cardamom

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.

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.

The Wolftrap White 2013, Boekenhoutskloof

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

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.

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.

Paddy Borthwick Pinot Gris 2016

Interesting but not quite in balance. Good acidity and a odd mineral undertone seem to fight against a round and floral background. Lots of character.

Goru El Blanco 2017, Do Jumilla

Nothing if not unusual. Quite perfumed and oily, and quite dry. Very assertive and certainly makes an interesting and worthwhile detour. Flowers are us! The low price is a bonus.