Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Roussanne 2010, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$12.75
Big, heady with ripe extract coating the tongue and a long warm finish. Not much going on aromatically at first, but as the incomparable Mr. Keaschuk points out an hour opening up in the glass reveals some waxy stone fruit. Enough acid and touch of tannin give a solid frame. This wine should be enjoyed with food. My pan seared pickerel with pine nut butter sauce worked for me, but dark meat bird would also suit. Drink over next 2 years. Tasted Feb '13.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Mâcon Uchizy 2010
Burgundy, France$16.95
A pleasant Chard from Burgundy's value-village. Light gold hues in the glass, the nose is mild, maybe a bit closed at this point. Lemony almond with a slight mineral studded green apple on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with high, almost austere acid that tightens the cheeks. After a couple hours of opening up, it does slightly round out with some butterscotch but the oak is barely detectable. A leaner chard that needs greasy dark meat birds or mushroom cream sauces. Drink over next 2 yrs. Taste Jan '13
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Selvanova Vigna Antica Aglianico 2009, Igp Terre Del Volturno
Campania, Italy$15.95
Fairly complex and super interesting, not for the Yellow Tail or "Cali Cab" crowd. This wine needs time to open up, and man does the aromas ever change. Stewed tomato, tin, volcanic soil, pine, clove, rosemary, raspberry are just a few aromas that morph from the glass. If you're not a fan of radicchio or black coffee then stay away, as this wine is super astringent, high acid, med+ tannin and a long bitter finish. I really enjoy this Aglianico for its layers, complexity and expression of terroir. Needs fatty meats or cheese, will hold to 2018. Tasted Mar '13.
3.0 Stars
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Fairhall Downs 'single Vineyard' Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Southern Valleys, Marlborough
Marlborough, New Zealand$14.75
Textbook Marlborough Savvy. Grass, jalepeno, passion fruit, green bean, grape fruit, the list could go on with the aromas and flavour replays on the palate. Crisp, dry, fruity and fresh with great acid and a herbal citrus finish. Goes down so easy. Enjoy with the usual savvy pairings - seafood, green veg, chèvre. Tasted April '13
3.0 Stars
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Salwey Dry Pinot Noir 2010, Qba Baden
Baden, Germany$16.75
A very solid effort in this well defined Pinot. An extra point for value, as we know its hard to find well made Pinots under $20. Subtle campfire, forest floor, cherry and clove on the nose. The palate is surprisingly full and weighty and speaks more of the warmer climate of Baden. Evident but soft tannin, vibrant acid and a kirsch like finish make this a sipper on its own but would dance well with duck breast. Drink over next 2 years. Tasted Sept '13
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Viallet Nouhant 2009, Ac Haut Médoc, Cru Artisan
Bordeaux, France$21.95
A tight package with broad shoulders and clear Bordeaux definition displaying a warm, ripe vintage. Deep ruby with violet shades and certain opaqueness. Evolving nose that morphs with air. Forest floor, black mushroom, leather, pencil lead, cedar and mocha opens from the glass. The palate is young, full of tannin, fruit extract and oak that need time to harmonize. Satisfy's now if your looking for chewy, funky, ripe your face Bordeaux. Drinks above the price. Hold till 2015 then drink till 2020. Tasted Sept '13
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Casablanca/Rapel/Limarí Valleys
Casablanca Valley, Chile$14.95
The 2012 sees the 3rd Valley as San Antonio not Limari. Great buy, classic Savvy, stand up to $20 Marlborough's with a clean fruity style. Not overtly grassy or herbaceous, but lots of citrus- lime, grapefruit, gooseberry, green apple. Piercing dry acid with ripe fruit extract down the middle. Easy going and crowd pleasing, make it a regular summer sipper. Grilled seafood for the pairing. Drink young. Tasted June '13.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes Du Rhône 2011
Rhône, France$16.95
This entry level wine from one of my fav vignerons is a far cry from Chapoutier single appellation offerings from the N. Rhone. The wine is pleasant, clean and with food is easy to drink. Not finding much on offer on the nose, some red cherry, oak and pepper. The palate is medium body, tight tannins, medium acidity and warm alcohol on finish. Some green flavours and plum are evident before a short finish. If tasted blind this could be anything - Chianti, Bordeaux, Chinon. As I said, the wine is fine, I was just expecting more from this producer. Drink over next 3 yrs. Tasted Nov '13.
3.0 Stars
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Fattoria Le Fonti Chianti Classico 2010, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$19.95
This wine is young and needs time to come around. Not very expressive at this point, at least of Chianti. Very Oaky on the nose, the wine smells of new oak, cherry, cassis and more cedar. The palate is tightly wound, medium plus body, grippy youthful tannin and underlying acid. Cherry and menthol longer on the finish alongside the chewy tannin. Decant for hours and grab a veal chop or hold till 2015. Tasted Sept '13
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Bernard Massard Cuvée De L'écusson Brut Sparkling, Traditional Method
Luxembourg, World$17.75
Good quality, great value traditional sparkler. Pleasant and fruity aromatics of baked lemon pie, yellow apple and pear. Steady, consistent and fine mousse persist on the glass with a light straw and green tinge. The palate is lively, crisp but with a slight fruity sweetness that relays the apple and pear notes. Pair with sushi, light tapas. Drink now. Tasted Oct '13
3.0 Stars
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