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
Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
California, Usa$29.95
A distinctive cherry pipe tobacco makes this a double D, delightful & delicious
Description: Deep bright ruby in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry pipe tobacco, black cherry, blackberry, oak spice, plums, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, dark chocolate and espresso. Full body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: Some heat from the 14.4% alcohol
Interesting Note: The winery sells this for $34US
Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with rosemary roast beef with cranberry glaze.
Tasted: 19 Dec 2014
Best Buy at the sale price
Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Creekside Estate The Trad Reserve 2011, VQA St. David's Bench
Ontario, Canada$18.25
Champagne style that is complex, smooth & delicious
Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose and a fine mouse. This wine features toasted oak, brioche, yeast, lemon pie, pear, green apples, honey, ginger, dill and honeydew on the nose. Medium+ body, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Drink now or in 7-10 years on its own or pair it with Fresh Baked Clams.
Tasted: 30 October 2016
Best buy and top pick
Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9/10 (Clearance Price: 10/10) Total: 18.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2012, Sonoma County
California, Usa$19.95
Bright gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose.
Another solid wine for a good price from Rodney Strong winery
Positives: This wine features light oak, lemon rind, grapefruit, peach, pineapple, cantaloupe and limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.
Negatives: A touch too sour on the finish
Drink now or in the next 4 years on its own or and pair it with lemon and pepper grilled catfish.
Tasted: 24 June 2014
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
(0)V
The Chocolate Block 2012, Wo Western Cape
Western Cape, South Africa$39.95
This simple wine will please those that like a sweeter style red, but with added substance
Description: Opaque ruby in colour with an intense nose. This complex wine features cedar, blackberry, blueberry, ripe raspberry, kirsch, plum, cinnamon, cloves, dark chocolate, coffee, fennel & liquorice. Full body with medium tannin, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: A little heat from the 14.5% alcohol
Drink now or in the next 5 years, on its own or pair it with Turkish Coffee Rubbed Brisket.
Tasted: 18 June 2016
Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5/10 (Sale Price: 9+/10) Total: 17.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Nk'mip Cellars Winemaker's Series Merlot 2011, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$18.95
Wow, I like to be surprised by a great Canadian Merlot that can go toe to toe with the best Napa Merlots
Description: Medium to dark ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features cedar, sandalwood, bramble fruit, cherry pie, plums, chocolate, coffee, peppers, cinnamon, cloves, pencil shavings and leather. Medium+ body and tannins with good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Point: Nk’Mip (pronounced in-ka-MEEP) is the first Aboriginally owned and operated winery in North America.
Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Wagyu steak
Tasted: 22 Oct 2014
Best Buy
Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Handsome Brut, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$11.55
A quality Blanc de Blanc at a good price
Description: Bright straw in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose and fine mousse. This wine features light brioche, lemon/lime, pear, peach, green apples, kiwi, honeydew melon and honeysuckle on the nose. Medium+ body with medium tannin, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years, on its own or pair it with Pear, Parmesan, Candied Pecan and Arugula Salad.
Tasted : 7 Aug 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
(0)W
Nicolas Feuillatte
France$29.85
Copper in colour with medium to medium+ nose.
Positives: Fine mousse, clean, oxidative style of Champagne with orange rind, baked apples, strawberries & freshly baked Angel Food cake.
Negatives: None.
Interesting Note: A nice Champagne to bring in the New Year for breakfast.
Drink now on its own or serve it with spicy tomato and onion omelet.
Tasted: 1 Jan 12
Score: 9/10, Value: 7/10, Total: 16/20
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, Napa Valley, California
California, Usa$34.95
This won’t wow the connoisseurs as it’s on the sweet side, but it’s easy drinking, maybe too smooth & it’s more than just satisfying
Description: Deep straw in colour with a medium+ intense nose and fine mousse. This wine features mild buttery toast, lemon, green & red apples, pear, peach, gingerbread, honey and Easter lily on the nose. Medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Note: Priced on the higher end, but well worth it.
Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Scalloped Oysters.
Tasted: 11 December 2016
Best Buy at the sale price
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 (Sale price: 9/10) Total: 17.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.0 Stars
(1000+)G+(1)O
Château De Montgueret Cremant De Loire Brut, Loire Valley, France
Loire, France$19.95
Smooth, well balanced & simply delicious. This should please a wide range of taste buds.
Description: Pale straw in colour with a medium intense nose and fine mousse. This sparkling wine features lightly buttered toasted brioche, yeast, lemon/lime, pink grapefruit, green apple, McIntosh apple, pear, lemon grass and limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Dill Hollandaise.
Tasted: 8 Nov 2015
Best Buy
Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18/20
3.0 Stars
(1000+)G+(28)O
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava
Spain$17.95
Consistently a fine sparkling wine for under $15
Description: Medium straw in colour with a medium to low intense nose and fine mousse. This sparkling wine featuring lemon, ginger, light yeast, green apple, cashews & nectarine. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.
Negatives: None
Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair with Chicken in Garlic Almond sauce.
Tasted: 11 October 2015: Happy Canadian Thanksgiving
Best Buy
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.0 Stars
(1000+)G+(155)O