Stephan W

Boutari Grande Reserve Xinomavro 2008, Pdo Naoussa

I couldn't agree more with other reviewers comparing this wine to a Barolo. However, the acidity will not make it enjoyed by everyone...which is to expected with any fine old-world wine. Did not require much decanting (30 minutes will do). Tasted February 2016.

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.

Cortonesi La Mannella Rosso Di Montalcino 2018, D.O.C.

Tasted December 2021. Took a while to open up. Tried it in spring 2020 and was still pretty green. Tried again in December 2021 and got a lot smoother and aged pretty well. (October 2024 update: not much change and the wine has gotten pretty flat with limited depth).

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2018, South Australia

Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island

Excellent Sauvignon-Blanc with great depth and complexity. Tasted December 2013.

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.

Monte Antico Toscana 2015

Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz 2010, Barossa

Unusual savoury Shiraz that took me off guard at first, but that I started to appreciate after 30 - 45 minutes of decanting. However, this was not worth $27 in my opinion. Can certainly age another year or two, as it still felt too young to truly appreciate. Also it felt too hot with probably a high degree of alcohol. Tasted May 2014.

George Wyndham Founder's Reserve Shiraz 2010, Langhorne Creek

Solid, typical Shiraz. Tasted February 2014.

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.