cardamom

Aliança Bairrada Reserva 2018, Bairrada

Smooth, austere, with good acidity. Lighter than I expected. Very good value. Will buy again at this price point.

Just checked the 2018 vintages: this is s really enjoyable wine: the baga gives it a Nebbiolo-like character well above its price point. I keep coming back to this wine - and it’s under 10 bucks!

Zenato Bardolino 2021, D.O.C.

Very pleasant. A nice light, refreshing red.

Montefino Tinto Reserva 2005, Vinho Regional Alentejano

Did John Szabo have a bad bottle? I'm much closer to David Lawrason on this one.

Still fresh, but smooth and powerful. Cassis flavours. Dense and inky, and lots of sediment.

Bodegas Muga Barrel Fermented White 2013, Doca Rioja

I agree entirely with John Szabo. This one is a bit disappointing given the price and provenance.

Bacalhoa J P Azeitao Branco 2013, Peninsula De Setubal

Mild and inoffensive. Quite acidic. Short finish. Don,t notice the bitterness noted above. Not bad but I won`t rush to buy again.

Quinta Das Camélias Reserva 2012, Doc Dão

Time has really smoothed this one out, given the review above. Dense, dense, dense. Very dry and lots of tannin, but polished. An illusive, woodsy note lurking in the background, just out of reach. A solid wine.

Megalomaniac Pompous Red 2013

Cloyingly sweet. No discernible acidity. Really, wines like this give Ontario a bad name. I am disappointed that Megalomaniac would have produced this.

K W V The Vinecrafter Chenin Blanc 2017

No great depth and a bit coarse around the edges. But clean and inoffensive. Fine for the price.

Woodbridge By Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, California

The LCBO lists this as only 6 g/L of residual sugar, which amazes me because the palate is cloyingly sweet. Honestly, I couldn't finish a glass. A new low.

Chapoutier Marius Rose 2017, Pays D' Oc

Very clean and refreshing. Initially comes across as a little thin. but very nicely balanced even if a little short.