David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews
Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2010, Do Bierzo
Galicia, Spain$25.00
The 2010 Petalos is starting to drink nicely now. Dark ruby with a nice floral bouquet that is opening niccely. The palate is medium to full bodied with a rich mouthfeel and good integration of fruit, oak and acidity. Tannins subside with a bit of air. This could cellar for a few more years, but is approachable now. If you have a few, open one now and compare again in 2015. Oct. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001
Rioja, Spain$30.95
This ruby red rioja's rockin' it old school. Oak is certainly prevalent but integrated with red fruit, dusty tannins and juicy acidity. There are savoury elements, a hint of mocha and iodine. Length and balance. Not my favourite style, but definitely a quality quaff.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir 2010, Mornington Peninsula
Victoria, Australia$42.40
A pretty cherry colour with a slight translucence. The cherry theme carries through on the nose and palate. Fruity and dry, there's a good acidic seem running through, offering tartness to the fruit, spice, herbs and well integrated tannins. Medium bodied, there's a touch of heat toward the end of the lengthy finish. Very food friendly. Jan. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Norman Hardie Niagara Unfiltered Chardonnay 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$39.00
Norman Hardie's Niagara sourced chardonnay is a yellow-gold medium weight wine that hits all the marks. Fresh fruit, vibrant acidity and minerality, measured oak, all balanced in an integrated and complex wine with a really nice viscous mouthfeel. The lengthy finish reveals a touch of heat. A good choice to accompany a Thanksgiving meal. 90-91. October 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Caledonia Australis Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Leongatha, Gippsland
Victoria, Australia$29.75
This is an excellent chard. What elevates it well above the norm is its balance. Sits in the sweet spot between cool climate with crisp acidity (a la Chablis) but still delivering that typical buttery, leesy brioche with a hint of tropical fruit, but all in a refined restrained way. There's a smidge of sulphur, and alcohol is noticeable on the lingering finish, but, again, not out of whack, simply part of a complete package. I enjoyed it immensely with shrimp and lobster Newburg. 91-92. Dec. 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Hidden Bench Estate Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$40.00
A fuller riper fruit forward pinot, with a lovely aromatic nose. Perfume, nutmeg, cranberry, cherry and vanilla. Well balanced with excellent length. A solid offering from the Hidden Bench estate. Dec. 2013.
4.0 Stars
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2010, Mclaren Vale
South Australia, Australia$24.95
Dark ruby and high opacity. Aromas of blackberry and vanilla. This wine offers up dark and red fruits for the palate with some toast and cedar. Tannins are dusty with 4 wheel drive traction and there's some heat on the leisurely finish. The wine has edges, but an overall integration is nicely achieved. I decanted this wine for 45 minutes and it responded with open arms for a warm embrace. It played very co-operatively in the sandbox with my beef tenderloin steak and grilled veggies. The wine's excellent value is underscored with LCBO's $5.00 discount. Grip it n' sip it! May 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Muga Reserva 2008, Doc Rioja
Spain$23.95
This ruby coloured Rioja sips very nicely. I get black cherry, pepper, vanilla, and toasty oak. Tannins are grainy, so decant (or lay down for a year). Good length, some bitterness towards the end and a bit of heat (serve slightly chilled). This wine's acidity, fruit and tannins make it a good pairing for a wide variety of food. All in all a nice Rioja. Grip it n' sip it! July 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Cirrus Syrah 2007, Wo Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa$27.95
An opaque dark ruby wine. This syrah displays a smokey, tarry, spicy, meaty character. Yet it's a feminine wine with floral notes, chocolate and almost stewed red and dark fruits (she's showing her age). Refined tannins, nicely integrated oak and very approachable (in a "come hither" sort of way). A nice cross between typical S.A. shiraz and Rhone syrah. 90++
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Altamira De Los Andes Reserve Malbec 2009, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$22.75
Opaque and inky, this a full and bold Argentinian Malbec (what's new) from the Uco Valley. Its 18 month sojourn in a combo of new and one time used French oak comes through on the nose and palate with spice box, chocolate and vanilla notes. This is a sweet and savoury wine with dark fruit, some green characteristics, charred meat, salinity and teryaki flavours. Good acidity and tannins with traction, so decant or cellar another 1-2 years yet. Very good length but hot. Oct. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V