Blair WineLover

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.

Alvaro Castro Red 2008, Doc Dão

I am learning the keywords in the reviews to identify wines that will not work for me. Evergreen and lavender apparently refer to a taste that I expect in a cheap wine. In my opinion, this seeming bargain is barely worth it's price.

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.

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.

Tawse Quarry Road Riesling 2011, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula

At first there was something I did entirely like about this wine. But I had a small glass of it every day, and I appreciated it more every time. By the last day it was amazing, hence the 92.

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.

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.

Monte Del Frá Bardolino 2011

David is right on. The main taste for me is cherries, and it is quite smooth with a decent finish. It starts well and grows with each glass. I can't quite give it a 90, but it is very good especially for the price. I will buy more of this one.

Domaine De L'aigle À Deux Têtes En Griffez Côtes Du Jura 2009, Ac

Very soft and subtle. You need to pay attention to appreciate it. But perfectly smooth, with no flaws.

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.