Robert Kischuk

Peller Estates Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Current release was light and agreeable (with a flighted food sampling at the winery dining patio).
Doesn't have the punch of the typical NZ nor the leesy finish of a Fume, but definitely a crowd-pleaser.

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.

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.

Maculan Pinot Grigio 2010, Igt Veneto

Agree entirely with Sara. However, I would still prefer this over the big 'McGrigio' brands that flood the shelves.

Personal feelings aside, some in our group quite liked this PG.

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...?

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.