Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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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 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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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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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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Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009, Padthaway, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$16.95
Standard Aussie Shrazz for the price point. Deep ruby colour with violet and purple tinge. Immediate aromas of tar, rubber, vanilla and dark cherry. Full body, medium rich mouthfeel, low acid and big fruit extract. Nice dark cherry, blackberry, and licorice-tar like flavours. Enjoy with bacon burgers or steak with blah blah blah spice sauce. Drink now till 2014, tasted Jan '12.
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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