolo Bolgheri DOC 2021—admirable, elegant Super Tuscan from western Italian region famous for Super Tuscans. Balance of tannin, acidity frame rich, black fruit flavors w impressive complexity, length, particularly in price range. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
KHK Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2023—reserved, refined, intellectual take on Napa cab w/ welcomed, deft use of oak, avoidance of super-ripe fruit, high alcohol. Delicious sipper, affable food companion food. Do snag online, store, restaurant. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
KHK Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2023
Reserved, refined, intellectual take on Napa cab with welcomed, deft use of oak
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:54 AM
KHK Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2023—reserved, refined, intellectual take on Napa cab w/ welcomed, deft use of oak, avoidance of super-ripe fruit, high alcohol. Delicious sipper, affable food companion food. Do snag online, store, restaurant. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Juggernaut Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2023—tasty, fruity effort with less citrus bite than usually found in Marlborough SB; charming value. CA-based Bogle is mother company; they consistently deliver impressive QPR. This is one. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Juggernaut Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2023
Tasty, fruity effort with a bit less citrus bite than usually found in a Marlborough sauv blanc
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Juggernaut Wines Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2023—tasty, fruity effort with less citrus bite than usually found in Marlborough SB; charming value. CA-based Bogle is mother company; they consistently deliver impressive QPR. This is one. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Gianni Gagliardo Barolo DOCG 2020—all you want in a Barolo. Exceptional balance, velvety drinkability. 2020 growing season was ideal, this effort reflects that. Using grapes harvested from multiple vineyards, this sets the standard for quality Barolo. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Gianni Gagliardo Barolo DOCG 2020
Exceptional balance and velvety drinkability
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Gianni Gagliardo Barolo DOCG 2020—all you want in a Barolo. Exceptional balance, velvety drinkability. 2020 growing season was ideal, this effort reflects that. Using grapes harvested from multiple vineyards, this sets the standard for quality Barolo. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
True Myth Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo Coast 2022—quality, affordable everyday drinker. Grapes estate-grown, sustainably farmed. Does not soar to PN heights, but exceptionally enjoyable wine you can enjoy without dread when credit card bill arrives. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
True Myth Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo Coast 2022
Quality, affordable wine for everyday drinking
open.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:37 AM
True Myth Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo Coast 2022—quality, affordable everyday drinker. Grapes estate-grown, sustainably farmed. Does not soar to PN heights, but exceptionally enjoyable wine you can enjoy without dread when credit card bill arrives. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Rocca delle Macie Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico DOCG 2022—competent, graceful, juicy, fruity, simple Chianti Classico that will not disappoint. A very serviceable table wine for casual quaffing, especially with Italian food. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Rocca delle Macie Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico DOCG 2022
Rocca delle Macie Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico DOCG 2022
open.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Rocca delle Macie Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico DOCG 2022—competent, graceful, juicy, fruity, simple Chianti Classico that will not disappoint. A very serviceable table wine for casual quaffing, especially with Italian food. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Serego Alighieri Possessioni Rosso Verona 2020—polished black-fruit forward w/ savory nuances. Chalky, fine-grained tannins play well with appropriate acidity. Some admirable depth, weight at this price point. Easy choice for a rich, solid wine. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Serego Alighieri Possessioni Rosso Verona 2020
Easy choice for a rich, solid wine; genuine value
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Serego Alighieri Possessioni Rosso Verona 2020—polished black-fruit forward w/ savory nuances. Chalky, fine-grained tannins play well with appropriate acidity. Some admirable depth, weight at this price point. Easy choice for a rich, solid wine. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Early Mountain Petit Manseng, Virginia 2022—tasty, energetic product of Virginia’s signature white grape. Delivers tropical richness, electric acidity, silky mouthfeel. Savory depth, complexity, due to winery’s unique perpetual lees barrel technique. gusclemens.substack.com/p/early-moun...
November 12, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Early Mountain Petit Manseng, Virginia 2022—tasty, energetic product of Virginia’s signature white grape. Delivers tropical richness, electric acidity, silky mouthfeel. Savory depth, complexity, due to winery’s unique perpetual lees barrel technique. gusclemens.substack.com/p/early-moun...
Stéphane Ogier Le Temps est Venu, Côtes du Rhône 2020—affordable, harmonious effort drinks like a Gigondas rather than standard Côtes du Rhône Villages wine. Overdelivers, round, seamless, smooth, succulent, elegantly delicious. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Stéphane Ogier Le Temps est Venu, Côtes du Rhône 2020
Affordable, harmonious effort that drinks like a Gigondas rather than standard Côtes du Rhône Villages wine
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Stéphane Ogier Le Temps est Venu, Côtes du Rhône 2020—affordable, harmonious effort drinks like a Gigondas rather than standard Côtes du Rhône Villages wine. Overdelivers, round, seamless, smooth, succulent, elegantly delicious. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Stoller Family Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2022—rich, elegant charmer, lingering finish, polished, refined fruit, excellent balance. Why Willamette Valley is in conversation as some of world’s premier pinots, especially at this price point. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Stoller Family Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2022
Rich, elegant charmer with lingering finish, polished, refined fruit
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Stoller Family Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2022—rich, elegant charmer, lingering finish, polished, refined fruit, excellent balance. Why Willamette Valley is in conversation as some of world’s premier pinots, especially at this price point. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
El Capricho Aguará Special Reserve Tannat 2018—Signature grape of Uruguay, demonstrates it can be more than massively tannic brute reserved only for grilled meats. Black fruits galore. French oak rounded edges, infused supple element into powerful frame. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
El Capricho Aguará Special Reserve Tannat 2018
Quality bottle of Uruguay's signature grape
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:40 AM
El Capricho Aguará Special Reserve Tannat 2018—Signature grape of Uruguay, demonstrates it can be more than massively tannic brute reserved only for grilled meats. Black fruits galore. French oak rounded edges, infused supple element into powerful frame. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
W. & J. Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Porto—Thick, luscious, balanced, complex, focused, immensely attractive. Liquid equivalent of a brandy-soaked fruitcake. Dense, layered, polished, sublimely joyous experience. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
W. & J. Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Porto
Dense, layered, polished, sublimely joyous experience
open.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 3:37 AM
W. & J. Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Porto—Thick, luscious, balanced, complex, focused, immensely attractive. Liquid equivalent of a brandy-soaked fruitcake. Dense, layered, polished, sublimely joyous experience. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Chehalem Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Laurelwood District, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023—impressive; Oregon's 2023 vintage called “vintage of the decade.” Excellent Oregon pinot noir at reasonable price for this quality. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
October 31, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Chehalem Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Laurelwood District, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023—impressive; Oregon's 2023 vintage called “vintage of the decade.” Excellent Oregon pinot noir at reasonable price for this quality. open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Acrobat Pinot Gris, Oregon 2022—tasty easy drinker. Excellent every day to complete lighter fare, seafood, solo sipping when you wind/wine down. Good for mixed group getting into wine. Let companionship, food carry load. Amazingly versatile, superb price open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...
Acrobat Pinot Gris, Oregon 2022
Amazingly versatile wine and superb price
open.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Acrobat Pinot Gris, Oregon 2022—tasty easy drinker. Excellent every day to complete lighter fare, seafood, solo sipping when you wind/wine down. Good for mixed group getting into wine. Let companionship, food carry load. Amazingly versatile, superb price open.substack.com/pub/guscleme...