Thomas T

Palacios Remondo Plácet 2009, Rioja

This was my first experience trying wine made from the Viura grape and I must say I was impressed. Nosed of floral and sweet peach. On the palate it maintained much the same notes, with a nicely balanced acidity and sweetness. Lengthy finish.
Tasted March, 2012

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

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.

Santa Carolina Carmenère Reserva 2009, Rapel Valley

The 2010 vintage is excellent! Juicy plum and berry scents with subtle hints of spice and vanilla. Stays fruity, with a nice amount of body. Firm tannins with a velvety finish. Had it with homemade, steak and blue cheese pizza, an excellent pairing. Tasted February 2012

Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, South Island

Pale lemon in colour. Medium strength nose of lime, and green apple, along with some vegetal hints. On the palate it was dry and medium weight. More green apple, and vegetal notes. Good finish length.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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