Jason Solanki

Stella Bella Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Tasted Jan/2020.

Les Vignerons Du Castelas Vieilles Vignes Signargues Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2013, Ac

Blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Carignan. Ripe raspberry, blackberry and kirsch liqueur on top of a layer of forest floor, and hints of sweet spice aromas from the glass. Medium+ bodied on the palate with plush, dusty tannins and flavours of blackberry, dark fruits, spice and earth. Acids are juicy. Fruit holds up well to the 14% abv. Long finish with just a touch of tannic grip. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Tasted July/2016. Score: 88+ pts

Arboleda Carmenère 2014, Aconcagua Valley

Contains 5% Petit Verdot, this has medium+ intensity aromas that are herbaceous with green pepper, hints of bramble, black olive, white pepper and brett adding complexity. The palate is medium-full bodied with pleasing aroma replays and juicy, mouth-watering acids. Long, earthy finish. Still a bit tight, but should be better in 1-2 years. Tasted May/2016. Score: 88+ pts

Schloss Schönborn Estate Riesling 2011, Qualitätswein

Effervescent nose showing mineral, apricot, orange and citrus. It's medium-bodied with bright acids and very nice aroma replays with primarily orange and grapefruit flavours. There is 40 g/l residual sugar, but comes off as medium-dry (i.e. still quite sweet) due to racy acids. Very good length on the finish. Tasted May/2016.

J. Moreau & Fils Chablis 2015, Ac

Medium-high intensity aromas that are clean with lemon, stone fruit, mineral, and some herbally notes, all of which come through nicely on the palate and lifted by clean acids. Well-balanced with a nice mineral cut on the long finish. Tasted Apr/2017.

Lantides Estates Agiorgitiko 2013, Pdo Nemea

Medium+ intensity aromas that are earthy and cherry toned with hints of barnyard. On a medium-bodied frame, it very nice aroma replays, very good acidity, and some structured tannins. Very good length on the finish. Can age 3-5 years. Tasted May/2016.

Medium-high intensity nose of cedar oak, vanilla barnyard, forest floor and red berries. It's medium-bodied with ripe tannins and earthy, all-spice flavours along with hints of chocolate. Nice package overall with a medium-long finish. Tasted May/2015.

Henry Of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2015, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Medium+ intensity aromas of ripe tropical fruit, buttered popcorn, golden apple and more buttery notes. It's fairly light-weighted on the palate with ripe fruited aroma replays. Good acidity keeps things fresh, while the finish length is very good. Tasted Apr/2017.

Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2014, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza

Black plum and dark fruit aromas from the cork. Initial oak aromas give way to dark cherry, plum and cocoa, with hints of white pepper and mineral. The dry palate is full bodied, juicy and nicely textured with dark berry, dark plum, white pepper, oak spices and some herbally flavours. Some mocha notes on the long finish. Tannins are drying and a bit hard - needs some time to integrate. Drinkable now, but should be prime drinking in 2 years. Tasted Oct/2016.

Maycas De Limari Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2014, Limari Valley

Medium-high aromatics with appealing beetroot, strawberry, and cherry aromas, typical of the varietal. Light in tannin and lightweighted overall, flavours mimic the aromas. Balanced with fresh and juicy, yet slightly tart/sour acids. Medium-long finish. Tasted Nov/2016. Score: 88+ pts

Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, South Island