Robert Kischuk

Trius Red 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Agree with what everybody says.
This is a bullet-proof, solid red blend, made in a vintage where it seems all Niagara reds are good!
This is available in those Peller/Hillebrand grocery store wine shops that got 'grandfathered in' before free trade; it is ubiquitous...so no excuses for not trying it!

Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island

'Horizontally' tasted beside the 2011 Astrolabe (a favorite). Citrus is more muted; the overall taste is less robust, drier, and with a less refreshing finish. There is an almost twiggy bitterness to the finish which really stands out compared with the Astrolabe (although the acidity of the Seresin offers some balance).

On its own is an OK SB, but less crowd-pleasing than its tasting 'rivals'.

I'm not 'sorry' that I have a few of these around, but would happily trade them in for Astrolabe or Whitehaven.

Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2010, VQA Niagara On The Lake, Organic & Biodynamic

Clean, balanced, nice mineral tones, discreet oaking. Very nice everyday sipping chard.

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.

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.

Joseph Cattin Muscat 2010, Ac Alsace

Great gewurzt-ish smell, lively fruit on impact/swishing, then POOF!...the fruit disappears nanoseconds after swallowing. 'Hit and Run' flavor, leaving a light and inoffensive finish.

We tried this with Chicken Balti (fairly mild curry) as suggested, but the wine didn't have the backbone to cut through.

Would have it again as a straight sipper, or maybe served with asparagus as the bottle suggests (do people actually eat asparagus as a stand-alone course?).

Worth the cost.

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.

Les Halos De Jupiter Côtes Du Rhône 2010, Ac

The consensus sounds right...not sure if I will buy a case as RPJ suggests, but if I get a few more I will cellar them a year or 2.

Amazing for $18.

Solar De Castro Vendimia Seleccionada 2009, Doca Rioja

Pretty solid for 15 bucks...wish I let it sit for a year or two.