Michael Valaitis

Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Pinot Gris 2009, Ac Alsace Grand Cru

Beautiful golden-peach colour in the glass with slow, rich tears. Fresh fruit salad of pear, melon and peach on the nose with a hint of white flowers and spice. The palate is rich, full and off-dry but is balanced by nice acidity that makes it not overly sweet. The fruit flavours replay in the mouth with a touch of honey and a long juicy finish. This screams for food: spicy Asian dishes, Indian curry, blackened chicken or cheese plate after dinner. Tasted Mar '12

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.

Taurino Salice Salentino Riserva 2008, Dop

Jean Paul Brun Terres Dorées Côte De Brouilly 2010

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

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

Château La Prade 2009, Ac Bordeaux Côtes De Francs

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

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

Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino 2009

Love the funk and old world charm on the nose, screams of Italy. Still has enough fruit power to hold up the sturdy tannin and acidity. Lovely finish and length, you could still hold this well priced wine for at least 2 more years. I enjoyed on its own, but most Italian fare with red sauce or cured meats would work. Extra point on this wine for the value. Tasted Sept '13

François Villard L'appel Des Sereines Syrah 2010, Ac Vin De Pays Des Collines Rhodaniennes

Pure and correct expression of Syrah from the Rhone. Not big, nor jammy, nor Alcoholic this is a brilliant effort for a more restrained yet still wild and earthy wine. Bright ruby in the glass with a slight haze showing natural and unfiltered winemaking. The nose is spot on with white pepper, sausage, rosemary, liquorice and cherries. Medium plus body, ripe juicy tannin, bright acid and a wonderful finish that harmonizes fruit and wild earth. With 12.7 alc, this Syrah is true to old world style and sings of terroir. Duck breast or leg would suit. Drink now till 2016. Tasted Sept '13

Lionel Osmin & Cie Cami Salié 2010, Ac Jurançon Sec

Fantastic find, very satisfying. Medium straw colour in the glass with evident viscosity. The nose is generous with ripe citrus - mandarin orange, clementine and sweet grapefruit. The palate provides instant pleasure of rich ripe fruit, mouth filling texture and integrated acidity that leaves a long welcome finish from this full bodied but not heavy white. A marked minerality leaves a great impression on the tongue. Gorgeous stuff. Blend of Petit and Gros Manseng. Grilled salmon with tropical fruit salsa or chicken stirfry's easy on the soya. Drink over next 2 years. Tasted Oct '13.