Blair WineLover

Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, Docg

With a smooth start, a slightly peppery mid taste, and a decent finish, this is what one might expect for fifty bucks, minus whatever we pay for the name. However, instead of growing on me, it picked up a little harshness by the third glass. Maybe the tannins got a little too dusty. Perhaps this one is best served to four or more people.

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.

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.

Polkura Syrah 2009, Marchigue, Colchagua Valley

This is a very pleasant, subtle syrah, well worth fifteen dollars. At $24, not so much. I don't think it has nearly the depth to rate a 92, and I did not notice much of a finish.

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.

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.

Marqués De Cáceres Gran Reserva 2004, Doca Rioja

Very smooth, with no flaws. So smooth I cannot pick out individual tastes. The only problem is that I could drink this all day. It seems that most of the good values these days are Spanish wines, properly aged at a decent price. Thirty bucks is a lot, but this is worth it.

Ontanon Gran Reserva 2001

There is a special taste in a well-aged wine that is hard to describe. The finish is amazing, and it get better with every taste. Even at this price, I intend to get a few more of these.