Thomas T

La Fiole Cotes Du Rhone 2011

Typical for the region, this red wine is made from Grenache and Syrah grapes. This young wine has generous aromas of dark fruits, especially plums, and spices - pepper and cloves. Medium bodied with light-to-present tannins. A bit sour with a slightly metallic aftertaste, which does not that long (medium -).

Overall, a pretty package for a common red wine. Happy I got it on sale.
Tasted January 2014.

Funf German Riesling, Rhein

Funf had a much light nose that mainly consisted of apple, although it also had some crisp pear. The Funf's flavours contained a little more citrus than the nose would have had me predict. However, it mainly consisted of apple and pear. The acidity was a little more noticeable than some other rieslings I've had, but it gave it a nice crispy finish.

Tasted April 2012.

Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2005, Doc Castel Del Monte

Quick Lesson: the Aglianico grape, which has been believed to have been brought to Italy by early Greek settlers may not have been. Recent DNA testing shows no close relation to other known Greek varieties.

The wine was beginning to show some browning, to its deep garnet colouring. The wine has notable nose of match-heads (sulphur), spice, and plums. The tannins are still present, giving the wine a nice structure. Prunes, earthy, and a bit of tobacco flavours, with a medium to long finish.
Tasted March 2014.

Couly Dutheil Clos De L'echo Chinon 2004, Ac

The wine was inky dark, still ruby red with minimal garnet on the meniscus. Light aromas of raspberry wafted off the glass, followed by darker scents of mocha, earth, and smoke. On the palate the wine still had grippy tannins, a dry medium-body, and balanced acidity. Little fruit was left, but what was there had plum notes, complimented with soft earth and tobacco flavours. Good finish.
Tasted March 2012.

Crush Red 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Had the 2010 Crush Red VQA.

I found this wine very basic. Soft red berries and slight pepper spice, with low tannins and a light-medium body. From a $13 wine, I expect more.

Tasted March, 2012

Vila Regia 2010, Douro Valley, Portugal

Very simple red. Lots of red fruit, particularly strawberries. Slight hint of vanilla on the palate. While I wouldn't suggest it for a heavy meal, for a summer day by the pool... It's a good easy drinking red, maybe even serve chilled!
Tasted June 2012.

Dan Akroyd Cabernet Shiraz 2009, Niagara Peninsula

Strong and jammy red berry aromas, particularly strawberry. On the palate it had soft tannins and a medium body. More sweet red fruit and some vegetal notes, great for a light summer meal! Good finish.

Tasted July 2012.

Château Des Charmes Chardonnay Unoaked Sur Lie 2008, VQA Niagara On The Lake (375ml)

Strong floral and honeysuckle aromas with a definite hint of apples. On the palate, sweet and nicely balanced. Maintained its apple with sweet honey notes.
Tasted March 2012.

Ruffino Chianti 2009, Tuscany

Approaching the glass aromas of plum are most noticeable, followed by a slight pepper note, and licorice. On the palate, the plum carries through, with some herbal notes. Nicely balanced, acidity and tannins.

Cesari Merlot 2010, Venezie

Scents of plum and red fruits. The sweet red berries continue through to the taste. Light-Medium bodied.
Nothing to recommend this wine on other then price. A very simple wine.