Templeton Smith

Clos Du Calvaire Châteauneuf Du Pape 2009

Fruity nose. In the mouth it's herbal and fruity w cherries, nice. Finish has some cocoa and minerals. Not impressed but not bad either.

Hecht & Bannier Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2008, Ac

As the winealign critics say, this is an excellent wine. Intense and yummy with good complexity to boot.

Graham's 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro Valley (500ml)

All the usual hallmarks of a 20 year old port are there: the butterscotch, honey, apricot and toffee. The aroma is heavy on alcohol and not quite as fresh as, say, a Taylor. On the palate the port does, as the reviewer above notes, have a bite fresh out of the bottle. This goes away after a day. A nice port, but not better than a Taylor.

Château Saint Roch De Laurens 2007, Ac Faugères

While the nose is fresh with grapes and cherries, on the palate the wine is a bit closed. There are some cocoa and earthy notes on the short finish. I found the wine to be enjoyable but not excellent. It's on a par with Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Tasted January 2012.

Carione Brunello Di Montalcino 2005

Château Faizeau Vieilles Vignes 2009, Ac Montagne Saint émilion

On the nose it's earthy and smells of bread and sausage. Earthiness at the front, hint of smoke. Interesting and complex. Then a fruity bomb of a finish. Very smooth, very nice. Is this what terroir is all about? Tasted December 2011.

Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nice Reisling, but nothing memorable.

Argiolas Costera 2009, Doc Cannonau Di Sardegna

A well balanced and just-complex-enough Grenache. Not a very noticeable nose, it's light and doesn't give away much. The palate is dark, cooked cherries and blackcurrants. It's got a hint of citrus, lemon, cocoa with minerality. Nonetheless it is overall very strong on condensed fruit with a nice finish. Very good to excellent. Tasted December 2011.

Batasiolo Barolo 2007, Piedmont, Italy

Château Des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2008, VQA Niagara On The Lake

A good Riesling, apple tones, somewhat sweet. Not excellent and the value is questionable. Good typicity.