Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
Domaine Des Richards Muscat Beaumes De Venise 2010, Vin Doux Naturel, France, Rhone (500ml)
Rhône, France$16.95
Gorgeous. This sweetie will get all the girlies tingly in their sweet spots. Pale in the glass with thick legs, the aroma is what will moisten your loins. Fuzzy peach slices, fresh grape puree, apricot flesh and all that other sexy stuff. Just sweet enough with the acidity and higher alcohol to keep it serious. The palate replays the aroma with peach, grape and a long and luscious finish. At this price drink one on the first date and again on your 10 yr anniversary. Tasted Mar '12.
3.5 Stars
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Versado Malbec 2010, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$25.95
A fine Malbec that delivers more of a high altitude grace and structure over the usual jam bombs. Sturdy and ripe tannins, earthy acidity hold a long frame while blue and black dried fruits escalate to a tarry and dark chocolatey finish. A well made effort that needs time to soften its edges or requires pure carne to gnaw with. Drink till 2018. Tasted Aug '13
3.5 Stars
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Château La Prade 2009, Ac Bordeaux Côtes De Francs
Bordeaux, France$24.85
Deep ruby with a purple tinge showing its still present youth and ripeness. The wine displays an overall earthy and masculine facade but there is fruit concentration holding up the frame. The nose offers graphite mineral, slate, purple flowers and black currants in a stone mortar, coffee bean and burnt herbs. The palate has firm, filling tannins that require age/oxygen and medium plus power of fruit concentration and length. Quite satisfying but will improve over the next couple of years as the berry notes catch up to the tannin and earth. Drink after 2014. Tasted Oct ' 13
3.5 Stars
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Burrowing Owl Estate Chardonnay 2008, VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$34.95
Feb 11'. Yummy times, full and classy. Green apple sauteed in butter on the nose, hints of soft oak and dried orange. Some toast, white peach and mild citrus. Very well balanced, not too much oak, medium+ finish. Would have gave it a 90 but found the aroma fell off after a bit. Fantastic wine, haven't had anything I didn't like from this producer. Nut crusted trout, or pear and brie pizza.
3.5 Stars
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Jean Pierre & Alexandre Ellevin Vaucoupin Chablis 1er Cru 2009, Ac
Burgundy, France$26.95
A wonderful wine. For those that don't like Chardonnay, try this wine, if you don't like it then get bent because you don't like good wine. Classic Chablis aromas of lime Flintstone vitamins, apple, chalk, sesame, hay and river rocks. Juicy citrus acidity that is perfectly balanced by a silky richness and round mouthfeel that is elegant and sexy. Key-lime, pear and crushed stone salad flavours linger with a white flower and honeyed leaves on the finish. Drinking gorgeous now, will benefit from decanting. White fish with buerre blanc or shellfish in cream sc to pair. Will cellar till 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Jean Paul Brun Terres Dorées Côte De Brouilly 2010
Beaujolais, France$18.95
Gorgeous, fresh and vivid wine. JP Brun is a consistent, natural winemaker that only produces wines that reflect the earth in which they are grown. Bright violet in the glass the wine offers instant aromas of raspberry, strawberry, rosemary, orange rind and cardomon pods. Red and blue berries, dusty earth, white pepper and clove are found on the palate. Light, soft tannins, juicy, refreshing acidity wrap this wine into a med minus body with med length. Choucouterie and pickled veg are the match, or smoked ham sammies. Drink till 2014. Tasted Aug '12
3.5 Stars
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Les Vignoles Terroirs Et Lieu Dieu De Loire Saumur Champigny 2009, Ac, Cabernet Franc
Loire, France$15.95
Really juicy Cab Franc with tons of raspberry on the nose and palate. Mild peppercorn and greeness add some spice to this classic and elegant Saumur. A perfect bistro wine as it is very crushable for a red and the earth to fruit balance will allow it to pair with endless vegetable and meat dishes. Lovely finesse for the price and definite bottle to purchase again. Drink over next 12-18 months. Tasted Sept '12
3.5 Stars
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Veuve Ambal Grande Cuvée Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C. Burgundy
Burgundy, France$22.75
Beautiful bubbles, beautiful vivre in the glass, pale straw colour. Huge aromas of maraschino cherry, sweet dough, orange rind, apple and cashew. Cherry liqour, lime cordial, and biscuit flavours on the palate. Orange cream and nectarine on the finsih. Med + body sparkler with great aromas and mouth feel. Fresh with noticeable weight. Enjoy with crepes stuffed with lake trrout or apple & brie flatbread. Tasted Aug '11
3.5 Stars
(1000+)G+(18)O
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2011, Clare Valley, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$25.95
Bone dry Aussie style from vineyard with higher altitude. Well made, balanced. A bit closed on the nose, this white will benefit from age or decanting. A slight reduction gives way to lemon, lime, grapefruit and white chalk. The palate is searing dry, crisp, square edged with citrus cuts. White grapefruit pit and chalk on the long finish. Pair with oysters, sashimi. Best from 2015-2020. Tasted Nov '13.
3.5 Stars
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New Harbor Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, New Zealand$15.45
This review if for the 2013 New Harbor Sauvignon Blanc. $16.50 offsale price in Sask. Good value in this no-mistaking for anything but Marlborough Savy white. Very in yo face green aromas of poached asparagus, peas, basil, pepe du chat, and papaya. Little stinky when first opened so let it waft off. Great crisp mouthfeel, almost a bit sweet on attack then finish's with juicy acid to clean up and keep yo mouth watering for some more. Not the most complex or focused but it fits the bill and gets points for value. Drink young. Tasted Feb '14.
3.5 Stars
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