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
Lamadrid Single Vineyard Reserva Malbec 2008, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$15.00
A good single vineyard Malbec at a good single vineyard Malbec price. This shows some red fruit which is somewhat unique to Malbec's, and is integrated nicely with the more traditional black fruit flavours.
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
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
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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
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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
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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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Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2009, VQA Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$15.95
This is one of the best value Rose's around and one of the best Rose's being produced in Ontario. Rich red fruit, good acidity, beautiful light ruby in colour. Amazing wine.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Jadot Combe Aux Jacques Beaujolais Villages 2009
Beaujolais, France$17.95
This is a good example of the Beaujolais style of wine out of France made from the Gamay grape. It's clean and youthful as it is meant to be, with flavours of black cherry, licorice and even bubble gum. Not bad at $15.95. Drink young, not meant for aging.
3.0 Stars
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Henry Of Pelham Pinot Grigio 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$14.95
I feel as though Pinot Grigio is a taste it before you buy it wine because too many lack any flavour. I am happy to have tasted this so I can recommend it to you. It is loaded with fresh, crisp acidity and tropical fruit flavours. A very nice Pinot Grigio made in the traditional Italian style.
3.0 Stars
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