Barry McLarnon
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Reviews (186)
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Reviews
Anselmann Edesheimer Ordensgut Weissburgunder Kabinett Trocken 2012, Pradikätswein
Pfalz, Germany$13.95
I'm with David on this one... a compelling pinot gris-like nose with added floral notes, very clean, fresh and lemon-zesty on the palate. Just the thing for spring sipping, food-friendly, and at 11.5% alcohol, very light on its feet - what's not to like?
3.5 Stars
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Maison Fontan Tattoo Blanc 2024, Igp Côtes De Gascogne
Southwest, France$19.95
David's review says it all. This is a delightful and refreshing summer white, with some surprising complexity and balance. It has gobs of flavour even when well chilled, and the modest 11.5% ABV is another big plus. There are simply no off notes here - overall, an excellent value. Tasted July 2026.
3.5 Stars
(1000+)V+(53)O
Mayschoss 140 Jahre Jubiläumswein Trocken Pinot Noir 2013, Qualitätswein, Ahr
Germany$21.95
Discovered this one hiding in the cellar, purchased exactly two years ago today. The additional aging time has no doubt been beneficial - this is a very impressive wine, with great balance and fruit, coupled with enticing savoury notes. It is perhaps the best pinot I've encountered from Germany, and puts me in mind of Central Otago at its best. Alas, only the one lonely bottle in the cellar, but I'll be on the watch for pinots from the Ahr Valley in the future.
3.5 Stars
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Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$22.95
This one really captures the essence of "feminine" pinot noir - an excellent value, especially at the recent discounted price of $17.95. Ed Madronich is clearly making great strides in his aim of making world-class pinot at affordable prices.
3.5 Stars
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Niepoort Dão Rótulo Red 2013, Doc Dão
Dão, Portugal$15.25
This wine certainly bears little resemblance to the inexpensive Daos I was drinking back in the 70s and 80s (Terras Altas comes to mind). This one is all about freshness, and instead of oak, comes with a bracing dollop of minerality. As intended, very food-friendly, even with lighter fare such as roast chicken.
3.5 Stars
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Mojo Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Coonawarra
South Australia, Australia$17.95
Love the restraint and elegance here - the deep colour has you expecting an Aussie fruit bomb, but that's not at all the case. I'm guessing that the iconic Wynn's Coonawarra Cab Sauv has a bit more richness and complexity, but it's hard to say for sure without a side-by-side comparison. Nice wine at a nice price.
3.5 Stars
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Avondale Jonty'S Ducks Pekin White 2015, Wo Paarl
Paarl, South Africa$16.95
I'm fully in agreement with the gurus on this one. I like chenin blanc, especially for its mouth feel, but sometimes find it a bit shy on the aromatic side. This blend amps up the aromatics, and has beguiling complexity and excellent purity of fruit. Fine value.
3.5 Stars
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Ruppertsberger Imperial Pinot Noir Trocken 2021, Sustainable, Pfalz
Pfalz, Germany$20.95
I really wanted to like this pinot, but it failed to impress. It started well enough, with a low key but inviting fruity nose accented by oak spice, but it slid downhill from there... I found it quite tight and a little rough on the palate, and the finish was relatively short, with a bitter edge. Even at this fairly modest price point, there are quite a few better choices.
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Du Margalleau Vouvray Sec 2022, Sustainable, Ac
Loire, France$20.95
South Africa is my go-to source for chenin blanc, but this one turned my head in an entirely different direction. A shy yet intriguing nose, but this chenin really delivers on the palate. Lovely fruit here, conveyed effortlessly with a silky smooth and creamy mouth feel, and with a clean and lingering finish... just a delight to sip. Tasted February 2024.
3.5 Stars
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Hunter'S Pinot Noir 2022, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$19.25
Tasting this wine was like welcoming back an old friend. I can recall tasting earlier vintages on various occasions, including at a succession of NZ wine fairs dating back to 2008. This edition is true to form: fruit-forward with spicy notes, soft tannins, a touch of smoke, and a beguiling bit of forest floor earthiness to top it off and win the heart of a pinot afficionado. And, remarkably, it's actually $2 cheaper than it was in 2018... what's not to like?
3.5 Stars
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