Jason Solanki

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

Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2015, Leyda Valley

Medium-high aromatics offer strawberry, sour cherry, beetroot and hints of tea leaf. It's medium-bodied with soft, smooth tannins and nice aroma replays. Acids are very good and finish is long. Tasted Nov/2016.

Château Bertin 2014, Lussac St émilion

100% Merlot. Wet earth, forest floor, plum and whiffs of incense aromas from the cork. Ripe black cherry, cassis aromas followed by notions of milk chocolate, herbs and vanilla oak of medium intensity. Medium-bodied with a soft, plush mouthfeel and dusty tannins that become chalkier with air. Acids are juicy. Black cherry, currant, cocoa, milk chocolate, and cedar oak flavours, finishing long with earthy notes. A fine match with poultry or red meats. Tasted Nov/2016.

Louis Latour Domaine De Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2013, Igp Var

From Provence, this has medium-high intensity aromas of cherry, beetroot, and earth. Very typical of the varietal, with nice aroma replays of good intensity. Light-bodied with delicate acids. Medium-long finish. Tasted Oct/2016.