Mark Britton
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Followers (2)
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Following (0)
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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
Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$12.95
This Chardonnay has obviously seen some time in oak as the creaminess and the vanilla come through prominently on the nose. Almost to the point of smelling like an aged whiskey with less alcohol. However the vanilla is very over the top and out of balance and after letting the wine sit it was all I could smell and taste.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Chakana Reserve Malbec 2010, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$16.95
This is a fantastic Malbec. Great value at $15.95. Chakana makes a regular Malbec and a Reserva and the reps description when I sampled this says it all "the Reserva is our Shania Twain, the other is perhaps our Dolly Parton." Buy the Shania Twain.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Inniskillin Niagara Estate Pinot Noir 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
This pinot smells as though it has been aged a bit even though it has not. Fruit comes through with cherry and even some olive notes, then some earthiness as it sits a bit. The tannins are juicy and the wine is easy drinking. I don't get enough of the Pinot Noir silkyness or a long enough finish to rate this wine too high, but a nice easy drinking wine for sure.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Cono Sur Bicycle Pinot Noir 2010, Central Valley
Chile$10.95
Every single vintage Cono Sur produces one of the best Pinot Noir's you can get at $10.95. This wine has always been a staple in my fridge. It's not a complex pinot noir and it is pretty light bodied, but it is loaded with fruit and is very easy drinking. Meant to be drank now.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
14 Hands Hot To Trot White Blend 2010, Washington Sate
Washington, Usa$8.75
A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, & Viognier this wine is very refreshing and loaded with fruit. It shows lots of green apple, lemon, peach, and a hint of residual sugar as the Viognier shines through. A simple, simple, wine that would be great to host with and great to drink a lot of.
2.5 Stars
(0)G
Le Parisien Pinot Noir 2009, Pays D' Oc Igp
Languedoc, France$13.10
A bit sour and overly tannic wine. The nose is pleasant with black cherry and some floral aromas, but they are not echoed on the palate which shows aggressive tannins. Not a horrible wine, but there are countless examples of better pinots out there.
2.5 Stars
(0)G
Rosehall Run Defiant Pinot Noir 2011, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$18.95
This is the 2011 Pinot noir from PEC producer Rosehall Run. It's pretty light in colour and really doesn't show $18.95 on the palate. It is an introductory Pinot from a pretty good producer and though not a bad wine it should probably be priced a bit lower
2.5 Stars
(0)G
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Chardonnay 2010, VQA Okanagan
British Columbia, Canada$15.95
Don't let the very pale and watery colour alarm you this wine has plenty of structure, body, and flavour. Aged in stainless steel gives the wine a refreshing and crisp taste, with fresh lemon, sour apple and honeydew melon coming through. A fresh Chardonnay and a good value at $16.
2.5 Stars
(0)G
Barefoot Pinot Grigio
California, Usa$12.95
This is the most basic of basic white wines. It shows nothing on the nose, but some fresh citrus fruit on the palate. It is a refreshing summer drink, but certainly shows its $9.95 price point.
2.5 Stars
(1000+)G+(500)O
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, California
California, Usa$18.00
A very nice Cab Sauv and not too overpowering. Blackcurrant dominates, with hints of black cherry and plum. The tannins are soft for only being a 2009 so this wine can certainly be consumed now especially when paired with red meat.
2.5 Stars
(0)G