Michael Valaitis
|
Followers (3)
|
|
|
Following (0)
|
Reviews (177)
|
Reviews
Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Mâcon Uchizy 2011, Ac
Burgundy, France$16.95
Would be hard to peg as a Chard in a blind tasting, but overall quite enjoyable and huge value. Yellow pear and apple on the nose, with apricot kernel and a slated mineral note. Dry, medium plus body with a bit of peachy unctousness and a creamy finish. Riper and more round than the 2010. Very easy to put back, and for the price this could be your house Chard. Not oaky so it will suit a crowd as well. Tasted July '13
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
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
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
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
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
(0)V
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
(0)G
Steller's Jay Sparkling Brut 2008, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$25.95
The 08 Stellers Jay is starting to develop nicely in the bottle. Steady, long lasting beads of fine bubbles, pale straw in the glass. Little bit of SO2 on the nose when first opened, gives way to red apple, yeast and lemon. Fairly Brut and crisp but with a touch of extract on the soft finish. Apple, pear, and lemon flavours on the palate with crunchy acid and medium body. Pass the hors d'oeuvres. Will start to develop more doughy characteristics as it ages, so keep some around till 2018.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
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
(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