Barry McLarnon
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Reviews (176)
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Reviews
Monterra Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2015, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$14.75
Seriously, I think many winemakers would be embarrassed to admit that they made a pinot noir having 14.5% alcohol, but I guess that's how they roll in the Adelaide Hills This is about as far from classic cool climate pinot as you can get (especially with that pungent eucalyptus note), but if you lower your expectations along those lines, this is actually quite an interesting and pleasant tipple.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Snapper Rock Marlborough Pinot Gris 2016, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$16.95
I was taken aback when I tasted this one - it was not what I was expecting after reading the pro reviews. The nose was decent, with a recognizable gris character, but on the palate, I found the wine to be very dry and austere, with a bitter edge and alcoholic heat - no hint of sweetness whatsoever. I wouldn't expect much bottle variation with screwcap closures, but I have no other explanation.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Cave Spring Gamay 2016, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$16.95
Attractive fruitiness, some intriguing tangy/savoury notes, and food-friendly acidity. Not quite as rich and nuanced as my benchmark for this variety in Niagara (Malivoire), but good value at that price point.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Castelo Do Mar Albariño 2016, Do Rías Baixas
Galicia, Spain$18.95
I'll keep the rating unanimous! I'm fan of this varietal, and this is a fresh and food-friendly example. Perfectly pleasant to drink, but I wanted a bit more character, especially on the aromatic side.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Malivoire Pinot Noir Small Lot 2017, VQA Beamsville Bench
Ontario, Canada$29.95
Close to three years ago, Michael expressed a desire to revisit this wine in two years... if he did so, I'll wager that he would affirm that it has developed beautifully. This limpid beauty has emerged with its cran-cherry fruit core intact, volatility dissipated, and with attractive nuances of spice and a touch of forest floor earthiness. Despite its Bench origin, it reminds me of nothing so much as one of the better pinots from Coyotes Run, and it's just now entering its prime... none left in my cellar, though!
3.0 Stars
(0)
Bodega Salentein Pinot Noir Portillo 2020, Uco Valley
Mendoza, Argentina$17.95
I've also visited and stayed at this estate (in 2013) and have fond (though hazy) memories of it. I tried one bottle of this 2020 vintage, but thereafter it was the 2021 that was on offer at the LCBO, and I think it's even better. Steve's description is still apt for the 2021 vintage, but it's even more floral, remarkably so. It's clean and light on its feet, an excellent summer sipper at only 12.5% ABV. Hopefully, future vintages of this bargain-priced pinot will show up in Ontario. Last tasted June 2023.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Bonterra Chardonnay 2020, Mendocino County
California, Usa$20.95
It's curious that this vintage, reviewed by the critics 16 months ago, is still on offer at the LCBO in July 2023. It's currently on sale, so maybe they're trying to move out some old stock. I've enjoyed this wine in the past, but this vintage just doesn't do it for me. Plenty of extract and flavour to be sure, but on the palate it's coarse and disjointed. I could be wrong, but I'm ascribing these faults at least in part to the use of American oak, which in my view should never be used in whites, and only occasionally in reds.
3.0 Stars
(15)E+(25)O
Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2020, Marlborough
New Zealand$22.00
I agree with Steve that this vintage does not measure up to the very excellent 2018 (or the unreviewed 2019, for that matter). There is plenty of extract here, but it all doesn't seem to come together and strike the right balance. There is an edgy volatile note that I find a bit off-putting, along with a fair bit of tannin and some alcoholic heat. Quite drinkable, but not a compelling vintage for this reliable pinot.
3.0 Stars
(1000+)G+(19)O
Christopher Michael Northwest Winemakers Pinot Noir 2022, Oregon
Oregon, Usa$21.95
The actual ABV of this wine is a bit of a mystery. The printed label on the bottle indicates 14%, but there is an added sticker that says 12.2%. Meanwhile, the LCBO website says 13.5%! Which one is right? Dunno, but I'm guessing the 12.2% figure is most accurate. In any case, this is pretty basic stuff. No glaring faults, but overall I'd sum it up as serviceable but nondescript and lacking in character. At $22, it's cheap for an Oregon pinot, but still no bargain in my book.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Yalumba Gen Organic Chardonnay 2022, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$14.10
Certainly not a cool climate rendition, and it won't make the purists happy, but I like it - it is very fruit-forward with compelling aromatics and a soft and creamy mouthfeel, yet it retains essential varietal characteristics. The "blowsy" descriptor is apt, but it falls well short of "flabby", and the modest 12.5% ABV is a big plus. In short, a user-friendly chard at a nice price. Tasted July 2024.
3.0 Stars
(0)V