Michael Valaitis
|
Followers (3)
|
|
|
Following (0)
|
Reviews (177)
|
Reviews
Rocca Delle Macìe Chianti Riserva 2006, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$15.95
Deep ruby with ruby around the rim, showing some age. Spiced fruit notes, cedar and fresh potting soil on the nose. After opening up, the oak wafts off a bit and aromas of ripe cherry and pommegranate unveil. Still fairly big tannins at the front and a tea-like bitterness on the finish. Fair amount of oak throughout the mid palate where the fruit takes a back seat. Some length on the finish with cranberry and orange peel flavours.
Drink tonite with cured meats and cheeses or cellar for 2 more years. Tasted Aug '11.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Cattier Premier Cru Brut Champagne 2002, Ac, Chigny Les Roses
Champagne, France$49.95
Excellent vintage Champers for under $50. Standing light gold with fine and persistent bubbles. Toasty, caramel and pineapple upside-down cake on the nose. The palate is wonderfully rich and complex, balanced with a copper-like mineral and ripe Macintosh apple finish. The acidity is still high and refreshing so I think this 02 vintage will have no problem going another 5 years. Tasted Feb '12
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Marquis Philips Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
Australia$0.00
Holy smacks, this is BIG TIME. I can't even see my fingers through the glass. Deep and rich inky, purple colour. Nail Polish and high Octane on the nose, I was guessing 15%, actually 16%. Dried, pruney, blackberry and spice on the palate. This wine is big and long finishing, big rich, ripe fruit extract. If you're in the mood for a knock me over shriaz, than this will do. Tasted July'11
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Mille Lire 2009, Montepulciano D'abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy$10.70
Feb "11. Deep ruby with purple all over. Looks and smells like micro-ox shiraz, ready to go new world fruit up front. Some what confected, cherry and vanilla aromas. Cherry and blackberry flavours some licorice. BBQ ribs, spicy chicken would suit.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Castelmonte Cent'are Nero D'avola 2008, Sicily
Sicily, Italy$13.95
Feb '11. Ruby to garnet colour. Very nice coffee, mild cocoa, flint aromas. Also spice and dried herb come to the nose. Pleasantly surprised with tart cherry, root beer but with rustic layers. I would have guessed it as a $25 btl. Stand up to grilled red meats, tapenade, spinach tomato pizza.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Yealands Estate Pinot Noir 2008, Central Otago, South Island
New Zealand$14.95
Pale ruby, clear, light looking red. Some newer oak comes to the nose immediately, followed by vanilla and dry soil. Not too much fruit on the nose. Med acidity, cranberry come through, but it does have a big filling alchohol finish which is more than usual for cool Otago.
Overall it's not offensive and would go good with roast fowl, chacuterie or ham sandwiches.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Pond Paddock Te Muna Pinot Noir 2008, Martinborough, North Island
New Zealand$24.95
Ruby, bright in the glass. Very Pinot nose, with some floral and raspberry. The raspberry comes through on the palate and even Sweedish berries. I found the acid to be low and even drops off at the end, giving way to a bitter even burnt oak finish.
All in all easy to put back. Turkey and cranberry sandwich or baked salmon with celery root puree. Tasted March '11
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Moncontour Tête De Cuvée Brut Sparkling Vouvray, Traditional Method, Ac, Loire, France
Loire, France$19.95
Lemon to pale gold colour. This sparkling chenin blanc gives off citrussy aromas followed by lightly toasted bread and apples. The palate is lively with a medium aggressive mousse, dry but soft. Flavours of lemon peel, ripe apple, orange glaze and brioche are followed by a toasty/oaky finish. Im not sure if the cuvee spent any time in oak, but some wood notes are present on the finish. Very delicious with a touch of caramel that also lingers. Enjoy with rich hors dourves or on its own. Tasted June '11.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Megalomaniac Homegrown 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$13.95
Pale straw in the glass with a greenish tinge. Very aromatic Riesling with the citrussy, peachy notes. Round in the mouth with a touch of sweetness. This wine is actually made with 1% Riesling icewine to add that sweetness. Still has lots of lemony acidity and some green apple notes. Great food wine, go with some spicy dishes like thai curries, blackened fish, spicy tuna roll. Drink now to 2013. Taste May 11'
3.0 Stars
(0)G
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
(0)V