Blair WineLover

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.

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.

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.

Jean Marie Arnoux Vieux Clocher Vacqueyras 2009, Ac

Was there something wrong with my bottle? There was not much flavour at all, and no length. Just a slightly off taste that I doubt would improve with aging. Maybe you will have better luck, but I have to rate it as I taste it.

Aliança Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos 2008

I agree with Paul Forget, but rate it higher. Very smooth and pleasant tasting, moderately complex with a decent finish, I just ran out and bought four more.

Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

All these great reviews, but it just does not work for me at all. All I taste is the harshness of the oak, so I cannot get to the other attributes it is supposed to have. What a disappointment.

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.

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.