Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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
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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
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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
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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
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Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough
Marlborough, New Zealand$19.05
$17.95 LTO at SLGA. Classic Marlborough stylie - big, bold, brash in yo face with green veg and ripe yet sour tropical fruit. The colour is light straw with a tinge of green. The aromas are all about passion fruit, asparagus, thai basil, green papaya, lime and apple skins. The palate is richly fruited with tangy salivating acids. Packs a flavour punch and goes down easy, especially for the higher alc. Its what I was looking for. Would buy again. Bring on grilled seafood and fruit salsa. Drink now. Tasted Jan '14.
3.0 Stars
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Neromora 2009, Doc Irpinia Campi Taurasini
Campania, Italy$15.75
An enjoyable wine, though not the truest expression of the Aglianico grape. Deep purple almost black in the glass, not the redish rust I was expecting. Nose suggest new world style with judicious new oak, lots of vanilla, mocha coffee. Ripe blueberry and cherry notes follow with some grilled herbs. The palate is not as austere or sturdy as most Aglianico's, softer tannin but still high acid, creamy oak on the finish. More blue and black fruits with only a hint of that volcanic tomato. Pasta with meat sauce or garlicky eggplant dish. Drink over next 3-5 yrs. tasted Nov '13
3.0 Stars
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La Ferme Du Mont La Truffière 2011, Ac Côtes Du Rhone
Rhône, France$15.95
Fantastic value, showing true character of vineyard and winemaking resulting in an exemplary southern Rhone white blend. Lime, peach and yellow pear Pez candy, all crushed in stone mortar are some of the aromas wafting in the glass. The palate is medium body, dry, fruity, mellow acid and broad mouth coating extract. The richness of fruit surprisingly refreshed and cooled my palate after some extra spicy vindaloo, a pairing I thought wouldn't work but actually worked brilliant. We drained the bottle looking for more. Tasted Oct '13
3.0 Stars
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Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 1999, Prädikatswein
Mosel, Germany$31.95
A '99 Piesporter for less than $20, this Riesling should deserve a 90 for the value alone. With 14 yrs of aging already done for you and years of vibrant life still left in the bottle, you would be silly not to pick this up. It is quite delicious and the crushability factor on this 8.5% alc is very high. Beautiful medium gold colour in the glass. the aromas are classic slate and lime, apricot and a touch of wheat. Surprisingly the petrol note is mild, almost like the wine went through an intense petrol stage but is now gone just leaving behind a memory. Will hold 5+yrs. Tasted Mar '13
3.0 Stars
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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
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Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2010, Do Campo De Borja
Spain$19.95
Definitely grabbing another bottle of this to lay down for a couple years. Great example of Terroir driven Garnacha that's not over extracted or made into a fruit bomb style. Deep ruby, with subtle notes of raspberry, spice and toast on the nose. After couple hours of decanting, more earth, mineral, clove, licorice and red berry aromas emerge. Medium plus body with youthful tannin, some fruit plushness in the middle and great acid that begs for food. Drink now until 2018. Tasted Feb '13.
3.0 Stars
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