Blair WineLover

Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2011, Casablanca Valley

I don't get it. It tastes like cheap wine to me. Not worth the price.

Domaine Parent Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2011, Ac

In my view this is not smooth enough to rate a ninety. I am not convinced it is any better then Ontario's fifteen dollar Alvar.

Cave De Roquebrun Roches Noires St. Chinian 2009, Ac

From the label: Generous tears on a rubis robe, this wine presents greedy notes of raspberry and blackberry. In the mouth, rounded tannins are a sign of well ageing. The attack is rich, a well balanced palate and a long finale with fruit aromas.

I could not possible match such fine prose, but this wine starts good, and becomes more amazing with every sip. And it does have a nice long finale.

Rosewood Estates Merlot 2010, VQA Niagara Escarpment

There are lots of wonderful tastes here, as said in the Critic Reviews. But, while it improved with time, it never got smooth enough to quite rate a ninety, or really be worth the money. But then, maybe smoothness is more important to me than for others.

Marqués De Cáceres Gran Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

I have had a few high priced busts recently, so when I opened this one and the cork was rotten, it was oh, no, not again. But it was definitely not again. This wine is wonderful. Lots of pepper, complex and smooth. It is everything I hope for in a decent wine. Ah, finally.

Aliança Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos 2008

I agree with Paul Forget, but rate it higher. Very smooth and pleasant tasting, moderately complex with a decent finish, I just ran out and bought four more.

Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley

I don't think you can appreciate this wine from one taste right out the bottle. Some time in the carafe removed all trace of the few rough edges. This is extremely rich and smooth, with great finish. I tried one, bought a case, had another, then bought two more cases. It is that good.

Marqués De Cáceres Tinto Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

Another day, another great Rioja. It is nice that they are released when they are ready, instead of being told that they might be good in a few years. I will buy more of this.

Tilenus Envejecido En Roble 2007, Do Bierzo

This reminds me of Pinot Noir, with a light taste and layers of flavor. Great value for the money, but it does not reach 91. I want to buy another bottle to be sure, before I buy a case. But then it will be too late.

Marimar Estate La Masía Don Miguel Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Unfiltered

Not as rich as I expected from California, this has the subtle complexity of a Chablis. I am enjoying one glass of this every night. Decent for twenty dollars, but forget it if they want forty.