Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
Warre's Quinta Da Cavadinha Vintage Port 1996, Doc Douro
Portugal$49.95
A real treat. Decanting this wine was an experience in itself as the air filled with chocolate, date, caramel, and dark berry scents. The nose is extremely generous with evolving and layered aromas showing age, yet still a freshness. The mouth is rich, full, sweet, showing surprising tannin and acid freshness for a 17 yr old wine. Flavours run all spectrums from fresh red cherry to dark stewed plum. Massive lingering finish. This was the #Wineofthenight under a full moon, sitting around a bonfire with wine geeks. We inevitably got wasted. Watch out for dry cork. Bring on the bleu and chocolate
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Bellaria Assunto Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$36.95
Feb '11. Garnet with brick and orange to the meniscus. Some mineral and mild earth. Still quite closed after half hour, no fruit to be found. Very smooth with medium acid, built tannins and a medium+ finish. Again no fruit on the palate. A nice wine but nothing to alluring or remarkable. Hard salted cheese and cured meats will suit.
3.5 Stars
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Pierre Gaillard St. Joseph 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$22.15
Wonderfully constructed, very satisfying and great example of N. Rhone Syrah. Cured salami, white pepper, dark berries and sage bush on the nose. Full bodied, griping tannins, tart dark cherry with a savoury and juicy core. A big wine, could cellar till at least 2015. Try with braised lamb shank or fresh pasta with wild mushrooms and pecorino. Tasted Jan '12.
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Du Père Pape La Crau De Ma Mère Châteauneuf Du Pape 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$44.95
Deep ruby with soft brown on the edges. This wine is like a fresh blueberry exploding in front of your nose. Licorice root and root beer aromas followed by sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). Raisin and ripe strawberry's on the palate with a big hot finish laced with fig and dark cherry. Soft minimal tannins.
Lamb tagine or short ribs. Drink now till 2016.
Tasted April 11'
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Roux Père & Fils Les Chaumes Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru 2009, Ac
Burgundy, France$0.00
Pale straw colour from the subtle oaking. This is a well made Chardonnay. Notes of butter. pear and white flowers on the nose hint that the wine has elegance. Minerality comes at the front followed by smooth acidity with almond and apple in the finish. Great wine showing balance and purity. Serve with trout or Coq au Vin. Drink now to 2014.
Tasted April '11
3.5 Stars
(0)
Domaine Daniel Rion Les Lavières Nuits Saint Georges 2008, Ac
Burgundy, France$47.95
Light ruby with brilliant clarity. Immediate mild spices on the nose of soft black pepper and cardamon followed by waves of raspberry and cherry. This wine starts out very feminine and fruity but then it gets more interesting with smoked ham and clove rising from the glass. On the palate the wine is matched with fresh red berry fruit, tight, bright acidity. Lots of strawberry and then chervil. Very delicious, not a funky pinot by any means. Great with roast turkey, pork tenderloin. Drink now or hang on to for 5 years.
Tasted April 11'.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Veuve Ambal Grande Cuvée Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, A.C. Burgundy
Burgundy, France$24.50
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
The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2009, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$17.95
Deep and black like the chook in the glass, purple rim. Big fruity smoothie on the nose with enticing tangerine and carmelized orange peel. Violets and blackberry aromas are extremely fragrent, followed by roasted cocoa bean. Big, rich and full in the mouth with juicy tannins that leave a griping finish. Blackberry and dried black fruits with a citrussy orange acidity. The viognier adds a beautiful bouquet and citrus aspect, but the massive shiraz is still behind the wheel. Have some chocolate fudge or bison tartare. I'm sure aromatics and tannins will still be align in 2018. Tasted Sept '11
3.5 Stars
(0)V
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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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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