Edward Rasiulis

Milcampos Tempranillo 2006, Ribera Del Duero

This is for the 2008 Vintage:
Nice nose, sandalwood, cherry nose, smokey bacon, black currents & black berries. On the taste all green & twigs. Very austere. I thing after 10 yrs it might age, but I wouldn't bet on it. Can't drink on it's own & needs something salty like speck.

Tasted: March 2011

Score: 5/10, Value: 8/10, Total: 13/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 1

De Bortoli Db Reserve Chardonnay 2009, South Eastern Australia

Light gold in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: What a lovely nose, too bad the taste doesn't keep up. The aromas show medium toasty oak with butterscotch, honeysuckle, lemon meringue pie, lemons, apples & roasted marshmallows. The taste shows lemon, lime, tart apples & slate. The wine is medium body with high acidity, medium length & medium alcohol, which is a nice change in Aussy Chards.

Negatives: Too acidic which mutes a lot of flavour.

Drink now with BBQ chicken.

Tasted: 28 Jan 12

Score: 8/10, Value: 8/10, Total: 16/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 2.5

Fernandez Escudo De Plata Gran Reserva 2004, Do Jumilla

Dark purple to ruby in colour medium minus intensity on the nose.

Positives: Light cedar notes on the nose along with raspberry, roses, mushroom & hickory. The taste is smooth with medium minus tannins & acidity, medium body & length. The taste shows plum, raspberry, chocolate, nutmeg, mushrooms & tamarind.

Negatives: There are some volatile notes on the nose, especially as it opens up. In addition, there's a lot of heat coming from this wine for only 13.5% alcohol.

Interesting Things: The cork is synthetic on a Grand Reserve.

Drink now & pair it with rack of lamb.

Tasted: 21 Nov 11

Score: 8.+/10, Value: 8.5/10, Total: 17/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3

13th Street Pink Palette Rosé 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Cost: $14.95
Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling
Category: Rosé Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Thirteenth Street Wine Corp.
Alcohol: 12.5 %
Description: A beautiful rich pomegranate colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Probably the best rosé I have tasted from Canada. Features strawberry, pomegranate, watermelon, cranberry, Bing & sour cherry. Medium body with good acidity & medium+ length.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Point: I used the Viognier glass which brought out the best in this wine.

Drink now on its own or pair it with pork chops with a sweet & spicy rub.

Tasted: 7 Jun 12

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9+/10, Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay 2009, Horse Heaven Hills

Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

A creamy full flavoured Chardonnay

Positives: This wine features medium toasted oak, wood smoke, lemon/lime, crème brulee, toffee, nutmeg, peanut brittle, vanilla & café con leche on the finish. Full body with average acidity & a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or over the next 5 years on its own or pair it with turkey for Christmas.

Interesting Point: I bought this wine at Costco in Florida for $11.99, which I think is priced right.

Tasted: 1 January 2014

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 17/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

Liberty School Rosé 2012, California

Robin red in colour with a medium nose.

My favourite red blend (GSM), but Hope Family misses the mark on this rosé.

Positives: A simple rosé featuring strawberry, raspberry & cherry. Medium body with average acidity and length.

Negatives: It’s a touch hot, unusual for a rosé.

Interesting Notes: There are better rosés at lower prices. Check my favourites.

Drink now on its own and it paired excellently with Porchetta.

Tasted: 4 June 13

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 7.5/10 Total: 16/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

Therapy Vineyards Pinot Noir 2011, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Medium ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

This doesn’t taste like a Pinot Noir, more like a cheap California wine that you can buy for $5. I believe Therapy needs therapy on this one!

Notes: Strawberry jam, cherry pie and milk chocolate. Medium body with average acidity & length.

Negatives: Too many to name.

Drink now on its own or pair it with BBQ pork ribs.

Tasted: 13 June 13

Score: 8/10, Value: 6/10 Total: 14/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2010, Columbia Valley

Deep ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose.

If you look beyond the musky nose, it’s not bad especially at the price point.

Positives: This wine features mild oak, plum, cherry, blackberry, mulberry, graphite, leather, oregano and mushrooms. Medium+ body with medium to medium+ tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: There’s s musky smell that I wouldn’t associate with Merlot. Some heat generated from the 13.5% alcohol, which makes me supect that’s it’s actually higher.

Interesting Point: I like the new label on this wine.

Drink now or over the next 2 years on its own or pair it with Beef Wellington.

Tasted: 27 Oct 2013

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

Matchbook Old Head Chardonnay 2011, Dunnigan Hills

If you like eating dill chips you’ll love this Chard

Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features medium to light toasted oak, lots of dill, Easter Lilly, lemon meringue pie, orange marmalade and peach. Medium+ body with good acidity and a fairly long length

Negatives: None

Interesting Points: I love dill chips, so I really like this Chard.

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with pan seared trout in butter a wine caper sauce.

Tasted: 12 Aug 2014

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

Mcwilliam's Hanwood Estate Chardonnay 2013, Southeastern Australia

A simple, uncomplicated & citric Chard

Description: Medium straw in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features lemon, grapefruit, green apples, green olives and some limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: The right glassware is key to enjoying this wine. I recommend the smaller cooler Chard style glass.

Drink now on its own or pair it with Pan Fried Chicken simmered with tomato, basil, garlic and olive sauce.

Tasted: 27 March 2016

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8.5/10 (sale: 8.5+/10) Total: 17/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5