dmytro

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Rustenberg Chardonnay 2012

Richness balanced by nerve and acidity. New World style for sure, but with some French sensibility. Great value.

Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County

Tastes more like Zin. However, I have been pleasantly surprised that it is not too sweet (Belle Glos wines tend to be sweet) and has a good backbone. You need to like the style (over the top with spice and all kinds of red fruit jam), but if you do - you will like this one. Good price relatively to US.
Celebrity equivalent: younger Elizabeth Taylor.

Closson Chase Vineyard The Loyalist Chardonnay 2010, VQA Prince Edward County

My favorite winery @ PEC that really knows Chardonnay and has developed own style. Love the lightness and elegance, with a bit of a smokiness, spice and lemon custard notes. Not a bargain, but have you tried to make a wine @ PEC? Great alternative for Cru Chablis (oaked) or simpler Meursault.

Celebrity equivalent: Sandy Rinaldo.

Fielding Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

This is what Cab Franc should be: flavorful, nervy, elegant. Tobacco and fruit. Intrigue. Long aftertaste. Celebrity equivalent: young Edith Piaf.

Rust En Vrede Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Wo Stellenbosch

Yes, complexity is there. A bit too savory and rustic to my taste.