David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (620)
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Reviews
De Wetshof Finesse Lesca Estate Chardonnay 2018, Wo Robertson
Robertson, South Africa$24.95
Quite intense aromas and flavours. Yellow flower, crunchy tart apple, lemony-lime citrus, apricot, pineapple, a diacetyl buttery element, and distinct minerality. Lovely texture on the palate. It shows medium plus weight and alcohol (some warmth on the palate) although it clocks in at 13% abv. Well balanced with bright acidity (at least medium plus), and excellent length. A very nice chard indeed and as always, great value from South Africa.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Badine De La Patache 2014, Ac Pomerol
Bordeaux, France$43.75
This Pomerol is transitioning nicely to tertiary notes but fruit is still representing. Scores on complexity and balance with decent but not overly long finish. Cherry and plum fruit is starting to dry out with a prune-like character. There's also a lovely sage herbal element. But the savoury notes of soy, balsamic and tea are taking center stage at this point in the wine's evolution. Structurally, the acidity is bright and the tannins have softened and smoothed out. I think there's still some cellar life left but I wouldn't wait too long. January 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Zangaura Saperavi, Kindzmarauli Pdo 2016, Kakheti, Georgia
Georgia$15.95
Good colour extraction showing stained tears in the glass. Ruby red. Perfumed nose. Fruit forward with red and black fruit, spice and oaky chocolate and vanilla. Tannin is ripe and smooth for a what can be a tannic grape. Medium plus acidity provides lift and balance to the fruit and oak. Medium body with alcohol fairly well integrated with only a hint of a burn. Very good length. Can't beat the value. March 2019.
4.0 Stars
(0)A
Zuccardi Polígonos 2015, San Pablo, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$29.95
Higher altitude and close proximity to the Andes, along with wine-making that eschews oak, conspire to provide freshness, lift and elegance in Sebastien Zuccardi's take on this Malbec. Black fruit, black pepper, herbs along with vibrant acidity and good balance. Excellent length. Nov. 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$24.95
Greywacke is consistently good and this 2017 offering is no exception. Amped pyrazines lead to pronounced intensity of aromas and flavours. Good typicity for the NZ style of Savvy, with gooseberry, cut grass, citrus and tropical fruit notes. Medium plus acidity on a medium bodied frame, balanced and excellent length. Scores on complexity, typicity, intensity, balance and length. This was discounted by 30 percent at my local LCBO. Needless to say I cleared the shelf (but alas only 3 bottles were there). April 2019.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Studert Prüm Maxiominhof Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2016, Prädikatswein
Mosel, Germany$22.75
A pretty, elegant Kabinett Riesling, showing acacia flower, peach, melon, tangerine and stony minerality. Medium sweet with honeyed cream on the palate. I would prefer a bit more acidity to give perception of an off-dry Kabinett rather than medium sweet. Very good to excellent length. Pair with spicy Asian cuisine or curries or less sweet desserts like fruit trays and flans. Dec. 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Mullineux Kloof Street Red 2016
Swartland, South Africa$17.25
A nice lithe red blend from the Mullineux family. Red florals with ripe fruit in the red berry, dark cherry and plum fruit. Savoury balsamic interplays with cinnamon spice. A hint of graphite-like minerality. So fairly complex and balanced in a medium plus body with juicy acidity and softer resolved tannin. For immediate enjoyment or hold for the short term. Enjoy on its own or with tomato based and meaty pizzas or saucy bbq fair. Sept. 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Domaine Du Grapillon D'or Gigondas 2015, Ac
Rhône, France$34.95
Here's a big Gigondas showing some warmth from the 15% alcohol, which reflects the hot vintage. Mostly Grenache (80%) with Syrah in support (20%). The quality in the winegrowing is evident, not surprising given the older vines and hand harvesting, followed by 12 months in oak. A pretty perfumed nose showing garrique, red flower, baking spice and cherry. The palate adds a peppery spice, medium acidity, fine ripe tannin, that warm alcohol glow and excellent length. An nice wine for herbed meat on the grill slathered in bbq sauce. Drinking well now and will do so for 5-7 more years. April 2020.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Hamilton Russell Ashbourne 2009, Wo Hemel En Aarde Valley, Walker Bay
Western Cape, South Africa$25.95
Very nice Pinotage/Meritage blend. Quite youthful still, dark ruby in colour with medium plus aromatics of florals, red and dark fruit, spice, meat, pepper. The palate is savoury and juicy with a yoghurty lactic note. Nice acidic lift balances the flavours and the tannin are ripe and approachable. Excellent length. Great value, but that's nothing new for South Africa, and the quality is to be expected from Hamilton Russell. Jan. 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2014, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$29.95
This Chard needs time in the glass to open and for a strong reductive sluphur, onion aroma to dissipate. With time a really nice PEC Chard emerges. Notes of apple, pear, citrus, white flower, ginger, honey and minerality emerge. Vibrant acidity and medium bodied creaminess provide structure to the unfolding complexity of aromas. Excellent length seals the deal for a 90 rating. This will get better in the bottle, so if you have a few be patient and save some for three years down the road. Dec. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V