Thomas T

Alvaro Palacios Camins Del Priorat 2011, Doca Priorat

I was very excited to seeing another wine from Alvaro Palacios appear at my local Vintages section, and for the price it definitely has met all my expectations! There is quite a lot going on in a glass; plenty of red berry fruit, but also spice and very notably licorice. Perhaps still on the younger side - can't wait to try the bottles I tucked away in a couple of years.
Tasted September 2013

álvaro Palacios Camins Del Priorat 2010

A soft nose of raspberry, pepper and spice. On the palate its firm tannins and chalky texture were complimented by berry and plum flavours, rosemary, and a strong minerality. Very long finish.
Tasted March 2012.

Pasqua Villa Borghetti Ripasso Valpolicella 2007, Veneto

I found it to nose of jammy fruits, red berries and fig, with a slight vanilla hint. Still firm tannins, with a nicely balanced acidity to feel lively in the mouth. Nice finish. A decent wine for the price, but nothing to get excited about.

Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau Di Sardegna 2008, Doc

I didn't enjoy this Cannonau as much as the Santa Maria La Palma, which sells for $2 less. Although I did prefer this wine to Spain's Castillo De Monseran Garnacha.

Check out all three of my reviews at:

http://www.everydaywineaficionado.com

San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva 2007

After some decanting (about a half hour or so), this wine opens up with a nose of licorice, leather, and some plum notes. On the palate, this wine is earthy with silky tannins. Mid-weight with a long finish. Pair it with a hearty pasta and enjoy!

Tasted August 2012.

Marqués De Riscal Reserva 2007

Ruby red with a bit of garnet in colour. Strong nose of blackberry, spice, and cedar. Medium + body, with chalky tannins. Flavours are similar to the nose with a little more plum and earthiness. Long finish.

Had this with a rack of lamb and it was an excellent pairing.

Tasted September 2012.

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2010, Wo Swartland

Opening this up on the later end of the critic reviewer's aging range (still have two more bottle tucked away). The wine is still a dark plumy colour, that smells of delightful black cherry, vanilla, and some smokiness. Tannic and peppery on the palate. Medium to long finish.
Tasted January 2014.

Chateau Des Charmes Gamay Noir 'droit' St. David's Bench Vineyard 2010, St. David's Bench

This wine was fruity; very ripe to jammy with lots of cherry and strawberry here. While a few years old at this point, there were still mild tannins and a long finish. I quite enjoyed this wine, especially paired with a herb-seasoned roast chicken.
Tasted January 2014.

Cousiño Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Maipo Valley

I have to agree with the other reviews this is an excellent wine, especially below $20. It has a vibrant nose of red fruit; raspberry and cherry, with a slight hint of smoke and vanilla. On the palate it is nicely balanced with minimal acidity and grippy but soft tannins. Darker berries, such as blackcurrants come through here, along with the aforementioned smoke and vanilla. Have it with a nice roast beef!
Tasted March 2012.

Rodney Strong Merlot 2007, Sonoma County

Medium ruby colour, with just a slight hint of garnet on the meniscus. Scents of black cherry, vanilla, and smoky earth waft out of the glass. Medium tannins, with a full body. Flavours of blackberry jam, vanilla, and smoke. Medium finish.
Tasted March, 2012.