Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
Montes Cherub Rosé Syrah 2010, Colchagua Valley
Chile$14.95
Great value, was on sale for $12.95, picked up more. Deep cherry-electric-pink in the glass. Aromas are a nice weave of peppered strawberries, swiss chard leaves and cranberry. Those flavours are replayed on the palate with a bit of fructose like sweetness on the mid-palate but finish's crisp and dry. A bit of watermelon and cherry gum lingers on the finish. A plethora of dishes would suit, try piri piri chicken, fish tacos, jambalaya. Tasted Mar '12
2.5 Stars
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Solar Das Bouças Loureiro 2010, Doc Vinho Verde
Portugal$13.95
Deep straw colour laced with green throughout. A little spritz when first poured in the glass. Fairly mellow on the nose with some lemon, under-ripe pear and crushed rock. The palate is dry and has that characteristic vinho verde light sparkle on the tongue. Refreshing medium + acidity, with the lemon, green pear and apple flavours in the mouth. Very minerally, almost fossil like. Short finish, and nothing too complex but clean and crisp. Drink with grilled fish, olives or bruschetta. Tasted Oct '11
2.5 Stars
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Flat Rock Cellars Seriously Twisted 2008, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$22.95
Wow, very impressed with the way this has aged, and am glad I sat on this bottle for 3 years. This could hold another 3 years easy. Still has a green-straw tinge in the glass. Toasted sesame, key lime graham cracker crust, apple, mineral and a lovely hint of petrol on the nose. The palate shines as a seamless integration of creamy lees/oak with that steely sharp Bench acid. Med + body, rich and crisp at the same time. Tasted June '13
2.5 Stars
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Josef Drathen Riesling Sekt 2009, Deutscher Sekt B.A. Mosel, Wiltinger Scharzberg
Mosel, Germany$13.95
Very large bubbles, almost pearly in resemblance, not traditional method. Not much on the nose but very pleasant and easy drinking. Not very expressive of Mosel Riesling, which I was looking forward to, more just basic citrus and sparkling white wine. I love Mosel Riesling but this was not a great example. Enjoy with party snacks. Tasted July '11.
2.5 Stars
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Domaine Sabarda Côtes Du Rousillon 2009, Ac
Languedoc, France$11.90
Deep ruby with violet tinge. After decanting for 1 hr, a nice mix of blackberry, plum, black pepper, cocoa, dried thyme and slate emerge on the nose. The palate delivers med + body, firm tannin, juicy like acidity and a warm medium length finish. Blackberry, blueberry and plum flavours follow in the mouth along with dusty cocoa, dried herb and dark mineral. Grilled red meats like strip steaks or lamb chops, also gorgonzola pizza or pasta. Cellar till 2015. Tasted Aug '12.
2.5 Stars
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Casa Castillo Monastrell 2009, Do Jumilla
Murcia, Spain$14.95
Deep ruby with violet tinge in the glass. Dark aromas of roasted coffee, cocoa bean and sweet dark cherry. Mild spice notes of cinnamon and chai followed charred wood, tanned hide and raspberry. The palate is med + bodied on the attack but has a chewy finish with fruity ripe tannins. Mocha, ripe cherry and vanilla flavours round out the mouth. Very enjoyable and rich example of Monastrell. Choco-earthy balanced by ripe fruit flavours. Drink tonite with Lamb kebabs, fragrant stews or dark chocolate. Cellar till 2015. Tasted Oct '11
2.5 Stars
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Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2008, Doc
Abruzzo, Italy$15.95
Satisfying merge of old into new world style. Deep ruby with vibrant purple tones, the wines look shows that of slight richness and extract. Aromas of dried sour cherries, figs, plums, raspberry black tea, clove and cedar. Moderate juicy tannins, tart berry acidity, med plus body and cocoa dusted fruit on the finish. Enough stuff to drink through till 2017. Drink now with meat filled ravioli in tomato sauce.
2.5 Stars
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La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$15.95
Not very impressed. Smells exactly like my home made Niagara Cab Sauv (wood chips, added tannin). This wine smells a bit doctored and lacks on the palate. Some ripe cherry and almost salad dressing like VA aromas on the nose. Medium tannin, slightly fruity and a bit sour on the finish. A bit disappointed, was looking forward to a single vineyard Malbec. Tasted Feb 2012.
2.5 Stars
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La Griffe Bernard Chéreau Muscadet Sèvre & Maine 2010, Ac, Sur Lie
Loire, France$15.95
Refreshing, gulpable and screams for shellfish. Pale straw in the glass with a silver/green tinge. When first opened beautiful fruit on the nose reminiscent of Sancerre. Gooseberry, lemon-lime, white peach and pear. After being open for a couple of hrs, the fruit gives way to classic Muscadet; seabreeze, beach shells, wheat grass and crushed stome. The palate is dry, crisp but with a slight richness. Citrus, mineral and briney with quince on the finish. Enjoy with fresh shellfish raw or steamed. Tasted March '12
2.5 Stars
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Schloss Wachenheim Riesling Trocken Traditionelle Flaschengärung Sekt, Pfalz, Germany
Pfalz, Germany$10.75
Can't go wrong for $11 sparkling German Riesling from a large established house. The bubbles are not very fine but the mousse is soft. Easily blind tasted as a German Riesling with the telltale nose of honeyed apricot, rubber, slight petrol and pear. Drinks like a well made but entry level Pfalz showing slight waxy sweetness that softens the acids. Very high crushability factor. Bring on the Thai, Indian or serve to the guy who just finished a habanero eating contest. Tasted Aug '13.
2.5 Stars
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