David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (622)
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Reviews
Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Gewürztraminer 2010, Ac Alsace Grand Cru
Alsace, France$19.95
This Alsatian gewurz sits yellow in the glass with a tinge of green. It offers a very floral bouquet, along with tropical notes (lychee, mango), a hint of petrol and a slight sniff of mint and soap. Tropical sweetness continues on the palate including candied lemon, followed by spice and a touch of heat. This off dry gewurz has good acidity, and a pleasant creaminess on the mouthfeel. Very good length. An enjoyable sipper, but an excellent accoutrement for spicy Asian yummies. Nov. 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Terra D'Uro Finca La Rana 2012, Do Toro
Castilla y León, Spain$18.95
Good value in this red from Toro. Still some ripeness on the fruit, mostly red (cherry, red berry) although I picked up hint of blueberry. Good intensity aromatically, with some floral intertwined with the fruit and oak spice. There's also a medicinal and herbal quality. Definitely complex, but I didn't get a sense of balance, which may come yet with further maturity. Oak is still too dominant for me, with cedar and spice leading the way, and some alcohol burn rather than integrated warmth. That keeps my score below 90. Very good length, and well priced. March 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Casas Del Bosque Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley, Chile$21.25
This Maipo Valley Cab is hitting prime drinking now, but has the stuffing to evolve another 5-7 years. Ruby purple colour. Red and dark, pruney fruit with prominent oak, but staying this side of over-oaked. Complex with cedar, pencil shavings, chocolate, and a green, herbal quality. Medium tannin and full bodied, with medium acidity providing some lift and a touch of elegance to an otherwise big wine. Excellent length. June 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Tegernseerhof Smaragd Bergdistel Grüner Veltliner 2012
Wachau, Austria$24.95
A very fine Gru-Vee in the fuller bodied style (Smaragd) from the Wachau just northwest of Vienna. Complex, aromatic with a mix of citrus, pear, white pepper and beautifully integrated acidity. Can't beat the versatility of Gru-Veeys with food so enjoy it now paired with fish, seafood, pork or poultry in medium flavoured sauces, or Asian cuisine with moderate spice. But it also has the complexity to sip on its own and the stuffing for mid term cellaring. Dec. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
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
Bel Echo Pinot Noir 2018, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$25.25
A nice Marlborough Pinot showing red cherry, strawberry jam, baking spice, smoke, herbs and minerality. Medium/full bodied with some warmimg alcohol, the acidity balances the fruit nicely and the length is excellent. Try it with cedar planked salmon. August 2022.
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
Fontanafredda Serralunga D'Alba Barolo 2007
Piedmont, Italy$44.95
This lovely Barolo is starting to come into its own. Light ruby in the centre, but with garnet to slight brick on the edges. The nose is enticing with red berries, raw meat, salami, sweet baking spice, rose and perfume. The palate is equally complex offering more red fruit, anise and spice in a medium bodied platform framed by medium to high acidity and grippy tannins (decant at least 1 hour). Excellent length. A perfect steak wine or just sip it on its own. This wine could cellar another 5-7 years and still be in its prime, but if you've got a few bottles, why not try one now? May 2014.
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