David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews
Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010, Mornington Peninsula
Victoria, Australia$29.75
Light straw colour. Toasty, smoky aromas with mineral oil and slightly burnt popcorn. On the palate this cool climate chard has some heat, lemony citrus flavours with more toasty notes, nutty brulee, a hint of earthiness and juicy acidity. With all it's depth and complexity there's a sense of finesse, almost restraint. Very well done, particularly at the bin end sale price. Would be a fine accompaniment for roasted nuts and smoked cheese nibbles. Feb. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Schild Estate Shiraz 2010, Barossa, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$24.95
This is a dark inky ruby shiraz. Dominant notes of cherry and strawberry jam. A prototypical peppery palate prevails, packing prune plum preserve plus perceived peppermint (enough already). Chocolate, oak and integrated tannin. Barossa earthiness with excellent length and some heat on the finish. A nice Aussie shiraz for the price. Nov. 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Burmester 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Dop, Portugal
Douro, Portugal$29.95
This 10 year Tawny has a lovely light garnet-brick colour. Complex aroma/flavour profile leading with a nutty rancio element followed by dried dark fruit, tea, marmalade, leather and old wood varnish. The palate is rich and viscous with fresh acidity that provides balance and creates a perception of medium sweet rather than lusciously so. Rounds out with pleasing alcohol warmth. Excellent length. April 2017.
4.0 Stars
(987)V+(2)O
Verbena Brunello Di Montalcino 2009
Tuscany, Italy$39.95
Ah to catch a fine wine at the apex of its evolutionary curve is a special thing. Verbena's 2009 Brunello will no doubt go another seven to ten years before the fading accelerates to the "drink up" category, but I think it's peaking now. Still some primary and secondary aromas lurking with violet, baked cherry, jammy red berry, tomato leaf, nutmeg, cumin and oak vanillin. But savoury is the order of the day as tertiary leather and tobacco gain a stronghold, and a touch of complexing VA. Elegance, warmth (the 14.5 ABV doesn't burn), declining acidity, dusty tannin and excellent length. Oct. 2018
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Stanners Pinot Noir The Narrow Rows 2018, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$45.00
Fruit is primarily from the Stanners estate in Hillier planted at high density with narrow rows (hence the name). A lovely County Pinot showing typical sour cherry, red berry and beetroot, along with nutmeg, cinnamon and sanguine minerality. Medium bodied, balanced and good supporting structure of juicy acidity and moderate, fairly ripe tannins. The length is excellent. Drinking nicely now. March 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)
Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes Hermitage 2017, Ac, Rhône
Rhône, France$26.95
Garnet at the rim and aromas of blue flowers, dark fruit, meatiness, pepper, herbal-cedar (garrigue) and VA (not faulty, rather adding interest and complexity). The length is excellent. Moving towards the end of its run, so enjoy sooner than later. A nice Croze Hermitage to be sure. June 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Hinterland Les Etoiles 2012, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.00
The 12 Les Etoiles is a traditional method sparkler from Hinterland's estate fruit. I love the freshness, vibrancy, poise and balance of this PEC sparkling wine. There's notes of apple, doughy bread and minerality. The bubbles are very fine and persistent. The structure is medium body with racy acidity. The length is excellent. Wonderful quaff to toast a celebtration, but equally nimble at the table. Jan. 2017.
4.0 Stars
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$24.95
Enjoyed this lovely NZ SB on International Sauvignon Blanc Day May 1st. Great typicity for Marlborough SB. Pyrazines, thiols and esters in nice harmony and balance. Intense herbaceous flavours of green pea and asparagus, along with gooseberry, grapefruit and tropical notes (guava). Vibrant acidity. Somewhat reductive and minerally. All what one would expect from Marlborough SB, but for me, the texture raises this above the norm. Excellent length as well. Nicely done. May 2020.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$44.95
Thomas Bachelder's Wismer vineyard Chard (Foxcroft Block?) is well balanced between citrus and pear driven fruit, crisp acidity and minerality (limestone soil). 2011 was a good year for Ontario whites and this is a great example of top notch Niagara Chard. Precise and focused. July 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
La Copa Vermouth Rojo, Jerez, Spain
Rioja, Spain$21.95
Wow, the amped aromatics on this Spanish Vermouth are striking. Complexity abounds with aromas and flavours of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, fruit cake, vanilla bean, varnish, orange peel, honey, florals, perfume/soap and on and on. Interesting interplay between sweet and bitter, a paso doble rather than a coalescent whole. Medium minus acidity and a viscous mouthfeel. Pleasant bitter medicinal finish. Love it. July 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V