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
Cafaggio Cortaccio 2006, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$24.95
Old World style that’s smooth, delicious & a great price for an aged wine that's available now.
Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with an intense nose. This complex wine features a mix of cedar and sandalwood, followed by dried cherry, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, Portobello mushrooms, Christmas cake, cassis, cinnamon, sage, oregano, mocha, forest floor and damp moss. Full body with low tannins, good acidity and a long length.
Interesting Point: An Atypical Tuscan Cab. This wine is more like a Rioja Grand Reserva than a Tuscan Cab, but I still like it.
Drink now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Slow Braised Lamb Shanks.
Tasted: 3 Nov 2015
Best Buy
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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Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir 2012, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley
Oregon, Usa$37.95
Fruit meets the barnyard
Description: Medium to light garnet in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features pine, cherry, plum, raspberry, mushrooms, sage, vanilla, dried leaves and barnyard notes on the nose. Medium body with dusty tannin, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol
Interesting Note: A little overpriced for what you get
Drink now or in 3 years on its own or pair it with Pork Chops with Romesco and Creamy Polenta.
Tasted: 27 October 2016
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 7.5+/10 Total: 17/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5
3.5 Stars
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Penthouse Pinot Noir 2013, Adelaide Hills
South Australia, Australia$12.25
A nice mix of new and old world style Pinot at a great price
Description: Light garnet in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, strawberry, plum, truffles, mushrooms, pipe tobacco and violets on the nose. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Drink now or in the next 5 of years, on its own or pair it with Brisket and Mushroom stew served with Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits.
Tasted: 22 July 2016
Best Buy
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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In Situ Signature Wines Hillside Blend 2012, Aconcagua Valley
Aconcagua Valley, Chile$16.95
Smooth, juicy sweet fruit with some heat
Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, plum, raspberry, thyme, pepper, mint, chocolate, dates and lavender on the nose. Medium+ body with smooth tannin, good acidity and a fairly long length.
Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol
Interesting Note: The front labels on In Situ wines always contain interesting facts.
Drink now or in the next 3 years. Great on its own, but one of the most perfect pairings with a good Syrah is a simple Beef Stew, seasoned with herbes de Provence, anise seeds and pepper.
Tasted: 22 March 2016
Best Buy
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 (Clearance price: 9/10) Total: 17.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.5 Stars
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Ernie Els Big Easy 2013, Wo Western Cape
Western Cape, South Africa$19.95
Big Easy is a big entry wine for Ernie Els wines
Description: Medium ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features mild oak, sour cherry, raspberry, mulberry, cranberry, eucalyptus, white pepper, smoky bacon and Thai basil. Full body with dusty tannins, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: Some heat from the
Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Paprika Roasted Leg of Lamb.
Tasted: 27 January 2016
Best Buy
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.5 Stars
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Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
California, Usa$19.95
Intoxicating bouquet followed by a well-balanced taste
Description: Deep ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ nose. This wine features cedar, dark cherry, plum, tamarind, blackcurrants, mulberry, turmeric, anise, cinnamon, cloves, leather, pencil shavings, mocha and a violets on the nose. Medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Note: Probably one of the best Cabs for under $20 I’ve had. Tastes like a $35 Napa Cab.
Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with Tamarind and Balsamic Braised Beef Short Ribs.
Tasted: 28 Dec 2015
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
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Beringer Chardonnay 2014, Napa Valley
California, Usa$25.95
Rich, buttery, moderately oaky & well balanced Napa Chard at a good price
Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features medium toasted oak, lemon, Spy apples, green apple, clementine, pineapple, peaches & cream corn, peach, dill, ginger, oak spice, nutmeg and Jasmine on the nose. Full body with good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.
Negatives: The 14.5% alcohol
Interesting Note: Better balanced and higher quality than the 2013 vintage, which is reviewed on my site.
Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Seared Scallops with Linguini in a Herb Wine Sauce.
Tasted: 7 March 2016
Best Buy
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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Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet/Merlot 2013, Margaret River
Western Australia, Australia$24.95
A solid red blend from Australia
Description: Medium in colour with an intense nose.This wine features cedar, blackcurrants, plums, dark cherry, cassis, anise, pencil shavings, leather, Portobello mushrooms, tobacco and tomato leaves. Full body with medium tannin, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol
Drink now or in the next 5 of years on its own or pair it with Spicy Spaghetti Bolognese.
Tasted: 30 May 2017
Best Buy
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 (Clearance Price: 9.5/10), Total: 17.5+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.5 Stars
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Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2013, Sonoma County
California, Usa$29.95
Consistently a nice drinking, full flavoured & balanced RRS Pinot at a reasonable price
Description: Light to medium ruby in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features pine, cranberry, crabapples, cherry, rhubarb, cinnamon, cloves and forest greens. Medium+ body with mild tannins, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.
Negatives: The 14.5% alcohol
Interesting Note: Slightly chill and if you can use the balloon style Pinot glass
Drink now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Turkey Cranberry and Grilled Brie Panini.
Tasted: 21 April 2016
Best buy
Score: /10, Value: 9/10 (Sale: 9+/10) Total: 18/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4
3.5 Stars
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Flat Rock Pink Twisted Rosé 2015, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
Canada’s Tavel
Description: Pomegranate in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cherry, strawberry, cranberry, pink grapefruit, basil and lilacs on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Note: Use the balloon style glassware and chill it to 15C
Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with Grilled Pork Chops Stuffed with Arugula, Pear & Brie
Tasted: 20 December 2016
Best Buy
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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