Templeton Smith

Inniskillin Winemaker's Series Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula

This pinot has a very fruity nose of lychee and fresh fruits. Reminded me of the nose you get in Inniskillin's icewine. The palate is again fresh with some citrus and good acidity. The finish is not long. There's no sense of terroir or earthiness. This is all new world pinot, clean and intense. Tasted January 2012

Domaine Du Grand Montmirail Vacqueyras 2009, Ac

It sits in the glass in a great dark purple colour. The colour of grape juice! Very well balanced, super smooth. The nose begins quite earthy and herbally with underlying fruitiness. On the palate it's intense and finishes with a long and pleasant cocoa note. The longer it breathes, the more complex it becomes -- the earthy herbally goodness comes out nicely.

Enjoyed with braised and grilled beef. Tasted January 2012.

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.

Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2009

Modern is right -- overly powerful on the palate with a light finish. Not a classy wine. This is what sangiovese would taste like if it was made in california.

Farina Le Pezze Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Doc

Excellent wine. A good example of Amarone and definitely among the best in the vintage. Very nice. Tasted April 2011 and September 2012.

Perrin & Fils Les Sinards Châteauneuf Du Pape 2007, Rhône Valley

Chocolatey, good typicity. Tasty. Finish is a bit unrefined at this price point.

Château Rahoul 2005, Ac Graves

This is a very nice Bordeaux a la Szabo's review. I don't sense any smokiness or much earthiness on the nose, so in that sense it's not very strong. Instead the nose is fruity. The palate, however, is typical Bordeaux: earthy, meaty, and just enough dark cherry intensity with a good finish. $25 for a six to seven year old Bordeaux that is quite typical, is a great value. Tasted February 2012.

Batasiolo Barolo 2007, Piedmont, Italy

Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nice Reisling, but nothing memorable.

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.