Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough
New Zealand$18.95
Mar '11. Pale straw in the glass. Lemon-grass, honeyew, savoury, usual S.Blanc nose. Lime, grapefruit, even mild artichoke in the mouth. The usual big acidity from Oyster Bay, but more of a tart to drying finish. I have found previous vintages to show better with more of the gooseberry or fruit.
California Rolls, Linguine with lemon and clams, rice crackers with dill goats cheese. The price has really come down in years, I remember paying $22 for it.
3.5 Stars
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Graham Beck Brut Sparkling, Sustainable, Traditional Method, Wo Western Cape, South Africa
Western Cape, South Africa$24.95
Always a solid effort from a consistent producer. Great value. The slightest peach tinge in the glass, the bubbles are fine and slightly agressive when first opened, then fade after 10 min. The nose is cherry, citrus, slight earth and yeast. The palate is crisp, tart, but had balancing fruit sweetness on the finish. Like any good sparkler, the bottle disappeared quick. Enjoy with medium-close friends or celebrate getting off work early on Tuesday. Tasted Aug '13.
3.5 Stars
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First Drop Half & Half Shiraz/Monastrell 2010, Barossa, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$16.25
Ripe, fruity, soft and easy going. This wine has all the hallmarks of a clean, warm Barossa red with the Monastrell cutting through any over the top richness from the Shiraz. Barossa Shiraz on the nose with rich strawberry, white pepper, violets and orange. The palate is med + body, low acid and almost no tannin. Pleasant and easy to drink, but I don't think it has the structure for long term aging. Drink till 2015. Tasted Mar '13
3.5 Stars
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Mas Des Bressades Cabernet/Syrah 2008, Vins De Pays Du Gard
Languedoc, France$19.95
This is a big, rich, full bodied red wine. Great value, buy one btl for your big chewy red wine craving, and one for 2015. Deep ruby in the glass with violet hues and purple tinge. Massive aromas of leather, spiced oak, cigar box and dried black berries. Smells keep rising from the glass like stems of oregano and rosemary bound with peppercorn and nutmeg. The wine is powerful in the mouth with tannins that grab molars and stain lips. Flavours and textures of bitter chocolate with prune and licorice. Food pairings are lamb, goat or venison chops with juniper demiglace. Tasted Oct '11
3.5 Stars
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Ribera Del Duero Crianza Pesquera 2009
Ribera Del Duero, Spain$26.95
A rich, dark, brooding bottle of Tempranillo. The Ribera's examples are always fuller and darker than their counterparts from Rioja. Deep ruby, thick, almost black in the glass. Aromas of dried red and black fruits, roasted cocoa, moist clay, thyme and vanilla. Rich, full bodied with lots of extract and almost oxidative character. The tannins are there, but surprisingly soft and ripe, with mild acidity. The spicy sausage pizza I had stood up well but roast lamb would suit. Drink through 2019. Tasted Mar '13
3.5 Stars
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Thelema Shiraz 2006, Wo Stellenbosch
South Africa$19.95
Decant this big boy for a couple of hrs or open night before. Deep ruby in the glass with violet streaks. The nose is extremely animal here. Brett, leather, sausage, toasty oak, mocha and licorice dominate. Aromas of violets, dried blueberry, dark cherry and fig come through after hrs of decanting. The palate is dry, full bodied, gripping tannins and balanced with acidity. All those funky aromas replay in the mouth with fruit and creamy-vanilla flavours on the finish. This wine is wild yet refined. Try with venison stew or coffee-chocolate cheesecake. Will hold till 2014. Tasted Nov '11
3.5 Stars
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Cono Sur Vision Single Vineyard Riesling 2010, Quiltramán, Bío Bío Valley
Chile$12.90
Straw colour, deep for a young wine. Immediate tropical, fruity aromas but the classic crushed rock aromas of Riesling. Banana and white peach, apricot and apple on the nose.Citrus, pear, mango and slight minerality flavours with a good ripe mouthfeel. Med bodied, great example of a warm climate Riesling, excellent valure, will buy againg. Enjoyed with crispy skinned Perch with lemon butter. Tasted Aug '11
3.5 Stars
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Thatched Hut Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, South Island
New Zealand$23.95
Juicy, wonderful and very lively Pinot. Very bright and light ruby colour in the glass. After several hours of opening, the wine reveals fresh spritz of orange zest, cinnamon, clove, roses and heaps of cranberry and red currant fruit. Light and elegant on the attack but finishes with a velvety creaminess and usual Otago warmth of alcohol. Tons of acidity, this Pinot is so fresh and gulpable. The citrus and spice come through on the palate with a tiny bit of milk chocolate. Turkey breast w/ herb n dried cherry stuffing would suit. Drink now till 2014. Tasted Dec '11
3.5 Stars
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Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2010, Barossa, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$21.95
Do yourself a favour and decant this wine, like you should with any young screwcap Shiraz. Deep and vibrant purple in the glass. Jammy dark berry, clove, toasted cedar and peppered blueberries on the nose. Full bodied, jammy with ripe tannin and just enough tart berry to balance the richness. Chocolate, tar and blue licorice on the finish. Any type of tender grilled carne slathered in BBQ sc will pair. Drink till 2018. Tasted May '13
3.5 Stars
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Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition 2009, Ac Costières De Nîmes
Rhône, France$16.95
Good value. A nice gateway Rhone for your friends that mostly drink Malbec, Zins and other fruitcake wine. Deep ruby colour. Aromas are medium plus intensity displaying dried fruit like prune and dates, black licorice and baking spice. Not much meat or garrigue which you might expect from Syrah from Nimes. The palate is plush and soft and replays ripe, even dried black fruits. A bit lacking in acid and tannin, not much grip on the finish. Drink over the next year or so. Tasted Jan '14.
3.5 Stars
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