Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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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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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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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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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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Bodegas Lan Crianza 2007, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$15.95
A good lesson in Crianza Rioja that is all Tempranillo. Ruby colour in the glass, the wine gives off the classic Rioja aromas of American Oak. Cedar, dill, vanilla and spice box, with a touch of red cherry in the distant. The wine is on the lighter end of medium body, with medium tannins and juicy acidity. The oak flavours take the lead with some ripe red fruit on the finish. The wine shows good use of oak, but not very expressive of Tempranillo. Enjoy with olives, bruchetta, cured meats. Tasted April '12.
3.0 Stars
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Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2012, Burgundy
Burgundy, France$15.95
Satisfies the urge we get the third week in November. Aromatically its a potpurri of raspberry, cherry and grape gum, with that mild hint of cotton candy. Not as much of the banana milkshake as I expect from most BN, but still had mucho tutty fruity permeating the room. The palate is soft and juicy like and ranks high on the crushability scale. Other than white fish, there not too many foods that this wine wouldn't wash down. Drink within hours of purchase.
3.0 Stars
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Lavau Vacqueyras 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$24.95
Good buy, this is a solid Vacqueyras. Deep ruby and bright in the glass. A nice blend of ripe red and black fruits on the nose. Some dark cherry, dried raspberry, dark currant and blackberry all woven with lots of garrigue. Dried sage, thyme, dusty clay, lavender and licorice root aromas blend in. The palate is med + bodied, gripping tannins and a silky finish. The fruit and earthy herbs replay on the finish. Grilled red meats or braised game with red wine/demi-glace sauce. Tasted Mar '12
3.0 Stars
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Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio 2010, Doc Isonzo Del Friuli
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy$16.95
Well made Pinot G that's not just fruit cocktail, but backed up by some savoury and spice. Pale straw in the glass with mild aromas of pear, lemon, dried grains and spice. Dry, medium bodied with juicy acidity and slight oiliness to the mouthfeel. Yellow apple and pear flavours present with a touch of almond and wet stone mineral note. Enjoy with grilled fish/squid or lemon chicken picatta. Tasted March '12
3.0 Stars
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Capezzana Barco Reale Di Carmignano 2008
Tuscany, Italy$17.95
Fantastic value, pick up a few bottles. Old world aromas, smells of Chianti styles, leather, matured oak, black tea and dried red berries. The palate is silky with just the right grip of juicy tannin. Some smoke, herbs, tart ripe berries and a menthol lift from the Cab Sauv. Classic Tuscan blend, will work with most Tomato based dishes, red meat stews and cured meat and cheese plates. Drinking great now with decanter or hold till 2016. Tasted Jan '12
3.0 Stars
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