Robert Kischuk

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2008, Igt Veronese

Dense, purple, user-friendly.
No gripes.

Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2009, Ac Alsace

DL and Edward R summarize the consensus of our group tasting ('lesser' known white varietals).

It certainly was as they describe, and was the high note of the evening for me.

Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Colchagua Valley

Guess I got a non-tainted bottle. Sensational rich liquid-jammy bliss with red meat.

Muted acidity (who cares) and soft tannins...if you like hugely jammy Syrah for sub 20 then here it is...if you get a non-tainted version!

Louis Picamelot Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Ac, Burgundy, France

My mother-in-law LOVES this bubbs as a hot-afternoon sipper and was shocked at the price. She immediately asked where she could get a few (I obliged).

Supremely good value for people who love bubbles just because...

Rolet Père & Fils Blanc Naturé Savagnin Ouillé 2009, Ac Arbois

First try at a Savignin, so I have no context. Nose struck me as a dog dipped in fruit cocktail (terrier instead of terroir?), but the palate was nice..snappy acidic fruit finish, possible touch of RS coming through.
I will try a different Savignin if I can find one.

Joseph Cattin Brut Crémant D'alsace, Traditional Method, Ac, Alsace, France

Great value again! I'm loving some of the sub-20 sparklings coming out.
Very up-front acidity, mouth-filling flavor, medium-bubbled fizz, fading to slightly dry and bitter at the very end (a nice thing).

Tenuta S. Anna Prosecco Superiore Di Valdobbiadene, Docg

'Approachable' meaning somewhat flavorless compared to the other sub-20 sparklings released recently. Inoffensive, light on fruit, easy off-dry finish ie 'approachable' but not very interesting.

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.

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.

J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Paso Robles

Agree w DL.

This was the 'best' on a very limited hotel room service menu, but fit the bill adequately for what was required. Huge mark up tho... :(