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
Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2009, Venetia
Veneto, Italy$12.95
This is a simple, summer wine in the classic Italian Pinot Grigio style. Dry with nice acidity and obvious lemon notes. Good value at $12.95.
2.5 Stars
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Argento Reserva Malbec 2008, Mendoza
Argentina$12.95
This is one of the more basic Malbecs that the LCBO carries. Very fruit forward with little tannin and structure. But a very easy drinking wine which can be a sipper for any occasion as it doesn't require food as a pairing.
2.5 Stars
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Dante Robino Bonarda 2009
Mendoza, Argentina$13.95
This wine surprised me more than any I have tried in a very long time. Amazing! With limited Bonarda experience I am excited to try more. Rich, ripe fruit and smooth tannins, plus one of the smoothest drinking wines I can recall. TERRIFIC value at $13.95.
2.5 Stars
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Straccali Chianti 2009, Tuscany
Tuscany, Italy$11.95
This wine shows some earthiness on the nose while the fruit comes through more on the palate. It's a bit ripe for me and a bit too ripe for a chianti DOCG. There are better Chiantis out there even at the low end price point, though this is still not a bad wine at $12.95.
2.5 Stars
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Jackson Triggs Black Series Riesling 2011, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$7.25
A pretty simple Riesling this wine shows nice apple flavours paired with good acidity and even a slight mineral undertone. There is some noticeable effervescence in the glass which aids the pairing with rich fish or cheese.
2.5 Stars
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Jackson Triggs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Ontario, Canada$13.75
This is what you should expect from an Ontario Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh with lively acidity, this wine shows vegetal notes with asparagus and grass, plus some nice stone fruit coming through. There isn't a ton going on here, but a very rereshing and drinkable sauvignon blanc.
2.5 Stars
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Cupcake Red Velvet 2010, Central Coast, California
California, Usa$12.95
The wine is drinkable but wouldn't make it onto my recommendation list. It's rich with fruit, chocolate, and some subtle sweetness. However I think it is a bit over the top resulting in a wine that is a bit flabby and unbalanced. Overall it simply lacks the complexity to be considered for a higher score.
2.0 Stars
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Leza García Gran Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja
Spain$27.95
This is a classic old world, well aged, Rioja from spain. Gran Reserva's by definition sit in Oak for at least 18 months and overall have aged for at least 5 years. This shows it with integrated oak flavours and developed preserved fruit. This could still age another 10 years I'm sure and be fantastic when you open it.
1.5 Stars
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