David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews
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)
Domaine De Bila Haut L'esquerda 2016
Languedoc, France$27.95
Dark, opaque, inky purple. Very extracted with stained tears. Aromas of violets, dark fruit (almost stewed) and wet stone minerality. The mouthfeel is big and lush with black cherry, prune, fig, spice, black pepper and smoke. Tannins are ripe and slightly tacky. It's a big wine with high alcohol, but fairly well integrated with only a touch of burn heat on the swallow. Medium acidity and a touch of VA lift provides balance. Length is excellent. Enjoy over the next 5 years with meat stews, cassoulet, bbq fare, hard cheese. April 2019.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
Hidden Bench Terroir Caché 2015, Unfiltered, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$44.95
The 2015 is equal parts Cab Franc and Merlot, followed by Malbec and a splash of Cab Sauv. Elevage was 20 months in French oak, of which some must have been new judging by the flavour profile. Red and dark fruit, with an herbal and cedary element, vanilla and sweet baking spice. The tannins have polymerized and are fairly smooth with just a bit of traction left. Medium bodied, so nicely integrated and beautifully balanced. Drinking really well now. Excellent length. Dec. 2020.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2012, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.00
Light, almost translucent pretty cherry colour. A little funk to start followed by that now classic PEC minerality. Cran, cherry, red berry fruit with a hint of nutmeg. The 2012 keeps it's vibrancy with tart acidity and tension in the face of a very warm vintage. Excellent to outstanding length. Another fine effort from Norm. Jan. 2015.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Valdivieso éclat 2010, Dry Farmed, Old Vines
Maule Valley, Chile$32.95
Great value here for this lovely dry farmed Carignan (with Mourvedre in support), from the Maule Valley. Still some spryness despite eight years of age and in a prime drinking window. Enjoy now through 2021. Complex with aromas and flavours of red berry, red plum, cherry, spice, cinnamon, sanguine iron, earth and meat (Mourvedre), and a touch of green. Very good depth of fruit, with softening tannin, bright acidity and excellent length. Aug. 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Rosewood Estates Natural Fermentation Reserve Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$39.95
I served this lovely Pinot for guests at a dinner party (mushroom bisque and vegetarian paella...thanks for asking). General impressions are that it has wonderful complexity with cherry and berry fruit, judiciously integrated oak and overall good balance. It approaches mid weight on the mouthfeel and has a lengthy finish. It sipped nicely before dinner and accompanied the food very well. This Pinot is drinking exceedingly well now so if you have some on hand, grip it n' sip it! 92-93. Oct. 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Des Charmes Equuleus Paul Bosc Estate Vineyards 2010, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$30.00
This dark ruby 2010 Bordeaux blend exhibits dark fruit on the nose and palate. French oak aging is manifest by chocolate, spice box and cedar. This is drinking nicely now with decanting or paired with a steak, but tannins still have some grip. It could cellar a few years yet. Very smooth. Excellent length. June 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Journey's End Shiraz Single Vineyard 2007, Wo Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa$19.95
This is a big, bold, dark ruby shiraz. On the nose, it made a mess (that's the last time I pour wine on my nose). But inhaling it revealed dark fruit, smoke meat and tarry and oak aromas. On the palate, there's more fruit, pepper, velvety tannins and a nice full mouthfeel (I will continue to pour wine on my palate). Oak is integrated adding to a fine balance. I would pair this with a juicy peppercorn encrusted steak. January 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V