Barry McLarnon
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Reviews (176)
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Reviews
Henry Of Pelham Pinot Grigio 2023, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Henry of Pelham is one of Niagara's pioneering wineries, and over the years they've forged an enviable reputation for delivering high quality and good value over a wide spectrum of varietals and tiers. This fruit-forward and well balanced pinot grigio is an excellent example - the value proposition is outstanding at the regular price, and it's currently discounted to a mere $13.95. It would be difficult to find a better value pg sourced from anywhere in the world, let alone from Ontario. Last tasted August 2024.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)G+(23)O
Emiliana Coyam 2016, Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$29.95
Tasted March 2022. My wife and I first encountered Coyam in 2013, when we tasted the 2010 vintage at the winery. It was young and a bit rough around the edges, but we could clearly see its potential. The 2016 vintage is just entering its prime, a rich and rewarding mouthful that has oodles of nuances and is a delight to sip. I see the 2019 is now on the shelves, so that one will need a few years before it can really start to strut its stuff.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Seresin Chardonnay 2012, Marlborough
Marlborough, New Zealand$19.25
Love the complexity and intensity here - a chardonnay lover's chardonnay. While I can't sniff out all of the nuances that David can, the smokey-peaty notes overlaid on the fruit are compelling. We visited the winery almost ten years ago, and can still remember the vivid positive impression both their wines and their philosophy made on us.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Dominique Piron Les Pierres Morgon 2009, Ac
Beaujolais, France$22.95
This wine is drinking beautifully in April 2013... alas, it was my last bottle. David Lawrason's description nails it: an enticing black cherry and blueberry nose, with hints of leather, licorice, and meaty notes. When first opened, it made my thoughts turn more to South Africa than Beaujolais. We kept much of the bottle (vacu-vin'ed and refrigerated) for the next day. When retasted, some of those more volatile nuances were less apparent, leaving that tasty fruit and velvety mouth feel. It really shows the potential of the Gamay grape under the right conditions.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Leaning Post The Fifty Chardonnay 2020, Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$24.95
I prefer my chardonnay to have a bit more of a "kiss of oak", but this one has plenty of leesy goodness to compensate for that shortcoming. Lots of interest in the nose, good body and a nice creamy mouthfeel, and refreshing acidity for food-friendliness. Think I'll pick up another bottle or two to see how it evolves. Tasted March 2023.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Malivoire Gamay 2023, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$21.95
Farmstead or not, this benchmark Niagara gamay just keeps going from strength to strength, and this may be the best vintage yet. Great freshness and purity of fruit on offer here. This is a "house wine" at our humble abode, and whenever the occasion calls for a lighter red (< 13% ABV) that is nevertheless compelling, nuanced, and food friendly, this one is at the top of our list.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)E+(24)O
Invivo Pinot Noir Central Otago 2019
Central Otago, New Zealand$27.95
This is a pale, limpid beauty, very fruity with strawberry and cherry in the forefront. There are also some spicy notes, but little or no oak influence and very soft tannins. Just a delight to sip.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2022, St. Urban Vineyard, VQA Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Vineland is a riesling pioneer in Niagara, and has been demonstrating its prowess with this varietal for four decades. The 2023 is out now, but I found 3 bottles of the outstanding 2022 vintage at my local LCBO outlet, and it's even currently on sale at $19.95. The nose is seductive, and the balance is impeccable, with just enough residual sugar to balance the bracing acidity. This world class riesling is the complete package, with under 10% ABV and a long finish - great value! Their entry-level semi-dry riesling is no slouch either. Last tasted December 2024.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)E+(68)O
Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah 2011, Casablanca Valley
Casablanca Valley, Chile$19.95
We visited the winery in 2013, and being organic gardeners ourselves, we were very impressed with their vineyard practices and general philosophy. This wine is soft, smooth and very fruity, without being cloying. 15% alcohol seems a bit over the top, yet there is great balance here and no noticeable hotness in the finish.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Brigaldara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2018, Doc
Veneto, Italy$22.95
Just lovely. This fine Ripasso is just entering its prime drinking window, which will extend for some years to come. It's the whole package: a warm and inviting nose, soft tannins, richness on the palate with great mouthfeel, and a lingering finish. It was a superb match for roast lamb accompanied by roasted root veggies. I see that the next vintage (2019) is still available, and will have to hunt down a few bottles. Tasted October 2023.
4.0 Stars
(0)V