Edward Rasiulis
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Followers (15)
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Following (2)
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Reviews (900)
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Certified CAPPS Sommelier since 2008. Lived in the Cayman Islands reviewing wines for under $25. Back home in Toronto, started up Twilight Wines to offer wine & spirit consultation, wine reviews, restaurant management, manage wine events and wine & glassware presentations, plus anything else with wines.
For more wine reviews by me please visit my web site at: www.twilightwines.com
Reviews
Thymiopoulos Vineyards Yn Kai Oupavós Xinomavro 2010, Unfiltered, Naoussa
Naoussa, Greece$19.95
Medium light ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose.
A smooth wine with good quality & the nose is to die for
Positives: This complex wine features pine, roses, blackberry, Bing cherry, raspberry, Star anise, Allspice, cinnamon & turn tamarind. Medium+ body and tannins, with good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.
Negatives: None
Interesting Point: The name 'Earth and Sky' appears on the label in Greek, German, French, Japanese, English, and what appears to be a pictograph.
Drink now or in the next 3 years and pair it with Ruth Chris steak.
Tasted: 26 April 2014
Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20
Top Pick, Best Buy
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Clos Du Bois Marlstone 2010, Alexander Valley
California, Usa$49.95
A solid well balanced California Bordeaux style wine
Description: Deep ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features cedar, blackberry, dark cherry, eucalyptus, blackcurrant, licorice, anise, cassis, plums, cocoa, dates, leather, arugula and tobacco leaf. Full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: A little heat from the 14.5% alcohol.
Interesting Point: I confess I bought the wine because I liked the sophisticated label. Looked expensive and at $24.95, I figured why not. Yes, the store had confused the lesser Clos Du Bois Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that was priced at $24.95 with the Marlstone. Their loss my gain. Decanting for 30 min will smooth the wine out.
Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or and pair it with Bison.
Tasted: 22 July 2014
Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4
3.5 Stars
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Boutari Grande Reserve Xinomavro 2008, Pdo Naoussa
Naoussa, Greece$18.95
Classic Old Word aged wine at a bargain price
Description: Light garnet in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features dusty old wood, sandalwood, dried red berries, licorice, anise, black olives, champagne mushrooms and leather. Medium+ body with mild tannins, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.
Negatives: None
Interesting Note: Similar to a Grand Reserva Rioja, but use the same glassware that you would drink a Cabernet in.
Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Penne with Bacon and Black Olive Sauce.
Tasted: 23 April 2016
Best buy & Top Pick
Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale: 9.5/10) Total: 18.5/20
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Piper Heidsieck Brut, Champagne
Champagne, France$71.60
Medium straw in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose & fine mousse.
The sports car of Champagnes; fast, lean, racy & easy to drink
Positives: This complex wine features light toast & yeast, guava, honeysuckle, pear, green apples, pistachio, tobacco, melba toast & icing sugar on the finish. Light to medium body with good acidity & a long length.
Negatives: $20 more expensive in Ontario than Florida.
Drink now or over the next 5 years on its own or pair it with raspberry point oysters.
Interesting Point: My wife’s go to Champagne, and if it were priced like Florida this would be a weekly staple.
Tasted: 5 January 2014
Top Pick
Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5
3.5 Stars
(1000+)G
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut Sparkling, Traditional Method, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
British Columbia, Canada$29.25
Gold with a touch if copper in colour with medium intensity & fine mousse. This sparkling smells & taste like fine Champagne, but at least half the price & it's Canadian! This sparkling shows notes of baked apple, yeast, pine nuts, brioche, lemon and lime stone.
Tasted 5 Aug 11
Top Pick
Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Borges Reserva 2009
Douro, Portugal$21.95
Full and rich flavour
Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features oak, raisins, plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, forest floor, figs, champagne mushrooms and mint. Medium+ body and tannins with good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Note: As this wine will get better with age, I would suggest decanting for an hour.
Drink now or in the next 15 years on its own or pair it with Duck served with wild mushrooms and fig sauce.
Tasted: 28 Jan 2015
Best Buy
Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Benmarco Malbec 2012
Mendoza, Argentina$18.95
Deep ruby to purple in colour with a medium+ intense nose.
The taste is full, juicy, delicious & all for under $20
Positives: This wine features light oak, blackberry, prunes, dates, licorice, mocha and mesquite. Full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity & a fairly long length.
Negatives: The nose is somewhat mute and watery
Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with grilled lamb chops.
Tasted: 28 April 2014
Best Buy
Score: 9/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2008, South Australia
Australia$21.95
Penfolds doesn't disappoint on this Shiraz. Dark ruby with med+ intensity. The nose shows plums, boysenberry, blackberry, vanilla bean, mocha, dark chocolate, smoked ham, white & red peppers. Taste is dry, med tannins, med acidity, full body, balanced & med+ length. This med+ complex wine has taste similar to the nose & you'll experience some heat from the 14.5% alcohol. Drink on its own or with grilled steak.
Tasted 11 May 11.
Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10, (bought this for $16.95 which would put it at 10/10). Total: 18/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Cooralook Pinot Gris 2008
Australia$12.20
Bright gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose.
Positives: An easy drinking Pinot Gris styled between the Italian Pinot Grigio and Alsace Pinot Gris. This wine is crisp with lemon, honeysuckle, pink grapefruit and pineapple. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Point: The 2008 is on sale now for $11.95, which is a great deal.
Drink now on its own or pair it with Chinese food.
Tasted: 19 Jan 13
Best Buy
Score: 8.5+/10, Value:10/10, Total: 18.5+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.5 Stars
(0)G
Beringer Chardonnay 2008, Napa Valley
California, Usa$22.95
Gold in the colour with a medium+ intensity.
Positives: Toasted oak, buttery, lemon zest, tangerines, light smokiness, roasted marshmallows, peach, cashews and limestone. Full body, good acidy and a long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Things: LCBO Vintage did carry this Chard.
Drink now on its own or pair it with lobster and drawn butter.
Tasted: 20 Aug 12
Best Buy
Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10, Total: 18.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 4.5
3.5 Stars
(0)V