Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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Closson Chase Chardonnay Sans Chene VQA 2009
Ontario, Canada$25.20
09 VQA PEC, Sans Chene
This wine is fantastic. Straw colour in the glass with almost a silver lining. Notes of yellow apple, sesame and nectarine on the nose. Mineral and savoury aromas come out as well like brown rice, In the mouth the wine has a roundness and almost full creamy texture balanced by great acidity and freshness. Apple, mineral and earth and honeydew melon flavours mingle on the palate.
This delicious and interesting chardonnay would stand up to crusted Halibut, steelhead trout or pork roast. Drink 2011-14.
3.5 Stars
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La Maison Du Crémant Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Ac, Burgundy, France
Burgundy, France$17.95
Lots of activity in the glass, with energetic tiny bubbles. Fairly mild on the nose, not too much jumping out of the glass. Some lemony and mild toasty aromas. Very fresh and clean on the palate. I'm not sure what the blend % is, but I would guess Pinot is in the lead because of the cherry and slightly earthy tones on the finish. Great sparkler for the value, nothing too complex but nice clean flavours and texture. Would be great with Tobiko topped sushi rolls. Tasted Sept '11
3.5 Stars
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Hardys Bankside Shiraz 2008, South Australia
Australia$14.65
Velvet maroon and purple-ruby colour in the glass. Notes of blackberry, healthy damp soil, tar, and dark cherry licorice hit the nose. Full in the mouth at first with a savoury fruity minced meat pie, Fruit at first then earthy tar like flavours with a herby jammy finish. Not a fruit bomby vanilla joint like others in the same category, this wine has some sense of place. Smooth and satisfying. Of course the 14.5% will knock you over, but pair with bbq saucy ribs or lamb with mint pesto. Tasted April '11
3.5 Stars
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Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Doc
Veneto, Italy$50.95
Massive, massive wine. Approach this as you would a port. Deep, black and viscous in the glass. The nose opens up to a range of stewed dark berry, prune, date, chocolate and liquorice. A bit lacking in that old skool Italian funk that I was hoping for, the aromas are all quite clean. The mouth tells of rich, dried grape liqueur, dates and chocolate. Dark, bitter chocolate and roasted nuts must be on hand for this brooding wine. No sign of fading in the next for the next 5 years. Tasted Oct 13'.
3.5 Stars
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Closson Chase South Clos Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.95
This toasty, buttery Chardonnay is warming me up nicely on a -30 winters night on the prairie. Much debate and lots to talk about regarding Closson's wines and wine making style. Oxidative-yes. A bit of VA-yes. But, I'm licking my glass, wishing it was a magnum instead. Baked apple, tinned mandarin oranges that are creamed then bruleed, creamed corn, toasted almonds and a huge minerally lemon finish. At this point, for experienced Chard lovers only. Drink by 2015. Tasted Jan '14
3.5 Stars
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Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$32.95
Feb '11. Ruby with some garnet coming through. A savoury earthy note first appears. then hints of oak. After opening up, licorice and chicory are easy to find. Some structured tannins come on the attack, but are soft on the finish. Cola and dark cherry find way on the palate. A solid chianti, I would let gently breath for 1 hour, then enjoy with bolognese or rabbit in tomato sauce.
3.5 Stars
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Borthwick Vineyard Paper Road Pinot Noir 2008, Wairarapa
New Zealand$24.95
Ruby, clear and bright in the glass. This is all Pinot on the nose. Little bit of jazzy funk, cool herbal, mineral, flint, even some cocoa. Very interesting nose, start to salivate before sipping = good sign. Red licorice, cherry fruit on the attack. Well balanced, lengthy acidity, very round. Some sour cherry on the finish. Great Pinot, really enjoyed it.
Bring on some roast duck, pork, veal, vegetable ragout, medium strength cheeses. Tasted March '11
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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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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