David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (611)
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Reviews
Schloss Schönborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett 2018
Rheingau, Germany$25.95
This is a complex Kabinett Reingau Riesling from a warm vintage that offers flavours of peach, apricot, yellow apple, honey, lanolin and petrol. It comes across as sweeter than off-dry but not quite medium sweet. The balance between racy acidity and residual sugar is very well done. And the length is excellent to outstanding. Fine German Riesling can still be found at such an affordable price. This scores on complexity, length and typicity, and great value to boot. Pair this with spicy Asian cuisine. April 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Greystone Riesling 2018
Waipara, New Zealand$24.95
From Waipara in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's south island comes this beautiful Riesling. White florals, apple, lime, peach, honey and petrol. The palate shows residual sugar tasting off-dry and balanced by vibrant acidity. There's also a pleasant creamy weight, and excellent length. Really well done from a region better known for varietals other than Riesling. Drinking nicely now but can age into the late 20's. Pair it with spicy Asian cuisine. Jan. 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Pearmund Old Vine Chardonnay 2018, Meriwether Vineyard, Fauquier County, Virginia
Usa$29.95
Here's a complex, balanced and richly textured Chard from Virginia. Primary notes of buttercup florals, pear, peach, citrus and melon along with nicely integrated oak flavours including hazelnut and caramel and a buttery diacetyl character from Malo. The texture is rich and creamy. Acidity is bright enough to balance the richness and there's even a reductive note too. Length is excellent. Pair with rich cheese with a nutty note. April 2022.
4.0 Stars
Donnafugata Floramundi 2018, Docg Cerasuolo Di Vittoria
Sicily, Italy$27.95
This Cerasuolo di Vittoria offering from Donnafugata combines the Frappato grape (lighter colour) with Nero d'Avola. Medium bodied and fragrant, with aromas of red cherry and red berry, and nicely integrated oak flavours (spice, smoke). Well balanced, refreshing acidity and excellent length add to an overall elegant wine. Well done. June 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Emiliana Coyam 2019, Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$29.95
The kitchen sink! 9 varieties! Almost every page of Jancis Robinson's "Wine Grapes" tome is represented in this blend (ok, slight exaggeration). Part Bordeaux, part southern Rhone, part Rioja foretells the complexity with, for example, Petit Verdot and Cab Sauv providing floral aromatic intensity, Syrah and Mourvedre giving meatiness and tar, Tempranillo, Garnacha and Carignan showing red fruits and the Bordeaux varieties imparting dark fruit. Judicious oak, ripe tannins, vibrant acidity are all nicely balanced. Excellent length. And organic to boot. Tasted Jan 2023.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)E
Cape Of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2019, W.O. Elandskloof, Overberg
South Africa$25.75
This chard hits many marks - it's balanced, complex, intensely flavoured and long. Notes of yellow apple, peach, pineapple, caramel, spice and diacetyl (buttery) notes indicative of Malo conversion. Medium to full bodied with a lovely creamy mouthfeel indicating lees contact. The fruit's high elevation provides freshness and vibrant acidity. Great value here for fans of bigger oaked Chards but that still give a sense of freshness. Aug. 2023.
4.0 Stars
(40)O
Trius Distinction Sauvignon Blanc 2021, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
An excellent Savvy by Trius, showing medium intensity on the nose but that flavour intensity gets more amped on the palate. Good typicity showing that herbaceous grassy note we all expect along with citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime), and a white pepper spicy note reflecting barrel aging influence. There's also a really pleasing weighty mouthfeel (lees). As expected with SB, acidity is bright and the length is excellent. Great value here. March 2024.
4.0 Stars
(289)V
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro Valley
Douro, Portugal$36.95
Taylor Fladgate 10 year Tawny is more ruby than tawny in the glass. The nose offers up dark and dried fruit with a hint of nuttiness that plays out in a more pronounced way on the palate. A full bodied almost creamy mouthfeel, with some alcohol heat and excellent length. Really well done for their entry Tawny (10 years) in the series. Oct. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)E
Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado Los Arcos
Andalusia, Spain$18.95
Great value in this Amontillado Sherry. A lovely caramel colour and a complex nose that is essentially nutty but with notes of buttery caramel, creme brulee, marmalade, coffee and fig. The palate is viscous, salty with excellent length. Essentially dry but with a vague molasses-like kiss of sweetness. A touch hot on the finish but not overly so. Feb. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)E
St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009, Barossa
South Australia, Australia$39.95
A nice balance between Barossa Shiraz and Rhone Syrah. Concentrated bold fruit but some elegance as well. Earthy, savoury, spicy, peppery. Nicely balanced with excellent length. A great BBQ wine. August 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V