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
Viña Maipo Gran Devócion Carmenère/Syrah 2009, Maule Valley
Maule Valley, Chile$0.00
I loved this wine. An absolute steal at $16.95. The Syrah balances out the peppery spice of the Carmenere to produce a truly elegant wine. The carmenere blends could be the next great wines to come out of Chile.
3.0 Stars
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Pérez Cruz Limited Edition Syrah 2009, Maipo Alto, Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley, Chile$19.95
If you haven't tried a Chilean syrah you are missing out as they are without a doubt an up and coming country for syrah. This one is fantastic. In a value region like Chile you may consider $19.95 to be a bit high but this one is worth the buy. Ripe black fruit and tannins rich enough that this could still lie down for a few years.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Castillo De Monseran Garnacha 2010, Carinena
Spain$9.95
This is an excellent wine all around. Extremely ripe flavours of cherry and strawberry dominate. The tannins are soft making the wine very easy to drink. This is a go to everyday wine as it can be a sipper or paired with a variety of dishes. The best you can do at the price point without question. Tasted daily from 2011 - present.
3.0 Stars
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Catena Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$18.95
This is a fantastic Chardonnay from a terrific producer. Ripe tropical fruit, hints of lemon, and good acidity. The oak is not overpowering as in some new world Chardonnay's. Great value at $19.95.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Rosehall Run Liberated 2011, Ontario
Ontario, Canada$14.95
This is the 2011 white wine launched by Rosehall Run and catered to the mainstream. It will however appeal to that mainstream. Pale lemon in colour it shows nice peach and a surprisingly long finish, while being very easy drinking and a great summer wine. Buy now or wait until summer, 2013.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Trius Sauvignon Blanc 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$14.95
For me this wine seemed a bit done up and manufacturered. Loaded with perfume notes on the nose that was a bit overwhelming. The peach does shine through, but overall this sauvignon blanc was a bit over the top.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Santa Rita Chardonnay Reserva 2009, Casablanca Valley
Chile$13.95
This is a pleasant chardonnay but it lacks in structure and overall character. There are plenty of good Chardonnay's coming out of Chile and while this one is by no means bad, there are better options available.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Zeni Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Docg
Veneto, Italy$39.95
A nice Amarone but Zeni makes many which are better. The alcohol is a bit strong on this particular wine. Very good wine though probably not worth the price point and Zeni is capable of much more.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Zeni Costalago 2008, Igt Rosso Veronese
Veneto, Italy$12.75
This is a very nice wine and at $14.95 is very tough to beat. Rich Italian red wine acidity is matched by black fruit. Though the alcohol comes on a bit strong this is a good food pairing wine.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Cono Sur Merlot Rose 2011
Chile$7.95
A fairly nice Rose that is loaded with red fruit. The first few sips are really nice, but it becomes a bit sweet beyond that despite being technically a dry wine. Still a nice entry level Rose.
3.0 Stars
(0)A