Blair WineLover

Emiliana Novas Petit Verdot 2011, Colchagua Valley

Big and bold and reasonably smooth, it does not quite have the complexity to rate a ninety in my opinion. But a decent value for the price. (89)

UPDATE: I tried it again, after time in the carafe. I tasted a lot more complexity, so I will raise the score to 90. Excellent value.

Argiolas Costera 2009, Doc Cannonau Di Sardegna

Medicinal herbs is an interesting way to describe what is wrong with this wine. Using a caraffe helped a bit, and the wine did grow on me over time.

Ciù Ciù La Merlettaie Offida Pecorino 2009, Doc

Yes, easily worthy of 90. Serve less than fully chilled.

Ridge Three Valleys 2009, Sonoma County

Cherry taste, leading into moderate spice, but not as much as I expected given the grapes involved. You think it is done, then the long finish kicks in. I was not impressed at first, but each sip brings out a little more complexity. Not really worth thirty five dollars.

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island

Smells like cake, tastes like gin with a bit of a fizz to it. Interesting but hardly worth the high ratings and the price.

Coto De Imaz Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

I agree with the other reviewers about how silky smooth this wine is. However, the taste that I think David describes as "mature cedar" is one that I would prefer to be not there, so I cannot personally give a high rating. But this is a high quality wine, and those who like the cedar taste should love this wine.

Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2010, Mendoza

The sour cherry taste reminds me of a syrah from the south of France. I would never guess this was a Malbec. Lots of flavour up front, but not much finish. I am not as enthusiastic as the other reviewers, but it is quite nice.

Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

All these great reviews, but it just does not work for me at all. All I taste is the harshness of the oak, so I cannot get to the other attributes it is supposed to have. What a disappointment.

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.

Jean Marie Arnoux Vieux Clocher Vacqueyras 2009, Ac

Was there something wrong with my bottle? There was not much flavour at all, and no length. Just a slightly off taste that I doubt would improve with aging. Maybe you will have better luck, but I have to rate it as I taste it.