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
Gypsy White 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$6.75
A blend of Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, this happy white wine is very aromatic with floral, grass, peach, quince, and lime all mingling about in the glass. A fine balance between body and acidity makes it a nice sipping wine, and it finishes very pleasantly with some lime and quince on the palate.
3.0 Stars
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Emeri Sparkling Pinot Grigio, Riverina
Australia$7.95
I quite liked this inexpensive sparkler. Floral and lemony on the nose, there's a nice balance on the palate between the crisp grapefruit and honey-like finish.
3.0 Stars
(0)A
Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$21.95
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
(239)V
Peninsula Ridge Beal Vineyards Cabernet Rosé 2010, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$11.95
A rather intense version of pink with candied violets, cherry, grapefruit and ripe pear on the nose. Full and verging on the smooth side of things with a mild bitterness on the finish.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
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
(0)G
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
(0)G
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
(0)G
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
(0)V
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
(0)V
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
(0)V