Blair WineLover

Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2010, Mendoza

The sour cherry taste reminds me of a syrah from the south of France. I would never guess this was a Malbec. Lots of flavour up front, but not much finish. I am not as enthusiastic as the other reviewers, but it is quite nice.

Coto De Imaz Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

I agree with the other reviewers about how silky smooth this wine is. However, the taste that I think David describes as "mature cedar" is one that I would prefer to be not there, so I cannot personally give a high rating. But this is a high quality wine, and those who like the cedar taste should love this wine.

Mapema Malbec 2009, Mendoza

Very rich and smooth, and stays that way to the third glass. I guess blackberry is the flavour; I am not so good at the fruits. Not a lot of complexity. But I like it. Decent value.

Château Des Moines 2009, Lalande De Pomerol

The other day I enjoyed one of my small stash of the 2008 vintage of this wine, which I love for its rich, interesting flavour. The 2009 is quite different, amazingly smooth and a bit more subdued. I have had $50 Brunello di Montalcino that was not this good. It is great now, so who knows how it will age. I intend to find out, I just ran out and bought a case. Can I say more?

Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007

Tobacco and spice with a pepper note. Very smooth, good value. It really benefits fom an hour in a carafe to reduce the initial manure bouquet and bring out the flavours.

Sister's Run Epiphany Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

The rich, intense taste hits you right from the start. But as is common for Australian Shiraz around this price point, it does not completely cover up the sharp edges. Shiraz lovers will score this higher than I do.

Heredad De Baroja Gran Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja

What a contrast with the Australian fruit bomb I had last night, which, by the way, was very good. Even the reviewers here do not have much to say about fruit. For me, this wine is all about feel. A silky smooth beginning, followed by a complex and slightly hot middle. Then a long but subtle finish.

I would not introduce my country cousin to wine with this, but I find this wine to be a pleasant adventure.

Katogi Averoff 2008, Metsovo

Smooth and complex, this is a very pleasant wine that for me does not quite reach the magic 90 score, but is an excellent value at the price.

Estate Hatzimichalis Chardonnay 2010

This did not work for me. It was neither subtle, nor golden buttery, but some mineral tasting in-between. And it declined over time, with a taste I cannot describe but do not like becoming more prominent. Canadian chardonnay is just as good for that price.

Loan Wines Special Reserve Semillon 2004, Unoaked, Barossa Valley, South Australia

What a disappointment. I was expecting something special with a 2004 wine rated 91. Instead, it tastes like it is long after its best before date. Maybe this bottle is off, because I sure do not recognize it from the reviews.