Vladimir Torres

Stratus Red 2010, VQA Niagara On The Lake, Niagara Peninsula

Sometimes reviewers (not naming anyone) are a tad generous in their assessment of local wines. With this one, it would be hard to exaggerate. The Stratus Red (2010) stands up to any red from anywhere. No condescending required. This is optimum stuff!

Hedges Family Estate Red 2011, Red Mountain, Yakima Valley

Domaine Acer Charles Aimé Robert 10 Year

If you enjoy the odd Port, you'll enjoy this.

Finca Constancia Altos De La Finca 2011, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla

I am not one prone to exaggerate (well, maybe sometimes), but I have to tell you, this wine is outstanding, and for the price simply unbelievable. Beautiful fruit, cherries and blackberries, round full body, tannic with phenomenal length… we are talking high quality all around greatness, and did I say ridiculously priced?
Enjoyed December 2016.

J.L. Chave Crozes Hermitage Rouge Silène 2013

Peppery, fruity, round and smooth, absolutely beautiful!!!!

Olivier & Lafont Gigondas 2013, Ac

Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2009

Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2012, Doca Rioja

Privato Tesoro Pinot Noir Woodward Collection 2014, Okanagan Valley

Fantastic Pinot Noir... very Burgundy (or at least that's what I said to justify being wrong on the appellation in a blind tasting game)... seriously, someone is making great PN in B.C.

Laurus Saint Joseph 2014, Ap

Ah the Northern Rhone! Saint Joseph might be half way up the region's "prestige ranking," but when you come across a wine like this, it goes straight to "Best Syrahs list." Northern Rhones of higher reputation will cost you so much more, begging the question: is the difference worth it? (Hint: sometimes a simple Crozes Hermitage, chosen as the house wine in a Bouchon in Lyon, tastes like the best you'll ever have)