cardamom

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

Powerful and complex.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sous La Montagne Dsm Vin D'altitude 2016, Ap Côtes Du Roussillon Villages

A whole lot going on with this wine. Some stewed fruit, but peppery and tannic. Nicely dry and alcohol level is reasonable (13.5%). Not elegant but interesting..