cardamom

Tasca D'almerita Regaleali Bianco 2023, D.O.C. Sicilia

Powerful and complex.

Henry Of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Riesling 2016, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment

I'll defer to my partner on this one: "It's delicious. You can just drink it like water." One of the early casualties in my wine cellar from this extended coronavirus lock-down, alas.

Dr. Siemens Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese Feinherb 2009, Prädikatswein

Very dense and full bodied,with perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity. Reminds me of a block of granite, oddly.

Kew Vineyards Pinot Noir 2018, Estate Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment

A lot going on here. A bit sour and a bit of acetone but entertaining along the way so I’m giving it 90 without regret.

Pieropan Soave Classico 2016, Doc

I'll go with the consensus on this one. Very enjoyable. Took me a while to open this bottle, but lineups at the LCBO mean that I am working my way through the back-log.

Henry Of Pelham Baco Noir Old Vines 2019

I am having a tough time with this one. With 14 g/L sugar content, it comes across as a dessert wine. I like my reds very dry. But my partner likes it, so we'll call it a draw and give it 87.

OK. I grew to appreciate this wine on further acquaintance. Not my usual style but it works and I'd buy again,

Quinta Da Rede Grande Reserva Branco 2014, Doc Douro

Wow! I have been holding on to this wine waiting for a special occasion to open but gave up once I decided it might be getting over the hill (2022). first impression：this is an amontillado sherry! Second impression: lots of wood but held in check by fresh acidity. Third impression: I am drinking a $40 Canadian chardonnay. Tremendous value.

Sanpaolo Fiano Di Avellino 2017, Docg

Full-bodied, fleshy, with a slightly bitter finish. Reminds me of a verdejo, but slightly fatter and rounder. Love this wine.

La Tremenda Monastrell 2017, Do Alicante

Fleshy, but with a sharp spine of acidity that keeps things in check. Smooth. High alcohol (14.5) not obnoxiously apparent.

Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita 2016, Single Estate Vineyard, Vino De La Tierra De Extremadura

They make wine in the extremadura? Who knew. Very smooth and dense, but also quite acidic and almost tart. High-toned. Wouldn't have a clue where this came from in a blind tasting competition. The acidity gives it a lightness that makes you think of Rioja, but it is combined with the density of something Portuguese. One of the more interesting wines I have tasted in a while.