David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (611)
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Reviews
Quintay Winemaker's Experience Blend 2015, Do Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley, Chile$23.10
A substantial, highly extracted and concentrated red blend. Shows viscous stained tears and an inky ruby colour. The nose is lifted with violet, red and dark fruit, baking spice (cinnamon and clove), pepper, graphite, pencil shaving and vanillin. Just enough acidity to keep things fresh along with substantial tannic presence. Medium plus to full body and excellent length. Alcohol is a bit warm (14.5% abv) but may integrate with time, which is what the wine needs for overall integration. 92 points with potential for an additional 1-2 points in a couple of years. Aug. 2019.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2015, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$31.95
It's great to taste a wine at its apex of evolution. Seven years on and still showcasing some primary fruit but shifting into secondary and tertiary flavours. From a warm vintages, this is a rather big Vino Nobile (14.5% abv). Layers of cherry (black, baked and a little tart too) along with some dark fruit, baking spice, tomato leaf, vanillin, balsamic and tobacco. Juicy Sangiovese acidity, still dusty tannins and alcohol provide structure that leads into a long finish. Could go another 3-5 years but so nice now. Sept. 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
Bellingham Homestead Series The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc 2018, Wo Paarl
Paarl, South Africa$16.95
Great value here. Apple, citrus, some tropical notes and white flower. Searing acidity (that's Chenin for you) but balanced by purity of fruit and a creamy mouthfeel. Excellent length. A steal at $18. March 2020.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Il Poggio Taburno Sannio Coda Di Volpe 2018, Dop
Campania, Italy$17.95
Love to see more obscure native Italian grape varieties come through the LCBO. This fox's tail from Campania scores on complexity, balance and length. A lot going on here for the price, with aromas and flavours of citrus, stone fruit, honey, spice, iodine, mineralty and that signature Italian white wine element: almond. It's texturally pleasing with a leesy weightiness. The 14% abv adds to the weight and structure and provides a late palate warmth. Length is excellent. Great value. July 2020.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Dr. Loosen Berkasteler Lay Riesling Kabinett 2017, Pradikatswein, Mosel
Mosel, Germany$29.95
Lovely Mosel Kabinett Riesling. Nicely complex with aromatics and flavours of apple, lime, grapefruit, ginger, honey, petrol and wet stone. Spot on Mosel Riesling typicity. Comes across as medium sweet with beautifully balanced acidity. And excellent length on the palate. So to summarize, scores on complexity, typicity, balance and length. Throw in great value and you've got what should be a multi-bottle purchase. Alas, I only bought two bottles which are now, sadly, empty. December 2020.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
L'ecole No. 41 Semillon 2017, Columbia Valley, Washington
Washington, Usa$29.95
A very complex Semillon with some Sauvignon Blanc in support. Notions of peach, pear and citrus give way to herbs and black licorice (from the rather high alcohol). It's full bodied with a whopping 14.5% abv declared that brings about a warmth that sometimes feels like a burn. It's that burn that holds back a higher rating. Nice texture on the palate from the typically oily Semillon, perhaps lees stirring and oak. The length is excellent. An interesting and complex quaff that lingers nicely. Paired nicely with grilled chicken breast marinated in a mustard herb and lime marinade. June 2021.
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)
Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino 2016, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$56.95
The 2016 is starting to show some age with garnet colour at the rim and savoury tertiary notes coming to the forefront. The aromas are lifted with violets, cooked black cherry, choco-mocha, balsamic, rosemary, leather and a graphite minerality, i.e. complex. Oak is nicely integrated and tannins are still a touch gritty but polymerizing. Full bodied with warming alcohol, juicy acidity and excellent length. Pair with hearty tomato based pastas or osso buco. June 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V