Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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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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Alvaro Castro Red 2009, Doc Dão
Dão, Portugal$17.95
Over delivers for price. Love the balance of fresh and dried, red and black fruits, richness and freshness, earthy dustiness and purity of region. Deep ruby with plum purple rim. Nose is complex and evolves with purple flowers, plums, currents, cherries and peppercorns all ground in a granite mortar and pestle. Palate is ripe, full, yet well cut with melting tannin and berry like acidity. Dusty cocoa and spice with soft fruit on lengthy finish. Decant or lay down for 3 years. Braised or tender meats with spice or rich sauces. Tasted Sept '13
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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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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M. Gassier Nostre Pais Costières De Nîmes 2011
Rhône, France$22.95
Very new world in style but still expressive of GSMCC blend. The nose immediately spoke of GSM but one might think from S. Africa or Auz because of the abundance of ripe fruit and lack of garrigue, The palate is tells the same story of massive candied fruit - strawberry, raspberry and plum. After hours of opening some coffee and cocoa emerge. Fairly ripe and non aggressive tannin with medium acidity, fruity but very warm finish. Fans of Cali and Aussie fruit bombs will enjoy as this is a blockbuster at 15% alc. Enjoy on a first date. Tasted Sept '13
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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The Foreign Affair Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$34.95
Deep dark ruby in the glass with an almost black opaqueness. After decanting lots of aromas emerge: black cherry, prune, smoke, pipe tobacco, dried thyme, licorice. At over 5 yrs old, this wine is still young with big grippy tannin, rich fruit extract and balancing acidity. Full bodied with a long finish this wine will satisfy the Cali Cab crowd as well as the Amarone lovers. Drink until 2018 or decant tonite with roast lamb or dark chocolate. Tasted Apr '13
3.0 Stars
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Hahn Estates Meritage 2007, Central Coast
California, Usa$24.95
Picked this up in the states for $19 and delivered a satisfying Cali Cab punch that ousted many in the $30-40 range. Plum, spice, and oaked berry on the nose. The palate is still lush, full-ish bodied, with present but softening tannin, soft acid, and a mid to long chocolatey finish. Cassis, plum and blackberry fruit fill the mouth with a round soft texture. Quite satisfying for the price. Decant for half hour or drink in next 3 years. Tasted Oct '13
3.0 Stars
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Rosewood Estates Semillon 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
Tasting the 09. Beautiful Straw colour with honeydew melon, apple, sweetgrass, citrus on the nose. Lemon, melon, pear, snow peas on the palate. Juicy Riesling-like acidity with a mild sour herbaceous like a Sauv Blanc, floral honey notes on the finish. Silky, gorgeous wine, changes as it opens up. Enough acidity and fruit to hold to 2013-14 or longer. Medium soft cheeses, Gouda or crispy skin striped bass. - May '11
3.0 Stars
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