Robert Kischuk

Hiedler Grüner Veltliner Thal Erste Lage 2010, Kamptal Dac Reserve

The pros describe it nicely.

And my wife likes it (very important variable).

I get a sense of it being an 'off-dry peppery chard', which is nice indeed. Would buy again.

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.

Bernard Reverdy & Fils Sancerre 2010, Ac

Tried with our tasting group/class. Agree with everybody, especially Julian.

Canonica A Cerreto Sandiavolo 2006, Igt Toscana

Agree w Ryan re allusion to Chianti on steroids.
Agree with DL and JS re oak/tannins somewhat dominating the experience.
Think I agree with JH re overall quality.
A nice big Chianti-ish Italian; might be a bit too big for guests who aren't into the style.
Not sure I would spend 25 again for more of this.

Update: My wife (who is not much of a red-lover) really likes this....interesting.

Longplay Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Chelahem Mountains

Color and fruit are quite thin, with a 'hotter-than-desirable' finish. Some interesting aroma notes, but not a PN I will be re-buying.
Overwrought 'music' conceit on the labeling/description doesn't help the cause.

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.

Trius Riesling Dry 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

2011 sampled; will assume broadly similar to 2010:

Extra point for value.
Agree with comments re crisp acidity. Lots of fruitiness adds an 'off dry' feel, despite the 'dry' label.
A very good value for a house riesling.

Cennatoio Oro Chianti Classico 2009, Docg

JS sounds right, but I find the acidity overpowers the fruit mid-palate. The finish is a combination of the over-generous acidity and the tannins (if dusty means 'kinda dry and bitter' then dusty it is).

Nice stuff...just a little lean on the fruit.

Lingenfelder Freinsheimer Musikantenbuckel Riesling Kabinett 2010, Deutscher Prädikatswein

Easy drinking Riesling, a touch sweet for a Kabinett; was selected by our group leader to illustrate residual sugar.. Good value.

Château Pipeau 2008, Ac St émilion Grand Cru

Smoky, oaky, tannic, yet a pleasure with a mid-week steak.
Definitely would suggest letting it sit for a few years, although the muted fruit makes me wonder....

OK value.