Blair WineLover

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2010

It just did not work for me. Maybe I should have waited like the reviewers suggested.

Luca Malbec 2009, Uco Valley, Mendoza

Nice fruity flavor. Really smooth, with no flaws anywhere. Starts well, and improves with each taste. I am on my third glass now, and the chocolate taste keeps building. I started at 90, but am now bumping it up to 91, and intend to buy it again.

Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mclaren Vale

Ripe aromatic berry fruits and rich dark chocolate are the top notes in this complex wine. Under that oak and a hint of spice.

Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Carmenère 2008, Peumo Vineyard

Unbelievably smooth and flawless from start to finish. It did not show much complexity. This is ideal to serve to non-wine-savvy guests, and very pleasant at any time.

Domaine Du Grand Montmirail Vacqueyras 2009, Ac

At first it tasted like a rather ordinary Rhone, but either it grew on me, or else more time in the carafe helped. Maybe it really does need more time to be fully integrated.