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Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Columbia Valley

Coffee, chocolate, oaky, sweet/spicy black fruit. Long, simple finish.

Nothing special, but a crowd pleaser of sorts.

Tasted February 2013.

Zonte's Footstep Baron Von Nemesis Single Site Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Medium weight palate (light for au Aussie Shiraz), plenty of red berry fruit, particularly raspberry, with plenty of peppery spice on the nose. A rather acidic finish which doesn't leave a great deal of drinkability.

Not your typical Barossa Shiraz and your money could certainly be better served at $17.

Tasted January 2013.

Domaine Langlois Château St. Florent 2011, Ap Saumur

Open Sociable Sparkling 2009, Ontario VQA

A great everyday sparkling with toasty notes and not too much fruit with decent balance. I highly recommend for the price. Good value.

Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2005, Doc Castel Del Monte

Crushed cherries and cedar are the main features. Good structure with medium length and a clean finish. Value.

Decanting is recommended.

Tasted April/12

Pasqua Pinot Grigio Chardonnay Delle Venezie 2010, Veneto

A simple soft, light drinking wine. Little bit of oak, but not much depth or acidity. Similar to what one would expect in a Vinho Verde.

Tasted April 2013.

Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendocino/Lake/Napa Counties

Notes of rich fruit, particularly dark plum, cherries and cassis, nicely laced with cocoa. Mid-weight on the palate, smooth finish and silky tannins.

Purchased this is the U.S. at a much more reasonable $12. At $25, it doesn't present the best value but still a good wine.

Tasted July 2012.

Château De Parenchère 2009, Ac Bordeaux Supérieur

Decent table wine, a definite lack of complexity. Over priced even at fifteen dollars.

Conundrum 2010, California

While the various varietals are well integrated, it is overwhelmingly sweet. A diversity of fruit which is expected with such a blend. Peach, pear and apple with spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Layered but not a great balance. Oak and butterscotch and a medium finish.

Tasted April, 2012.

Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2010, Sonoma County