David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (619)
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Reviews
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
Marqués De Cáceres Gran Reserva 2004, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$29.95
This GR Rioja is just starting to hit its stride. It still displays some vibrancy in colour. Aromas are wet leather, barn, meat, cherry and oak. Similar replays on the palate, with cherries, vanilla, spice and mocha. It's medium to full on the mouthfeel with oak noticable but not dominant. There's alcohol heat (served slightly chilled) and tannins are chalky (decant at least 1/2 hour and they'll lose some traction). A seam of acidity allows for a variety of food pairing, but it sips nicely on its own. Feb. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
Polkura Syrah 2009, Marchigue, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$19.40
This is a very intense and substantial syrah. It sits inky purple opaque in the glass. Floral aromas and ripe dark fruit with tarry and herbaceous savoury notes. Typical pepper and spice. A chewy, sticky and full mouthfeel. Tannins flex their muscles so decant for an hour, or even better, put down for a nap in the cellar for a year or two (which will add a point or so to the rating). Good balance and decent length. Made for smokey bbq meats, so if tenderloin medallions are sizzling, grip it n' sip it!. August 2103.
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
Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2013, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$35.20
The 2013 Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard epitomizes Niagara Riesling. From the higher cooler Vinemount Ridge, it offers that nervy acidity that is lively and refreshing yet so nicely balances the RS to push perception toward the dry side of off-dry. Complex aromatics featuring citrus notes, apricot, peach, cream and white flower. The palate offers lemony acidity, minerality, a lithe body and very good to excellent length. 2013 has proved itself to be a benchmark vintage for whites in Ontario. Oct. 2017.
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
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
Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2010, VQA Beamsville Bench
Ontario, Canada$38.20
Still somewhat youthful despite 6 years under its belt. A beautifully balanced, concentrated, complex Meritage that is aging gracefully. Opaque deep ruby. Aromas of cherry, red plum, raspberry, currant, tobacco, smoked meat, cinnamon, red rose tea, black pepper, licorice, cedar. Juicy medium plus acidity, body and alcohol, with still tacky tannin. Excellent length. Rich and extracted but still elegant. Lovely wine. March 2016.
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