Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Shiraz 2011, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$26.95
SLGA $26 - ugh. Deep ruby, violet trim. Decanting or aerating suggested for this young wine. Pepper spiced cherry, raspberry, coffee, cedar and tobacco on the nose. Palate is medium+ body, good acid, enough fruit extract on the medium finish, present but ripe tannin. Ripe, rich red fruits, mild peppery spice and grilled herbs play in the mouth. Overall a bit oak dominant but the varietal character does show through. I think will age nice over short term- next 3 yrs. Try now with spiced BBQ or braised red meats. Tasted Jan '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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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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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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Ciù Ciù Merlettaie Pecorino Offida 2011, Docg
Marche, Italy$16.95
Well made, great structure and good length. The nose not as interesting as I was hoping for, but some pear, melon and yellow apple. The palate is full in body, dry with pleasant fruit extract and well layered acidity. More ripe yellow apple, honey and apricot flavours replay in the mouth with a warm (slightly alcoholic) finish. Easy to drink with food, though not overly complex. Enjoy with white meats or oily fish. Drink now. Tasted Oct '13
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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Beni Di Batasiolo Riserva Barolo 2005, Doc
Piedmont, Italy$39.95
A true Barolo through and through, showing pure Nebbiolo and traditional regional character. Finding the wine not as harmonious as would hope, for it is the alcohol and and still grappling tannins that linger on the medium finish. The nose reveals mushroom, pencil lead, leather and slight nail polish. Palate is medium body, tart red fruit and broad tannin. Opens and becomes perfumed with an hour of aeration. Sharp cheese or duck breast. Don't think will improve with age so drink now. Tasted Sept '13
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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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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