Robert Kischuk

Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 2011, Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia

I'm with DL on this; his description matches my experience.

I brought this to my tasting group as an example of a variation of the Muscat idiom. (And to sample a Nova Scotia (!) wine).
I enjoyed it, as did the people beside me. However, some of the group thought it was awful, so were had a hung jury.

It is definitely a conversation starter (and became somewhat controversial), but we did all agree that the price point is too high, regardless of the affection/revulsion it generates.

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.

E. Guigal Côtes Du Rhône Blanc 2011, Ac

Tasted in our group as a counterpoint to a 'new world' blend (ie Conundrum).
Old world wins!
Big flavors begging for food of some sort; too much going on to be a sipper.

André Blanck & Ses Fils Rosenbourg Pinot Blanc 2011, Ac Alsace

Terrific aperitif sipper.

Green apple aroma which replays nicely. A slightly peppery bite late palate along with the expected minerality.

I tasted this blind and expected an $18 price tag...would buy again.

Sept 2012

Fattoria Le Fonti Chianti Classico 2009, Docg

Agree w the pros...nothing to add except that this is EASILY worth the 20 dollar bill it costs.

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.

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.

Blue Rock Baby Blue Proprietary Red 2008, Alexander Valley, Sonoma

Well-received as a 'new world' red blend by the group; generous fruit, full tannins, balanced acidity etc. However there were gasps at the price. Leader suggested a ten dollar premium seems to be added to any decent Alexander Valley product.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier 2011, Colchagua Valley

Shockingly good value. Tasted great with Lobster cakes in a restaurant. Impossible to go wrong for this price.

Note...the 'cono sur' pun is a bit silly...

Château Tronquoy Lalande 2004, Ac St Estèphe

Smells like a petting zoo coming out of the bottle, but 30 minutes later it settles into a dry, dusty, slightly mahogany-tinged, pretty-good bordeaux.

Group tested as an example of early-mid aging of a decent red.

Price seems right.