cardamom

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.

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.

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..

Quinta Da Rede Reserva 2013, Doc Douro

Everything I want in a wine from the Douro. Pretty hefty but has good acidity and doesn't hit you over the head. Hides the granite in a soft velvet glove.

Day 2: noticing a bit more wood and spice in the background. Nice! Good match with the planned roast beef.

Avondale Jonty'S Ducks Pekin White 2015, Wo Paarl

Slightly bitter on entry from the chenin blanc. Some pronounced creaminess mid-way through and then a clean finish. Good acidity. A wine with lots of personality!

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016, Wo Stellenbosch

Love this wine. Full bodied, but no bitterness. Clean and crisp.

Château Des Charmes St. David'S Bench Vineyard Gamay Noir Droit 2015, VQA St. David's Bench

Interestingly, I enjoyed this wine more on day two. Very juicy and delicious. Nice finish, a bit dusty, and light to medium weight.

Henry Of Pelham Estate Cabernet/merlot 2015, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment

Exactly what I expect from a Niagara cab-merlot. Medium-full bodied, good acidity. Elegant in its way. A bit of bell pepper - obviously a cool climate wine. Nice finish. Definitely benefits from decanting.

Covela Edição Nacional Avesso 2015, Vinho Verde

Dry and clean, in a mid-weight vinho verde.

Henry Of Pelham Estate Riesling 2018, Certified Sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment

Another really solid effort. Perfect acid / sugar balance, against a perfumed background. Good value.