Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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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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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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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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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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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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Salcheto Rosso Di Montepulciano 2008, Doc
Tuscany, Italy$17.95
This wine is a great expression of Sangiovese. Bright ruby in the glass with medium viscosity. This wine will benefit with 1.5 hrs of decanting. After opening up, the wine reveals bright aromas of red cherries, dried strawberries, violets, fresh thyme and tea leaves. This delicious medium bodied rosso has fresh acidity, elegant tannins and a juicy mouthfeel. The flavours of cherry, herbs and tea replay on the palate with a clean finish. This wine will improve over the next 4 years or drink now with chicken cacciatore, roast duck or pasta w tomato basil sauce. Tasted Nov '11
3.5 Stars
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Château Le Castelot 2006, Ac St émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France$28.90
A very fine Bordeaux for old world/Bordeaux lovers. Funky-ass fruit (bret) like leathered cherries, blackberries and clove spiced currents on the nose. The palate shows firm tannins and firm acid for a 6 yr old wine. Lots of dried raspberry and blueberry notes with leathery mushroom and turned earth. Can still age for nicely for at least 4 yrs or drink tonite with the roast lamb or venison steak. Tasted Sept '12.
3.5 Stars
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Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau Di Sardegna 2008, Doc
Sardinia, Italy$17.95
Old world in style and solid example of bret that is not faulted. Deep ruby colour, Earthy horse saddle, cherry, band-aid and leather on the nose. Bright raspberry, medium tannins, black tea, basil and band-aid rubber on the finish. Clean and medium finish with persistent tannins that would match with white or red meats, or tomato sauce based dishes. Drink now till 2014, tasted Feb 2012.
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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