Mike de Maria

Alvaro Castro Red 2008, Doc Dão

From the reviews, what I agree with:

Refined
Dusty Earth
Minerality
'tension between the acidity and lush fruit'
Floral
Meaty

What I disagree with:

Long, memorable finish
Powerful
Concentrated

To me, this wine is decent, but nothing special. It's certainly got the 'minerality' going for it, but for me it just lacks fruit.

For $17, I've had better, I've had worse. I wouldn't buy it again.

Dutschke Willow Bend Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia

This is a rich, concentrated, yet (in the words of Sara d'Amato) fine and focused Barossa blend.

It's a delicious mix of black fruits, licorice, baking spice and black pepper. After some time in the decanter, it finishes with some added earthy notes (truffles?). But it's the acidity that keeps this from becoming yet another Australian fruit bomb.

On the palate it's mouth coating and smooth, but with freshness and some structure providing great length.

Overall, well worth the $21.

I usually take 3-4 points away from James Halliday reviews, but he may have underestimated this one...

Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf Du Pape 2009, Ac

This is hard to stop drinking. Wonderfully balanced, open, and ripe but in a classic old world sense.

Expressive and perfumed aromas and tastes of black fruits, trademark garrigue, some light floral and earthy qualities in a medium bodied but rich mouthfeel. Tannins provide a little structure and grip, but aren't in the way. This wine jumps off your palate with lovely acidity.

Dec. 15/2012

Chateau Tanunda Barossa Tower Shiraz 2010, Barossa

Rich, sweet, and dense, with a little acidity to keep it from going way over the top, but still a little too thick for my liking. I don't really get the 'elegant' feel at all from this.

Smooth with smoke, black fruits, cedar, and meat juice on the lengthy finish.

Needs a decent chill to temper the alcohol.

This was nothing special.

Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2009, Igt Colli Della Toscana Centrale

Mr. Szabo is bang on with this one. This is what I love in old world wine. That harmony of flavours and textures. Fruity/savoury, fresh/dried, smooth/structured, mature/vibrant....and a delightful finish. Extremely drinkable, works well with all kinds of food (I had it with a pasta course and a beef course).

This is a case where the price is justified by the quality.

Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling 2011

Pear, honey, citrus, smoke, and minerals in harmony. Delicious acidity. Definite 'spritzed' character (cork kept popping everytime I corked and re-opened). Delicious. Drank it with spicy smoked wild boar tacos and it went wonderfully.

Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley

Wonderful integrated Napa Cab here. This is no over-ripe fruit bomb, nor is it overly oaked. It's all black currants, blackberries, and some spice/incense with bright and balancing acidity and just the right amount of tannins to remind you that even at 5 years, this wine is still young. This beats the pants off of similarly priced Napa Cabs (I'm looking at you Beringer and Mondavi). Well worth the money.

Nugan Estate Mclaren Parish Vineyard Shiraz 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

Very nice and complex wine. Pipe tobacco, eucalyptus, blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate. Dense, powerful, but not jammy. The experts say it'll be even better in a few years, but it's very approachable now. Especially with a nicely seasoned steak.

Château Du Cèdre Cahors 2009

Elegant and complex, with a firm structure. Delicious. Nice balance, and food friendly.

This is nice to drink now, and I'm curious how it will taste with more age.

Hitching Post Hometown Pinot Noir 2010, Santa Barbara County

Sour cherry, quite savoury, medium bodied, with balancing acidity, ripe tannins, and a little bit of graphite like minerality. Hides the 14.2% alcohol quite nicely. Nice wine.