Barry McLarnon
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Reviews (172)
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Reviews
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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Tomich Woodside Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$23.95
I'm fully onboard with David on this one. I too have been captivated by Aussie pinots, mainly from Victoria, but more recently from a few sterling examples from the Adelaide Hills. The fruit is beguiling here, but it is nicely complemented by spicy notes that add a distinctive Aussie touch to the pinot experience. Alas, it has all but disappeared from the LCBO shelves, but luckily I was able to stock up before that happened. Last tasted August 2024.
3.5 Stars
(2)A
Thirty Bench Red 2007, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$24.00
Our last bottle of the 2007... still very deep color, with no signs of fading. Lots of fruit on the nose and palate, and the tannins have mellowed to the point where they are almost unnoticeable. Drinking well now, but my sense is that it will not improve further and is poised to start falling apart - indeed, it's probably a bit past its prime already. Ultimately, just a tad disappointing, as I wanted a bit more complexity and a longer finish for a 2007 Niagara red at this price point.
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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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
(2)V
Reva Dolcetto D'alba 2022, D.O.C.
Piedmont, Italy$25.95
Lovely - I haven't crossed paths with Dolcetto much in recent years, but this one is a delight to sip, and also very food-friendly. I intend to track down a few more bottles before they vanish from the shelves at local LCBO emporia. Tasted November 2023.
3.5 Stars
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Domäne Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Grüner Veltliner 2020, Qualitätswein
Wachau, Austria$17.95
Textbook groovy, at a nice price point. I always struggle to describe the aroma and taste of this varietal, so I'll just borrow a page from Michael's book, and simply say "I know, it's only rock 'n roll, but I like it...".
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Marlborough 2018
New Zealand$19.95
This is a compelling pinot that punches well above its $20 price point - it has luscious cherry fruit, a touch of spice, and a lovely smoky note. It's in its prime right now, but should be just fine for a couple more years. Best of all, it's still available (though I haven't verified that it's the 2018 vintage currently on offer), so although I already stocked up a few months ago, I'll be heading back for more soon.
3.5 Stars
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Tahbilk Viognier 2016, Nagambie Lakes, Goulburn Valley
Victoria, Australia$18.95
A fruit-forward viognier with an attractive nose of apricot and spice. Good mouth feel with just enough acidity to keep it refreshing and food-friendly, and it finishes with a touch of minerality. Nicely done.
3.5 Stars
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Albino Piona Bardolino 2016, Doc
Veneto, Italy$12.75
The hefty bottle belies the lightness and freshness of the wine within. This is a beguiling Bardo with enticing floral and herbal notes, along with food-friendly acidity. Spring in a glass.
3.5 Stars
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