Michael Valaitis

Domaine Des Richards Muscat Beaumes De Venise 2010, Vin Doux Naturel, France, Rhone (500ml)

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.

Taurino Salice Salentino Riserva 2008, Dop

Burrowing Owl Estate Chardonnay 2008, VQA Okanagan Valley

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.

Versado Malbec 2010, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza

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

Warre's Quinta Da Cavadinha Vintage Port 1996, Doc Douro

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

Jean Pierre & Alexandre Ellevin Vaucoupin Chablis 1er Cru 2009, Ac

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.

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2011, Clare Valley, South Australia

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.

Bellaria Assunto Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, Docg

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.

Pierre Gaillard St. Joseph 2007, Ac

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.

Les Vignoles Terroirs Et Lieu Dieu De Loire Saumur Champigny 2009, Ac, Cabernet Franc

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