Robert Kischuk

13th Street White Palette 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Perfectly serviceable user-friendly VQA blend. Not as good as Flat Rock Twisted, but an acceptable (and cheaper) alternative.

Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island

Agree with Sara.

Our tasting group found this entirely unpleasant, and seemingly harvested too soon/unripe/green.
Our leader noted it tasted like the ladybug flavor of the 2001 Niagara vintage (a disaster).

Unusual to find a NZ SB where you don't even want to taste and spit, nevermind swallow.

Château Du Donjon Grande Tradition Minervois 2009, Ac

I'm with JS and Chris Flanagan on this one; I won't be redundant.

Incredible value at $13...I will try to snag a few more and serve it to friends who are skittish about 'big' southern Rhone-style reds. (Midi seems to be bargain central for these varietals).

The candied notes are indeed present, but this feature may attract people to the 'real deal' Rhones/CdP''s....a 'gateway' wine...?

Toasted Head Chardonnay 2011, California

Buttered popcorn, some tropical notes, then the standard oaky overlay. Kind of 'old style' but served as a 'typical' for our tasting group class.

I wouldn't buy this....I don't enjoy the style anymore.

Jackson Triggs Methode Cuve Close 2009, Ontario

2011 tried at the winery....MUCH better than the comments re 2009; superb value.

Conundrum 2010, California

Had this as a 'guess what varietals made this' exercise in my group. Most people guessed pretty well, although nobody loved it. It did open up after 30 minutes or so.

I would take any of the myriad sub-20 Ontario white blends over this $25 stuff.

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2010, Sonoma Valley/Monterey County/Santa Barbara County

Chilled as recommended and tried today as a sipper. DL and JS say it all. In my opinion the makers added too much Splenda.

Not bad as a 'backup' red (after one or two good ones) for a dinner party, but not for the money...not even close.

Interesting that the rating has dropped in 4 consecutive years, almost like sequels to good movies (think Jaws 3).

I will screw the cap back on and try a sip again tomorrow...and maybe the next...I won't finish it today.

UPDATE: Re-tasted; I haven't changed my mind.

Château Falfas 2004, Ac Côtes De Bourg

2000!!
Opened a 2000 that was stuck in a box....nope...was bad. :(

Château Seguin 2008, Ac Pessac Léognan

Agree with all the local critics and bloggers (esp DL re the oak and Edward R re the youthful astringency).

Will let this breath a bit, and will also buy a couple more and sock away for a few years (as JH suggests).

No regrets!.

Churton Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island

I really like this.

A mildly musty jam smell, but something else...my mother's homemade borscht!! (I see RPJ mentions beets...)
Probably an idiosyncratic reaction, but it works for me. I'll try it with my mom's borscht when I see her....will make a note.

Note...a NZ bottle with a cork.