Michael Valaitis
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Reviews (177)
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Reviews
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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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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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
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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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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
Delas Frères Côtes Du Rhône Saint Esprit 2006, Ac
Rhône, France$16.95
Tasting the 05. Thick ruby, with purple gleams. Earth, tinned black olives, sage on the nose. Taste of light roast coffee with tannic gravely finish. Not very lady like, but has a charm. This still has a juicy, sour puckering acidity, gripping tannin, and bitter finish that makes it full and robust, and even though a little brash is still balanced. Would play nice with some braised short rib, or venison with demi/wine reduction trumpet mushrooms. or grilled vegemite and gouda sammy's.
3.0 Stars
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Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley
Chile$14.95
Deep ruby with light purple tones. Sand, cherry and violet on the nose. Blueberry, vanilla, mild mocha and dark cherry on the palate. Drying but not killer tannins. Savory medium finish, very friendly easy to come back to wine. A good go to crowd pleaser. Sip with Grilled beef burgers, flat iron steak, grilled eggplant + tomato salad, veggie burrito's from taco bell.
3.0 Stars
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Château Grand Village 2006, Ac
Bordeaux, France$17.00
Deep ruby colour with violet tones. Wild berries and cedar on the nose. A little bit closed at first, but opens up to dry flowers, coffee crystals and some fruit on the nose. In the mouth it feels round, but has a drying mid palate and slightly bitter finish. There is a balanced acidity, backbone, and tannin structure that make this wine enjoyable for the price.
Beef kababs, entrecote au poivre, or Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni. March '11
3.0 Stars
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Leopard's Leap Family Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Wo Western Cape
South Africa$12.95
Pale yellow with green tinge in the glass, for an 09 suggest possible oak. Creamy corn, yellow plum and green apple on the nose. After opening up its hard to get away from the green/jalepeno pepper aroamas. Softer, creamier texture on the palate supports the malo/oak theory. The apple and green pepper flavours follow suit. Not a crisp, tangy SB, but more richer in style. Try with pan fried Snapper with citrus buerre blanc. Tasted Aug '11
3.0 Stars
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