George S

Travaglini Gattinara 2006, Docg

Corked. Another painful reminder of weakness of natural cork.

Giesen Riesling 2012, Marlborough

Very good length. Honey, fruit and subdued acidity. A slight touch of petrol. A bit sweeter than expected. Very enjoyable.

Trapiche Broquel Chardonnay 2011

Lovely balanced, with just a hint of oak. Generous and well structured, this one can likely improve over next year or two. A late afternoon sipper or a nice company for seafood dinner. Get it while you can.

Valle Andino Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Colchagua Valley

Corked. Bitter and fruitless, completely undrinkable. Tasted May 2014.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combes Aux Jacques 2011

Gritty, unpleasent tannins as mentioned by few people were the main reason for me not to enjoy it. Add to that higher acidity (despite of serving it at 15C) and it just wasn't to my and my guests liking. Vintage: 2012. Tasted May 2014.

Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Malbec Corvina 2011

I would love to revisit this wine in a couple of years. Today (June 2013) the wine is just not there yet. Don't get me wrong - it is approachable, balanced and drinkable. The thing is, it promises much more than it delivers: developing bouquet, hints of complexity, followed by a hollowed finish. A slight alcohol separation, typical of a young wines.

Note to the distributor: you may want to consider rephrasing some of the label notes (e.g. "wine comes to you thanks to techniques developed by the Masi Technical Team" may sound too corporate for many of us who enjoy the mystery of a good wine)

L.A. Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Valle De Guadalupe

Nice drink at any price, at $12 this is a great value. Lovely nose, it filled the room with fragrant, elegant perfume. Medium-bodied with surprising balance for the price. 2011 vintage is at its peak right now (Apr 2014). Fine tanins of this Cab are intriguing, with a hint of Nebbiolo-like bitterness.

The Little Grape That Could Torrontes

Easy going and aromatic, this straw-colored sipper will be a great conversation starter, thanks to its good cause. A bit of a surprise is its Riesling -like petrol note in its finish. Simple and enjoyable. Tasted May 2014.

Clos Malverne Le Café Pinotage 2011, Wo Coastal Region, Basket Pressed

Elegant, with very prominent coffee notes. Aged in heavy roasted oak barrels, with refreshing acidity to balance the smokiness. Easy to drink, but not too simple. Would buy again .