MARK KOZAR

Charles Tort Old Vines 2013, Cotes Du Rhone

An amazing Cotes Du Rhone for the money. The old vines juice, with enough time in bottle now, has really become a thing of beauty. Juicy berry, dry, light dusty tannins, peppery with a hint of leather and garrigue. Lacks a bit of refinement, but very well balanced and enjoyable and considering the price, a real steal for a satisfying entry level Rhone GSM.

I just wish Steve and David would have another taste now (18 months on) and update their reviews of this wine.

Kew Vineyards Organic Riesling Sparkling 2017, VQA Ontario

Excellently crafted, perfectly balanced, delicious organic bubbly. I don't know any better sparkler for the price.

Wayne Gretzky Founders Series Pinot Grigio 2018, Niagara Peninsula

Not sure what was tasted in July'19 by the Wine Awards panel, but the bottle I have is flat, thin, low alcohol and body; nice colour and definite pinot grigio nuances but this literally tastes watered down... literally, like a decent wine had water added to it to lower the alcohol to 12% (indicated) or something

Rapitala Grillo Organic 2018, Sicily

Shimmering pale golden colour, flinty lemon lime zest and stone fruit on the nose with a bit of herbaceousness; creamy lemon drops on the palate, hint of rosemary, bright and fresh, deliciously well balanced, fantastic value in a Sicilian organic grillo

Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2019, Ap Costières De Nîmes, Rhône

I could not put it better than Sarah and David have, though I'm sure the wine has evolved (nicely) 9 months after their reviews. I love the abundance of red fruit and garrigue that gives this wine a happier punch than typical Provençal rose, by comparison. A great rose to be enjoyed during cold COVID months.

Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2020, A.P. Costières De Nîmes

Tasting the 2021 vintage on Aug'22, this is a paler, more floral and cherry pie version than the (indicated here) 2020 vintage: more approachable, more finesse, fantastic balance, and absolutely delicious on Kew Beach with veggie (mushroom) paté and red Leicester cheese. '21 is a step up from the very good '20 vintage and a bargain for the price.

Dveri Pax Janez 2008, Slovénie

This white is an exceptional value as a stoic, flexible, easy drinking white.

Great balance of freshness, fruit and perfect acidity. Only wish there were more around.

Cono Sur Sparkling Brut, Bio Bio

moderately lively with a basket of fruit, some citrus to balance and a creamy finished with just the perfect amount of alcohol; there are no negatives to this humble sparkler... for the price, quality, and dedication to conscientious growing practices from the house of Cono Sur, I can't honestly think there is a better summer bottle out there... there in lies my challenge!

Cono Sur Bicycle Pinot Noir 2010, Central Valley

Honestly, all wine snobbery aside, for an organic, very nicely rounded, straight forward pinot noir that does what a pinot noir should do: put a happy smile on your face, AND for less than $10, this is outstanding value, I will stock up and make this my go-to backyard red

Finca Villacreces Pruno 2010, Do Ribera Del Duero

What a beautiful mouth explosion... ok, maybe a teeny bit on the jammy side, but if all you want is to drink a mouthful of wonderful wine that makes you smile whilst your mouth spirals with flavour, with a good balance of tannins, excellent length, and , true oral pleasure, this really is a great value... I've had similar for more than double the price