Gaby Israel

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2005, South Australia

86-88? Apr 2011. For me this wine is over priced for what it delivers. It is no more than a nice wine. On the positive side- Smooth, balanced, integrated flovores. Ready to drink. A bit too thin for my taste on the finish. Had better Penolds for less.

Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2007, Igt Toscana

(90?) - A Bordeaux meets Tuscany.
Seems like a great buy for the cellar. For ~$22 a wine that probably can be cellared for 5-10 years, it is a no brainer. I suggest you buy one to see that it meets your “palate requirements”, then, if you like the wine stock a few bottles (or more…) in your cellar.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Coonawarra, South Australia

88?-Apr 2011-ready to drink. overall pleasing yet not as good as previous Wynns I had. very subtle. very center-plate focus. lacks depth. short finish.

90+ July 2011-this is a different bottle and it has more to offer.more like my previous Wynns experiences. Full body.prunes.blackberries.ripped figs.smooth and silky. long beautiful finish. A very pleasant surprise.

Stratus Red 2007, VQA Niagara On The Lake, Niagara Peninsula

90+ Apr 2011 - one of the best Bordeaux blend wines I've recently tasted from Ontario. Very right bank (Fronsac?). The merlot and Cab Franc are pleasantly noticeable. Lovely aromas of crushed berries, hints of violelts and herbs. After couple of hours it opened up even more. Great for the cellar but why wait...:)
Just decant for 2 hours and enjoy it by itself or with a nice-juicy rib eye steak.

Quady Essensia Orange Muscat 2007, California

95?-this is what value is all about. Beautiful concentration of flavors. A very precise acidity and a long orange peel finish.

Baron De Ley Gran Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja

90+ ?-Apr 2011-what a beautiful wine. Classic Rioja. Truffles. Earth. Tabacco. Red berries. Mushrooms. Ready to drink. Medium to full body. Oak on the finish. Goes well with chicken beast or fillet mignon prepared medium-rare.

Vallobera Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja

(90?) - June-2010 - An excellent Rioja. needs time. Starts to show its stuff after 2 hours. Nice balanced acidity.Black over ripped fruits flavors. Well integrated oak with hints of caramel and earthy notes. Beautiful long finish.

Clos Des Andes Malbec 2005, Poesia, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza

91?- One of the beeter Malbec wines for the price range. outstanding Malbec. well integrated oak.very clean. pure. Lots of dark cherries. prunes. cassis. cigar box.soft tannins and a beautiful finish of a sophisticated wine.

I Castei Campo Casalin Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2005

91-93 ; Apr 2011 ; Amarone at it's best!
iCastei is one of the reason I love Amarone. It's full body, concentrated flavors of dry figs, raisins, prunes, spices, well balanced oak and a long finish that just doesn't let go!
It can lay down for 3-5 years, but why wait.

Muga Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

(89?) - Muga Reserva seems like a safe-bet-Rioja. The first one I've ever tried was from 1991.
5/2010: Medium to full body typical Rioja style. on the palate, blackberries, red currant and hints of cedar. With noticable tannins and earthy flavors.
I believe it can sit for a couple of years more or if you're impatient (like me), decant it for 30-45 min.
Went extremely well with pork tenderloin mixed with yellow and red pepper in a Thai spicy sauce.