Blair WineLover

Rusden Ripper Creek Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2007, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Ca'marcanda Promis 2011, Igt Toscana

Very pleasant, but it did not have the complexity I would hope for with a 93 rating and forty nine bucks. Value Rating: *

Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2008, Grampians/Bendigo, Victoria

They should call this a Syrah, it does not have the sharp, fruit bomb taste of a typical Australian Shiraz. I would guess it was from the central coast in California. Subdued, with a hint of pepper and chocolate. It has a great start, but does not grow on me with the second glass (which may explain the excessively high ratings from the critics who only taste small amounts.) So serve this when you have guests to impress them, rather than drink half a bottle of it like I am doing now. But it is a very nice half bottle.

Calera Pinot Noir 2012, Central Coast

This grew on me. It is more like an Ontario pinot than what I expect from California. And not really any better, but still very good.

La Croix St­. Georges 2007, Ac Pomerol

Mmmmmm. The first time I had a glass of Pomerol was in the town square of neighboring St. Emilion. This brings back that magnificent experience. Rich, smooth, with that unique Pomerol taste with a hint of licorice. Wonderful length too. Ready now.

Sequillo Cellars Red 2009, Wo Swartland

I find it interesting how the professional reviewers rank this wine much higher than the amateurs. My first impression was how subtle it was. The taste grows, and my last glass is very nice. So yes, this is a sipper, and sip a lot of it. I really cannot give it more than a ninety, even though I agree with John that I could drink it all day.

Romain Duvernay Vacqueyras 2009

A pleasant and subtle wine, but I do not think it has the depth or complexity to rate the high scores from the reviewers.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2010, Hawkes Bay

The bouquet has a musty, slightly off smell. The wine itself is subdued, with a hint of pepper. Unfortunately the flaws in this wine become more apparent in the second glass. Rather a disappointment given David's positive review.

Update: Unfotunately I bought two of these, based on the review. But I can tell you that it was not just one bad bottle. This wine is a stinker.

Château Des Charmes Equuleus Paul Bosc Estate Vineyards 2010, Niagara Peninsula

I taste prunes, with a little Cabernet Franc buzz. Very smooth, with no flaws. It definitely grew on me.

Hartenberg Shiraz 2007, Wo Stellenbosch

Such a wonderful rich, fruitty bouquet. This must be what the wine was rated on. The taste led with an unexpected caramel flavor, which did not work for me. Over time other flaws became apparent. This does not reach the ninety level for me.