dmytro

Ravine Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Niagara Peninsula VQA

I generally find that Ontario Chardonnay does not age that well. Drinking this one in 2014 and it is amazing. Feels young, nervy and full of toasty flavor. No signs of aging. Veeeery long finish. Worth every penny. Celebrity equivalent: Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars.

Flat Rock Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2008, Twenty Mile Bench

Still lively and drinkable. A bit on a light side, and finish getting shortish. Smoke and some fruit. (Aging) celebrity equivalent: Donald Sutherland.

Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2011, Wo Elgin

Sorry, Rod. Chardonnay from Alsace would not taste like this, as they are more about terroir and style than grape variety. My opinion: nice balance of fruit and concentration, very bright acidity. Reminds me of cru Chablis, minus the saline note. Extremely food friendly, elegant and classy. Celebrity equivalent: Kara Lang.

Jules Taylor Pinot Noir 2011, Marlborough, South Island

The most Cali style I have ever tasted from NZ. Terrific concentration, spice and rhubarb notes. Still, something feels a tiny bit off.

Dopff & Irion Vorbourg Pinot Gris 2009, Ac Alsace Grand Cru

Wow. Alsatian wines tend to taste more of terroir than grape. In this case, the only thing that tells me it is not a great Gewurz (it does smells like one, minus litchi fruit ), is the lack of slight bitterness (and yes, lack of litchi). Bring some fois gras. Wow intensity and grace. Celebrity equivalent - Brigitte Bardot.

Firestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Santa Ynez Valley

Cali vine that costs here as much as in California? Seems almost impossible, but here it is.

Love this cab: currant, cassis, espresso, chocolate and a bit of dill. Just right, with nice tannins and aging potential.

Case purchase would not be an overkill.

Celebrity equivalent: Daniel Craig (yes, I have just watched Skyfall).

Mas D'auzières Sympathie Pour Les Stones 2009, Ac Côteaux Du Languedoc

Loved the nose, but got a bit disappointed with the bitterness. Found the fruit muted by high alcohol. If this wine is Rolling Stones, it is more Keith Richards than Mick.

Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Cork Dancer Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Barbara County

Was expecting it to be a bit sweetish. It is not, rather full and elegant.

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2010, Hemel En Arde Valley

King of Chardonnays where flavour meets minerality, elegance and flavour. Do not think this is a masculine Chard, as mentioned by some critics. Rather strong, but feminine side. Quality of Montrachet. Celebrity equivalent: Edith Piaf.

Domaine Marchand Grillot Morey Saint Denis 2008, Ac

Found this one a bit died. Elegance? Yes. However, tannins a a bit too drying. Does not meet the expectation of Moray St. Denis. Still, fine price on LCBO sale.