Barry McLarnon
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Reviews (165)
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Reviews
Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2018, Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$22.95
Just a note for future reference: while 2018 was undeniably not a stellar vintage for this reliable Pinot, I'm pleased to report that, as of January 2021, it has settled nicely. The volatility mentioned in the above reviews has dissipated, and the wine has rounded into a food-friendly libation with sour-edged fruit and a touch of oak spice. It will never be a velvety sipper, but it still shows its pedigree as an above-average Niagara Pinot.
2.5 Stars
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Trail Estate Pinot Noir Unfiltered 2013, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
Ontario, Canada$25.95
Redolent with sour cherry and cranberry fruit, with a generous dollop of barnyard funk added. Certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but I found this wine quite compelling, reminiscent stylistically of some of the better pinots I've tasted from Coyote's Run. The value proposition at this price point is doubtful, however.
2.5 Stars
Henry Of Pelham Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$24.95
I've found the aging qualities of 2007 Niagara reds (and of earlier good vintages, such as 2002) to be hit and miss, but this is one of the hits. It's holding very nicely at 7 years of age, with solid fruit, a touch of spice from the well-integrated oak, hints of minerality and pencil lead, and few signs of fading. No great profundity here, but well put together and eminently drinkable.
0.5 Stars
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Domaine Gille Côtes De Nuits Villages 2008, Ac, Prop. Récolt.
Burgundy, France$23.40
Nice nose, very floral at first, then settling into dark cherry with a strong hint of cinnamon. Pleasant on the palate, but certainly not velvety, with a bitter tannic edge that was tempered nicely by the food accompaniment. I enjoyed many good and affordable red Burgundies back in the 1980's that were much superior to this one, but sadly, they are now way out of my price range. Nowadays, the New World (New Zealand, California, Ontario,...) offers better value for pinot noir lovers.
0.5 Stars
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