Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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Château Bellevue La Forêt Rosé 2012, Ac Fronton
Southwest, France$14.95
Great value, well made, structurally complete rose that shows grape typicity and terroir. Beautiful salmon pink with an orangey tint. Intense earthy aromas of white pepper, bell pepper and even fresh cow pie (but in a good way-you know what I mean) and then waves of strawberry and tangerine. The palate is citrusy dry, crisp but has good body and great acid that cleans up the rich red fruit and alcohol on the finish. Complex and clean, pleasure to drink. The earthy spice notes make it very food versatile. Buy it up and drink now. Tasted June '13
2.5 Stars
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Waterbrook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Columbia Valley
Washington, Usa$19.95
A standard WA Cab Sauv that would satisfy most, though nothing to write home about. Nose of cassis, slight menthol, and cherry cola. Med + body, ripe tannin, low acid and just enough extract. Red and black currant, vanilla and some chocolate on the finish, though I find the middle to be a little hallow. The wine shows classic varietal typicity, but maybe lacks in sense of origin. Suits for the backyard BBQ. Drink over next 3 years. Tasted Sept '13.
2.5 Stars
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Domaine De La Gitonnière Touraine 2011, Ac
Loire, France$13.95
Textbook Loire Sauvignon showing simple, pure expression of the grape and terroir. Light straw with silver green tinge in the glass. Classic aroma of gooseberry, green bean, lime and mineral. Bone dry, medium body, refreshing crisp acid with ripe fruit on the pleasing finish. Very crushable, especially in the sun, especially with goats cheese and basil on toast. Great value, make it a house wine. Drink now. Tasted Sept '13
2.5 Stars
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Gray Monk Unwooded Chardonnay 2012, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$19.95
$22.95 in Sask with the ever-so courteous 30% mark up the SLGA loves to impose. I would've given extra mark for value if was in the under $20 category where unoaked Chards should be. Very ripe and fruity on the nose; melon, pear, peach and white flowers. The palate is solid with juicy, crisp, citrusy acid balanced with rich fruit on a medium finish. Overall a medium-plus body, easy drinking, refreshing yet stands up to steelhead trout. Great Chard to bring back the ABC crowd. Drink over next couple years. Tasted Xmas '13.
2.5 Stars
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Ruffino Chianti 2008, Tuscany
Italy$14.95
Just tried the 09. Very light ruby colour. Some cherry and floral on nose. Light to med body, similar weight to a pinot. Some cherry and raspberry flavours, soft short finish but is balanced. Very easy drinking, anyone who doesn't like reds, this is a good place to start. Drink in the afternoon with some nuts, fresh fruit and simple cheese.
2.5 Stars
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Pillitteri Exclamation Reserve Cabernet Franc 2007, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$35.00
Drinking very well now - as most reserve Niagara 07's are. Medium ruby with softening edges in the glass. Nose speaks of Niagara Cab Franc with oak, spicy currant, cherry and thyme. The palate has softened nicely, medium plus body, still some fresh acid but with the oak dominating the finish. Drink over the next 2 years. Tasted Sept '13
2.5 Stars
Antech Grande Réserve Brut Blanquette De Limoux 2008, Ac, Midi, France
Languedoc, France$16.95
Good times, this wine made for a pleasant Tues night. First wine I've had from Limoux, great value sparkler. Interesting on the nose, not just yeast and toast, I got more caramel, butter and peach. Nice bubbles, not the most delicate but overall smooth mousse, and big full mouthfeel. Caramelized red apple and lightly toasted raisin bread on attack. Would buy again for sure.
2.5 Stars
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Château Lafleur De Haute Serre 2008, Ac Cahors, 2nd Wine Of Château Haute Serre
Southwest, France$15.15
Beautiful Cahors that is an absolute bargain. Nice bridge between old world and new. Deep purple hued in the glass. Aromas of dates, prune,plum and chai spice. Elegant and sturdy, this wine has layers of fine ripe tannins, lively on attack and soft on the finish. Dry blackfruits replay on the palate with a nice tingle of slate like minerality. the addition of Merlot works well rounding out the Malbec, BBQ red meats or barley risotto with black truffle, Tasted Mar '12
2.5 Stars
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Parusso Piani Noce Dolcetto D'alba 2009, Doc
Piedmont, Italy$16.95
Everything is aligned in this Dolcetto. It's tart, but very fine and firm tannins line up beautifully with the acid and red berry fruit. Lighter in body but big on impression and finish, this well structured and tight wine is not abundantly layered but does evolve in the glass and palate. Shellfish and tomato sauce risotto or dark meat poultry with wild mushrooms would suit. Drink now till 2014, tasted Jan '12.
2.5 Stars
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