Stephan W

Fattoria Di Basciano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2006, Docg

Very nice Chianti which greatly benefited from over an hour of decanting. Wished I cellared it a bit longer and found out what it would have become :). Tasted July 2012.

Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2009, Alsace

Delicious, soft Gewurtz with great length and not too sweet. Was a perfect match with fish cooked asian-style. Tasted September 2012.

Peter Lehmann Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Decent Shiraz but I was expecting a little bit more. Maybe the Barossa Valley is not my type (McLaren Vale is more like it). Tasted March 2012.

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Outstanding Shiraz. Very smooth and long finish. A crowd pleaser for sure...keep in mind for your Christmas parties. Tasted December 2011.

Masi Serego Alighieri Possessioni Rosso 2009, Veneto

Medium-bodied wine with a nice finish. Great value for the price. Perfect pairing with Italian hard aged cheese like Grana Pradano. Tasted April 2012.

Note: found that it really needs decanting for at least 30 minutes but ideally 1 hour, as it exhibited much greenness upon opening.

Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale

Great Shiraz for those of us that have a sweet tooth and love wines from the McLaren Vale region. A very safe bet to bring to a party. Tasted March 2012.

Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Off-dry type of Riesling. Decent wine for the price, but nothing extraordinary. Tasted April 2012.

Henry Of Pelham Reserve Off Dry Riesling 2009, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Very nice Riesling. Really appreciated that this was off dry as some Rieslings are just too sweet to be paired with moderately spicy dishes. Tasted March 2012.

Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Pinot Gris 2009, Ac Alsace Grand Cru

Delicious, rich (like honey in your mouth without being too sweet), full body. So smooth. A very safe bet for a party as a wine of this quality will please most people. Tasted May 2012.

Shottesbrooke Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

Nice Cabernet-Sauvignon, but I would agree with another reviewer that it is still a bit young. However, it really benefited from a good hour of decanting. Felt medium-body upon opening and edged to full bodied after an hour of decanting. Tasted October 2012.