Holly Bruns
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Reviews (155)
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An accredited Sommelier, Holly's reviews are both informed and accessible. She writes about the wines she likes with a focus on the affordable.
Reviews
Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz
Australia$17.80
Fruity and light, this is the best sparkling Shiraz I've had in a while. Strawberries, cherries and pepper on the nose with an subtle, earthy undertone give way to a fizzy, balanced finish of more vibrant fruit and sweet spices.
3.0 Stars
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La Vieille Ferme Côtes Du Luberon 2010, Rhône Valley
Rhône, France$10.95
An interesting blenc of Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, the Italian Vermentino and Ugni Blanc. With a little oak fermentation it all comes together nicely. Apricot, unripe pineapple, red apple and a bit of smoke on the nose with a smooth texture and a hint of buttery, nutmeg, apple pie on the palate. There's a touch of balancing acidity to keep everything in check. For the price this is a great deal.
3.0 Stars
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Quinta Da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2010
Portugal$10.95
Some nice aromas in this glass with citrus, pear, ginger and a hint of floral; crisp and refreshing on the palate this wine would be a great match for the table.
3.0 Stars
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Inniskillin Varietal Series Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Clear, and vibrant red in the glass with sour cherry, blackberry, earth, and a little tobacco on the nose; crisp and tart on the palate with a juicy finish; good with food.
3.0 Stars
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Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Alexander Valley
California, Usa$23.95
This is a big, lush bottle of Cabernet for the indulger in you. It's from the Alexander Valley in northern California. Like a wine that's seen a lot of sunshine, this is dark and pruny and full. The fruit gets rounded out with some chocolate, spice and a little earth on the nose. The tannins are mellow and the finish has a hint of sweetness.
3.0 Stars
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Totus Tuus Reserva Cava, Méthode Traditionnelle, Do Penedès
Penedès, Spain$15.25
Aside from some typical biscuit and earthiness there is a little apple and pear on the nose alongside a backbone of minerality. It's crisp with a tart, citrus finish and an active mousse.
3.0 Stars
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Sabor Real Viñas Centenarias Tempranillo 2007, Do Toro
Castilla y León, Spain$15.95
In the glass this is a very dark and very aromatic wine. I was smelling it before I got it to my nose. There's a rich earthiness with vanilla, smoke, tobacco and lots of ripe, dark fruit and black liquorice. The long mouth-coating finish is big with all the fruit and liquorice, and for another high alcohol wine, it is very smooth.
3.0 Stars
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Casas Del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Casablanca Valley
Casablanca Valley, Chile$13.95
Everything I love about Sauvignon Blanc is in that bottle. There's something 'green' about it with sharp citrus aromas and a grassy, asparagusness. Crisp, but not so-so light on the palate, with a long, juicy finish, this is a little more like a New Zealand version of the grape, than a French version. Distinctive and a little pungent.
3.0 Stars
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Ulisse Unico Pecorino 2010, Igt Terre Di Chieti
Abruzzo, Italy$17.95
This is indeed a tart wine, balanced by a round texture on the palate. Green apple with bitter lime, almonds and a deeper backbone of cantaloupe on the nose is backed up by mineral and citrus flavours. If you want to try something different, this is a fun glass of wine.
3.0 Stars
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Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Quite nice in the glass: earthy, pale and light, with lots of vibrant red cherry, mineral, and something minty. The aromas give way to a richer sensation of liquorice and darker berries. There's an acidic bite to it, but so nicely balanced with lots of fruit and very little tannin that it ends in a long, almost smooth finish. Lovely. The real pleasure of this wine is the balance it strikes between delicate and plush.
3.0 Stars
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