David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews
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
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
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
Norman Hardie County Chardonnay Unfiltered 2012, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.00
With all due respect to the many talents of vingerons Bachelder, Jacquey, Paskus, Morissette, Senchuk et al, I officially proclaim Norman Hardie as Chardonnay (and arguably Pinot Noir) Master of the Ontario Universe (and beyond). This County 2012 is indeed world class, distinctively County but with a nod to Merseault. It shows great depth and complexity with minerality, apple, butter all wrapped in a smokey veil. The palate is creamy, viscous and long with wonderful acidity that frames the whole. Oak is minimal and expertly integrated. Very fine Chardonnay. Dec. 2014
4.0 Stars
Closson Chase South Clos Vineyard Chardonnay 2012, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.95
Really lovely fuller style chard with judicious oak treatment and a lush creamy mouthfeel. Aromas and flavours of apple, peach, tangerine, honey and butter. Well balanced with lemony acidity and excellent length. July 2015.
4.0 Stars
(0)
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$27.95
An excellent Aussie Cab. Lifted nose with violets, minty herbal notes, graphite, blackberry, cassis, and licorice. Well integrated oak, nicely balanced and a plush mouthfeel. Excellent length. The 10's are starting to drink beautifully now and likely have a few years to go. April 2015.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$45.20
Lithe and elegant. Floral and fruity (cherry, red berry) drawing from the Niagara fruit, with added complexity from secondary notes of baking spice and a hint of cedar. Bright acidity, well balanced and excellent length. Aug. 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Southbrook Vineyards Small Lots Orange Wine 2015
Ontario, Canada$29.95
Full disclosure: I work part time at Southbrook so I usually don't post reviews of their wines. But I had to make an exception with the 15 Orange. A true wine geek's wine. The 15 is superb, better than the 14 in my view. Natural yeast, whole cluster and stems, foot tread, some malo, sulphite free, more infusion than extraction. Ann Sperling sees this expression of Vidal as it's truest form in Niagara and I agree. Fresh apricot and stone fruits, vibrant acidity, complex, long. Super foodie wine or sipper. A decent price point for the adventurous, geeky or natural wine enthusiast. March 2016.
4.0 Stars
Domaine Des Fines Caillottes Pouilly-fumé 2012, Ac
Loire, France$26.95
A lovely light yellow Pouilly Fume. Fresh, vibrant nose needs no coaxing. Mineral notes, lemon, apricot, and some florals . The attack is creamy, complex, mouth watering. Up front citrus fruit tranistions lingeringly to green, herbal and bitter flavours. Excellent length. I enjoyed sipping this dry, crisp savvy, but it also worked nicely with a cheese plate and with chicken and pork kabobs. June 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V