Mark Britton
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Reviews (65)
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There are thousands of wine blogs out there and thousands more if you include blogs on spirits and beer. Why is that? Well because wine is a fascinating subject with a broad and expanding consumer base. If you study wine you learn about wine, culture, language, geography, business, viticulture, viniculture, weather systems, terroir, history... the list goes on. So there is plenty to write about and always more to learn.
What I do on towineman is nothing earth shattering. I don't claim to know any more than the hundreds of thousands of "wine experts" that exist. However I absolutely love the subject and I absolutely love drinking the products. That passion will come across in what I envision to be good and honest writing on a subject I enjoy.
I am WSET educated to the advanced level and will continue to learn wine and spirits at every opportunity. However I don't plan on overcomplicating the subject to the point of it being intolerable. At the end of the day I am a wine consumer like everyone else. With that perspective at the forefront my goal is, with a Canadian focus (Ontario mainly), to make your experience of wine, spirits, and beer more enjoyable. Simple.
I hope you enjoy.
- Mark
Reviews
Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$29.95
This is a gorgeous wine from a wonderful Australian producer. A classic Rhone blend the wine is a mix of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvedre (hence the name GSM). This is a big wine layered with complex and beautiful aromas which are echoed on the palate. Rich fruit, good acidity, tannins that don't dominate, and a long finish make this wine a must have. Well worth the $32 price point.
4.5 Stars
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Dunham Cellars Syrah 2005, Columbia Valley
Washington, Usa$35.65
Outstanding wine especially at a $35 price point. Rich cherry off the top but the game and leather flavours shine through. A Washington Syrah which could easily be mistaken for a Rhone Valley.
4.0 Stars
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Montes Alpha Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley
Chile$19.95
This is a very peppery carmenere essentially embodying the traditional Chilean carmenere flavours. Not the best wine Montes produces but that doesn't mean much because they are a excellent producer. The catch is you can get better for the $19.95 price point.
4.0 Stars
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Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2010, Barossa
South Australia, Australia$19.95
The overly aggressive licorice flavours take away from an otherwise decent wine. Strong black fruit are a bit off balance from the strong french oak. Overall however pretty much what you should expect from a Barossa Shiraz and not bad value at $21.95.
3.5 Stars
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Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2009, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$30.00
Here we have a 2009 Chardonnay that is easily balanced and complex enough to sit for another 2-3 years in your cellar. This wine has a ton going on. Oak, minerality, butter, nuts, and even lemon on the nose and palate. The acidity is fresh and the finishing taste seems to linger in your mouth for awhile. Pair with fresh fish, rich cheese, pasta, chicken, turkey......
3.5 Stars
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Cono Sur Syrah Reserva 2010, Colchagua Valley
Chile$8.95
This is an appealing syrah that is more fruit forward that most traditional old world styles. A very easy drinking wine with soft tannins after a bit of decanting. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.
3.5 Stars
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Trius Merlot 2010, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$14.95
This is a full bodied merlot from what the Hillebrand rep called "The best vintage in Niagara… ever." It held up well to a Ribeye steak and could be a great food wine or even a sipper. Great value here at $14.95.
3.5 Stars
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Acacia Chardonnay 2009, Carneros
California, Usa$27.95
Fantastic Chardonnay from a great Chardonnay region. Those seeking unoaked Chardonnay beware as this is not for you. But the oak is extremely well integrated with the fruit and high acidity. You will also pick-up Vanilla and Butter throughout. I would consider this cellarable for 2-3 years.
3.5 Stars
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Grant Burge Summers Chardonnay 2010, Adelaide Hills/Eden Valley, South Australia
Australia$19.95
Look out for Australian Chardonnay's over the next few years starting with this Grant Burge. Now a general list at the LCBO. Some sour notes but balanced with med-high acidity and ripe lemon and apple flavours. Great old world style Chardonnay.
3.5 Stars
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Henry Of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$24.95
2010 was a great year and this is one of the finest Baco's produced by HOP and in Niagara in general. It is smokey on the nose, but rich and elegant on the palate. It is much more complex than the Baco's from 2007-2009 and as such will age well for 2-4 years at least. An age worthy Baco at $25? That's a good buy.
3.5 Stars
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