Robert Kischuk

Mas D'Auzières Sympathie Pour Les Stones 2009, Ac Côteaux Du Languedoc

If you LOVE top CdP and really LIKE Penfolds Bin 138, then you will quite like this.

I had muted my expectations based on the community feedback, but am pleasantly surprised by how nice this tastes.

More blackberry jam and tannic bite than the two mentioned above, but definitely a great value/20 buck GSM.

Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Buttery in a good way..full malo done apparently. A whiff of oak rather than a baseball bat.

Creamy, flavorful, balanced goodness. This is a Chard that the ABC crowd should visit.

Estate Hatzimichalis Chardonnay 2010

I admit to retsina-phobia, but gave this a try...(thanks to Sara).
Simple and slightly sweet floral impact, with a typical but not overdone oaky finish.
Very nice indeed, esp for the price!

Coyote'S Run Black Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula

Typical sour cherry PN nose, nice acidity, easy drinking, great value.

Tannins are 'there' but not dominant...JS suggests age-worthy...I'm liking it now :)

Lillet Blanc

First tried at age16 in Paris on a high school trip. Has been that 'special' drink ever since.
I hate when I run out of this! Superb aperitif (and dessert sipper as Tyler mentions).

Bodegas Lan Reserva 2007, Doca Rioja

A Rioja to make believers out of non-Rioja drinkers.
Pro descriptions sound right; I enjoyed this, esp for the price!

13th Street Premier Cuvée 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Traditional Method

Tried a glass of the (recently released) 2008 vintage with lunch on the winery patio.
I bought a six-pack (and considered buying a dozen).
I won't be surprised if this batch sells out quickly!

D'Angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2009, Doc Basilicata

Agree with what everybody says, and I love it! Everything is BIG...fruit, tannin. acidity, alcohol, but the balance is wonderful. Definitely a wine if Malbec or Syrah would be too 'wimpy' for the occasion. A big bruiser of a red.

Gemma Barolo 2007, Docg

'Pre-aged' a bit and drifting into some brick tones. Little fruit, lots of hot alcohol and stale black tea tannins, minimal acidic balance.

This might be 'past peak' if it ever had one.

Not worth 30 bucks...guess you gotta spend the big cash for a good Barolo.

Lailey Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Agree w DL. The fruit and acid are very nice, but the woody tannins still dominate the mid to late palate. The other two I have will go to cellar for 2+ years.