Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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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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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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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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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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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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Alpine Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough
Marlborough, New Zealand$15.95
Amazing value. Great, fresh, crisp and fruity Savvy from higher up in the Wairau valley. Classic aromas with emphasis on tropical fruits then an intriguing hint of green herbaceousness. The palate is fresh, mouthwatering and dry but with a touch of fruit richness to fill it out. Buy up a few bottles at this price and get set for the summer. Drink with shrimp and pesto pasta salad or crab, avocado and cilantro. Tasted Apr '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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Bougrier Vouvray 2010, Ac
Loire, France$13.95
Loire Chenin is always underrated. This wine is off-dry but extremely well balanced. Pale gold colour, soft aromatics of pear. apple, honey, fresh wool. The palate follows through with apple, pear and a juicy richness that is balanced by seamless acidity that gives the wine a freshness. Very enjoyable and only hints at what top end Vouvray's would have to offer. Try with pork roast and apple sauce or N.American style curried chicken salad with dried fruit. Drink now till 2014, tasted Jan '12,
3.0 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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