cardamom

3c Premium Selection Cariñena 2013, Do Cariñena

Curiously sweet finish (despite 3 g/L residual sugar) and a slight medicinal quality. Enjoyable and good value but not elegant.

Creekside Laura's Red 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula

I'll go with the consensus on this one. Benefits from a bit of decanting. Excellent with roast beef.

2nd bottle, months later. Love the energy level. Good acidity and layers of complexity from its different component parts. I've upped to score to 90 (from 89) as a result of this revisit. Both elegant and interesting.

Finca Las Caraballas Verdejo 2013, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Y Leon

Wow! Spritzy, which is an odd combination with the depth of flavour as described above by David. Certainly a very enjoyable wine, if unique. Agree that it might fade if kept for more than a year or two but still has good acidity.

The Wolftrap White 2013, Boekenhoutskloof

Lots of flavour and complexity, but perhaps a little coarse? Good value.

Château Des Charmes Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2011, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Very well balanced. Not too much oak. Amazing value for $13.95. This should be flying off the shelves.

Château Des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2014, Niagara On The Lake

This wine has the perfect balance between acidity and sugar. They have nailed it. On the dry side of off-dry. Good depth.

Celler De Capçanes Mas Donís Barrica Old Vines 2014, Do Montsant

Good acidity keeps this food friendly. Avoids the overly dense and sweet idiom that Monstants often suffer from. A very slight bitterness. Worked well with braised lamb shoulder.

Moraine Cliffhanger Red 2014, Okanagan Valley

For me, a little harsh and hot on the finish.

Château Saint Roch Chimères 2016, Ap Côtes Du Roussillon Villages

I am not going with the consensus on this one. Harsh and unpleasant. The 15% alcohol level makes this a heavy slog.

Fiuza Eminente Reserva Tinto 2017, Vinho Regional Tejo

Quite juicy, and dry. Medium bodied, with notes of cherry and cedar. Enjoyable and good value. No indication of the grapes herein.