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
Primarius Pinot Noir 2012, Oregon
Oregon, Usa$25.95
More Gamay-like than Pinot, but still a half decent wine
Description: Light to medium ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features pine, raspberry, cherry, cranberry, tamarind, rose petals, and a light smoky finish. Light to medium body with light tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.
Negatives: None
Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Herb, Garlic and Bacon Pork Loin.
Tasted: 25 July 2015
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 (sale price: 8.5+/10), Total: 17+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2014, Central Valley
Chile$11.95
For $10 you will never get close to a DRC, but I also never had a Pinot at this price that I liked either until this one
Description: Medium light ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features a barnyard nose with light pine, cherry, raspberry, red tea, forest greens and smoked charcoal. Medium body and tannin with good acidity, a fairly long length and the alcohol is well integrated.
Negatives: None
Interesting Point: For those unfamiliar; DRC (Domaine de la Romanée-Conti) is the benchmark for the world’s top and most expensive Pinots. Remember to lightly chill this wine and use balloon style glassware.
Drink now or in the next 3 of years on its own or pair it with Grilled Porcini Mushroom Risotto.
Tasted: 25 Aug 2015
Amazing Buy
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9.5+ (Sale: 10/10) Total: 18.5+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Kwv Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Western Cape, South Africa$15.95
A Cab that taste twice it’s cost
Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, plums, boysenberry, nectarine, turmeric, cassis, eucalyptus, cinnamon, thyme and smoked leather. Full body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with .
Tasted: 18 Nov 2015
Best Buy
Score: 9/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale price: 9.5/10) Total: 18+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Cannonball Chardonnay 2013, Sonoma County
California, Usa$19.95
Slightly above your average California Chard
Description: Gold in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features medium toasted oak, lemon pith, lemon tart and green & yellow apples. Medium+ body, mild tannins, good acidity and surprisingly a long length.
Negatives: A little too tart
Interesting Note: Had this wine at Luma restaurant and liked it, not so much now. Use the larger Montrachet glass as the smaller glass will make this wine truly one dimensional.
Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with Snapper Ceviche.
Tasted: 13 Dec 2015
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8/10 Total: 16.5+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Gérard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache 2011, Ap
Languedoc, France$16.95
Thin but juicy, & at a reasonable price
Description: Medium dark ruby in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features plums, dark cherry, raspberry, white and black peppers and dry herbs. Medium body with medium to medium+ tannins, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None, however this wine does not live up to Wine Spectator's score of 90.
Drink now or in the next 5 of years on its own or pair it with Seared Lamb Chops served with Pomegranate-Pistachio Couscous.
Tasted: 6 Aug 2015
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.0 Stars
(0)V
E. Guigal Côtes Du Rhône Rosé 2014, Ac
Rhône, France$17.95
A very nice Rosé from the venerable E. Guigal
Description: Pale salmon pink in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features lilacs on the nose, strawberry, cherry, watermelon and pink grapefruit on the finish. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Note: Although I thoroughly enjoyed this wine, not as good as the 2013 reviewed by me and it’s a dollar more.
Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with pan seared veal loin chops with rosemary
Tasted: 1 May 2015
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Folie à Deux Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
California, Usa$24.95
Complex, well balanced & delicious
Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, plum, cherry, mulberry, spearmint, Allspice, turmeric, cocoa, cola and leather. Full body with green tannins, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: Some heat coming from the 14.1% alcohol
Interesting Point: Decant for an hour before serving.
Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with Brazilian style flank steak with chimichurri sauce.
Tasted: 11 Nov 2015 (Lest We Forget)
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 17+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Deakin Estate Viognier 2014
Australia$9.95
A nice easy drinking lighter style Viognier
Description: Pale straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features apricots, Kiwi, lime, honeysuckle and clementine. 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 it with .
Tasted: 17 Nov 2015
Best Buy
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 (Clearance price: 9.5/10) Total: 17.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Toro De Piedra Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2014, Maule Valley
Maule Valley, Chile$15.75
Big, bold & beautiful, but you need to like oaked Chards
Description: Light bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features medium+ toast, Easter Lily, lemon tarts, pineapple, mango, peaches & cream corn, buttered popcorn, roasted marshmallows, oak spice, almonds, caramel, dill, ginger and vanilla. Full body with good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Point: This may not be a critically acclaimed Chard, but I really like it because it’s an oaked Chard that’s different from the usual oaked Chards you get for under $25, and this is almost half that price. Don't over chill and use the large Chard glass.
Drink now or in the next 5 of years on its own or pair it with Cornish Game Hen with cornbread stuffing.
Tasted: 5 Aug 2015
Best Buy
Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10 Total: 18.5+/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Peller Estates Private Reserve Chardonnay 2013, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$18.75
Simple but elegant
Description: Gold in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features light oak, lemon, green & red apples, almonds, dill and white flowers on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Drink now or in the next 2-4 of years on its own or pair it with Spiced Sea Bass with Caramelized Fennel.
Tasted: 12 Aug 2017
Best Buy
Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+
3.0 Stars
