Blair WineLover

Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2010

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

Domaine Chanson Beaune Clos Des Marconnets 1er Cru 2009, Ac

Oh, yes. Creamy smooth from the first sip, with a slightly spicy long finish. I don't know what more ageing will do for it, though I did give it time in the carafe. I really enjoyed this one.

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.

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.

Lealtanza Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

Top note of fresh tobacco, the first taste is pepper followed by slightly sour cherry and hints of black current. The taste really grows, this is a wonderful wine.

Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah 2011, Casablanca Valley

Smooth, no flaws, it reminds me a bit of syrah from the south of France. Good value.

Pasquale Petrera Fatalone Primitivo 2006, Doc Gioia Del Colle

I have learned by now that when a a wine in the fifteen dollar range is rated a 91, it is too good to be true. It usually is not, but is worth the price, so there is not much to lose. This one has nice flavor, but a raw taste I would expect at this price.

But get it for the little tag on the bottle. The founder was called (translating from the Italian, rather than the English) the "irresistible conqueror of women," who lived to 98, having breakfast every morning with half a liter of Primitivo and half a liter of milk. Gotta love those Italians.

Rosewood Merlot Reserve 2010, Twenty Mile Bench

St. Emilion did not come to mind while tasting this wine, but it is very good. I will put the other two bottles I bought away for a few years and see if it improves.

Valdivieso Single Vineyard Old Vines Malbec 2009, Do Sagrada Familia, Valle De Curico

Fruit forward, plummy taste. Very nice slightly pepper or mineral finish. I cannot quite give it a ninety, it is not just not smooth enough.

Château Bizard Montagne De Raucoule 2010, Ac Grignan Les Adhemar

I tasted this straight from the bottle and found it a bit harsh. Then I followed the advice of Kathy and Jason below and gave it a few hours in the decanter. What a difference that made! The dominant taste is raspberry. Very nice. But be sure to decant it.