Allison Vidug

Cline Viognier 2009, California

Odd colour. Dull lemon-gold. Aromas of ripe pears, white flowers, bruised yellow apples. Full mouth feel with sufficient acidity. Flavours of baking spice, tangerine, bruised apples. Medium length.

Slightly oxidized. Nice mouth feel.

Hogue Reserve Merlot 2006, Wahluke Slope

Some turbidity in the medium to medium plus ruby coloured wine. Development of a garnet rim suggest some age. On the nose it is clean with good intensity of aromas of roasted plums, dried blueberries, game, pencil shavings, chocolate, dried herbs. A pleasent amount of volatile acidity lifts the heavy aromas. Plush mouth feel. Medium acidity. Warming alcohol. Medium body. Excellent intensity of flavours of dark plums, blue berries. Medium low texture of fine tannins. Extended finish. Drink or hold five to seven years.

Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Spumante, California

Many small bubbles moving at medium speed in pale gold coloured wine. Fresh aromas of apple blossoms, copper, honey dew melon. Expressive exotic lychee notes. Fine bubbles. Medium sweet. Medium minus length. Overall great value. It is was its simply supposed to be - sparkling muscato.

Small Gully Formula Robert's Shiraz 2006, South Australia

Medium garnet colour. Very viscous tears. Intense aromas of dark cherries, plum, pepper, toast and tar with light notes of potpourri. Definitely developing. Evident VA. Bright, lifting acidity. Well integrated high alcohol. Flavours of dried strawberries, black currants, spice and dry forest floor.

Emiliana Adobe Reserva Syrah 2009, Rapel Valley

Deep ruby colour with purple highlights. Deep, dark fruit aromas of black berries and blue berries. Hints of oak and smoke. Strong alcohol esters. Medium bodied. High alcohol. Medium minus soft tannins. Medium length. Lingering alcohol warmth.

Manimurci Lacrima Christi Vesuvio Rosso 2009, Doc

Hailing from a small area named after the tears of Christ on the slopes of the DOC Vesuvio, this wine is light ruby colour. Initially pungent wild aromas of barnyard and leather overwhelm the nose. With time in the glass the first aromas dissipate revealing notes of cherries, sandalwood and dusty rose. On the palate the wine is medium + to high alcohol, but with medium body. The elements of higher acidity and thinner structure make it a good match for cheese and salumi platters. Definitely a food wine. Fine grainy tannins and moderate finish. A niche wine from the Campania region.

Domaine Puig Parahy Cuvée Georges 2010, Ac Côtes De Roussillon

Clear medium ruby colour.
Expressive aromas of sour red fruits such as boysen berry, matched with scents of dried purple flowers like lavender and violets, all laced with notes of spice and sumac.
On the palate the wine is dry, with low fine tannins. Medium bodied. Similar flavours to the aromas. Medium length. Easy to drink on it's own.

I will pick a up a few more bottles...

Domaine De Ménard Cuvée Marine 2011, Côtes De Gascogne

A very enjoyable aromatic blend for under $15 made from a mix of some less familiar grapes in the south west of France. Expect aromas of goose berry, honeysuckle and hints of ripe tropical fruit. Moderate alcohol and crisp clean acidity make the wine easy to sip. Drink now as an aperitif, or with oysters on the half shell.

Fairhall Downs 'single Vineyard' Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Southern Valleys, Marlborough

A clean and clear Sauvignon Blanc. Less tropical aromas than expected - more dry hay, tinned veg with hints of lime and pineapple. Fresh mouth feel. Med body and length.

An enjoyable wine for an aperitif or light appetizers - especially if you can find it on sale at certain LCBOs for $15.

Quinta Do Penedo 2009, Doc Dão

Ruby colour. Medium (+) intensity of aromas. A touch of tar/band aid, with notes of mint and rosemary. Certainly savoury. Fine tannins. Medium bodied. Best enjoyed with BBQ'ed meats and veg.