Mike de Maria

Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827, Dop

Delicious stuff. Thick with prunes, dried figs, raisins, dark chocolate, bitter walnuts, with some acidity to help balance the syrupy texture. Grab a plate of fresh and dried fruit, some nuts, a couple hunks of good cheese and a bottle of this....

St Germain Delice De Sureau Elderflower Artisanale Liqueur, France

I've held off reviewing this Liqueur because quite frankly, I don't want people to find out about it. It's absolutely delicious. Alone on ice, it's wonderful. If you don't know what "Elderflower" tastes/smells like, think Lychee, as that's what jumps out at you. Great with champagne and soda as the previous review pointed out, and makes for an incredible Gin and Tonic (add a 1/2 oz).

Château De Beaucastel Châteauneuf Du Pape 2009

Château De Beaucastel Châteauneuf Du Pape 2007

De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2007, New South Wales, 25th Anniversary Vintage

André Clouet Brut Grand Réserve Champagne, Ac

I've never really been a "Champagne" or even "Sparkling Wine" guy. I just never saw what all the fuss was about. I've had the value wines (Cava, Prosecco, Cremant, etc.) and some of the well known Champagnes (Moet, Dom, Veuve). I've just never found any to be all that memorable. This was the first time I've ever had a "wow" experience with a sparkling wine. As soon as you start pouring this, the aroma fills the area. I found myself constantly nosing the wine. The palate had so much going on, and then the finish just lingered. Stunning.

Anaperenna By Ben Glaetzer Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Barossa Valley

This rating is based on the wine 'right now' (November 2012), not what it might become with a little more time.

This is a big, rich, concentrated, somewhat typical Australian wine. But it does have some excellent complexity, and some balancing freshness. I still think it's a little over extracted for the amount of freshness it delivers.

My main issue right now is that it's a little too oaky right off the bat. After a few hours in the decanter (or the next day from the bottle) it's better, so if you've got some, I'd say to hold them at least a few more years (I did not detect any acetone).

Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenère 2006, Peumo, Cachapoal, Rapel Valley

I drank this a few months ago, and don't have detailed tasting notes, but can say that this was a very impressive wine. Tannins are well in check now, and it's concentrated, fresh, and complex. Don't be afraid to drink this now.

St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009, Barossa

The best Australian wine I've tasted in a long time. Wonderful complexity with black fruits, fresh violets, spice, and minerality. It has a great full mouthfeel that's plush and smooth, but with balancing acidity that prevents this wine from becoming unctuous or too jammy. Well worth the $35.

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2010, Do Bierzo

Can a wine be 'floral forward'? Because if it can, then that is what this wine is. But not in a dainty way, in an intensely perfumed way. Violets with layers of dark berry fruit, a yogurt or cream like quality and a subtle oak spiciness combine to make for a great wine.

It's delicious right now, with chalky tannins that hint at even more to come if you can wait. Maybe buy a few bottles - some for now, some for later.

Dec 14/2012