Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
Bricchi Astigiani Bricco Del Perg Barbera D'asti Superiore 2008, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$14.25
A very fresh, crisp and vibrant Barbera. Bright ruby in the glass. Wonderful nose of deep red flowers, even violets. sweet tobacco. bright red fruit, toasted cherry, raspberry and cranberry. Spice aromas of leather and clove will evolve as the wine opens. Still young and tight on the palate with high acidity and med + tannin, but vibrant and juicy. Many of the red berry flavours are replayed on the finish. Best drinking 2013 -2016. Drink now with cured meats and olives or poultry stewed in tomato sauce. Tasted March '12
2.5 Stars
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San José De Aguarón Monasterio De Las Viñas Reserva 2005, Do Cariñena
Aragón, Spain$14.95
Nice aged ruby colour. Cedar and cherry on the nose. Some cinnamon, cherry and soil on the palate. Nicely balanced for a $13 wine. Little bit dry on the finish, but all around enjoyable.Goes with the usual suspects. sausage pasta, bbq chicken, lightly smoked calfs tongue drizzled with Heinz.
2.0 Stars
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Angels Gate Gamay Noir 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$13.95
Nice light ruby colour in the glass. Raspberry, cherry and a hint of clove on the nose. Lots of juicy aromas get the saliva going. Ripe strawberry, gooseberry and mild spices on the palate. Low tannins at the front, but has a finish that hints to oak and spice. A solid Ont. Gamay, vibrant acidity, great for light lunches, patio sippin, anyone who is doesn't like dry tannic reds. I think the fruit and acidity are worth a shot with Foie gras, duck confit pate, roast vegetable pasta, and non-spicy chacuterie. Feb '11
2.0 Stars
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Rosedale Chook Shed Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Australia$13.95
Deep purple to tar like in the glass. Fruity, raspberry licorice, white chocolate iced coffee on the nose. Big juicy, pruney, juicy licorice, juicy purple drink, juicy BIG Turk chocolate bar, then some Auz juicy shiraz type juicy flavours. Did I mention this wine is juicy, not Rioja juicy but 2 cans of water instead of 3 for the welches concentrate juicy. Very gulpable and easy to down. Big time crowd pleaser, for those times when you don't want to have to think about it. Drink with bbq sauce lathered meats, Duncan Hines Choco cake or chocolate fondue fountain. Tasted April '11
2.0 Stars
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Marchesi Di Barolo Langhe Rosso 2009, Doc
Piedmont, Italy$14.75
Easy drinking,fairly soft and approachable for young Nebbiolo. Bright medium ruby colour in the glass. Floral and fruity aromas of roses, strawberries, raspberry tea and cherry kool-aid. Dry with medium fruity tannins and juicy acidity. The red berry flavours return on the palate with a touch of clove and cinnamon. Fairly gulpable and not overly complex. Cured meats, tomato and mushroom pizza will pair. Drink till 2014. Tasted March '12.
2.0 Stars
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Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2010, Columbia Valley
Washington, Usa$17.95
Fairly straight forward, expected style of west coast US Merlot. Satisfies for the fruity, oaky, easy drinking yet works with red meat Merlot stereotype. The nose is classic dark cherry, blueberry, vanilla, mocha delights. The palate tries to push full body, soft acid, soft tannin. A juicy, soft, medium finish. Drink over next 2 years. Tasted Dec 13'
2.0 Stars
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Mommessin Beaujolais Nouveau 2012, Burgundy
Burgundy, France$9.95
Nice little bistro wine to go with your panini or just a noche of salami and cheese. The wine shows typicity of Gamay and carbonic maceration. Cherry gum hits first on the nose followed by the white pepper and green stem of the grape. The palate shows austere tannin and high acid that begs for meat and cheese. I think the tannin and stelvin will keep this nouveau till end of 2013. Tasted Dec/12
2.0 Stars
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Leza García Gran Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja
Spain$27.95
Great lesson in ten yr old Rioja. This wine is aging well and still has some time left in it. One can tell that the once bright ruby colour has now faded into garnet. The classic Rioja notes of American Oak waft from the glass with dill, vanilla and caramelized wood. The palate is med + body with still very gripping tannins and a soft finish. Dried cherries and earthy flavours in the wine will work nice with seasoned beef and tomato based dishes. Tasted Nov '11
1.5 Stars
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Château De Gourgazaud Cuvée Mathilde 2008, Ac Minervois
Languedoc, France$14.95
First bottle last night was corked, so took it back and drinking the new one now. Much better. Nice deep colour from syrah. Cherry licorice and some violet on nose. Some peat, and minerality on palate. Juicy berry finish, nice tannin, good weight to it but easy to drink. Great value satisfying wine. Midi seems to have that great value, similar varietals to S. Rhone. I would love to try the B.F. Viognier from this producer.
0.5 Stars
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