David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (613)
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Reviews
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2012, Coastal Region
South Africa$22.95
A lot going on with this Chenin. Very complex with floral notes, minerality, an interplay between spice and a savoury element, vanilla and citrus. Lip smacking acidity provides a bracing structure and there's a nice lengthy finish. Excellent value. Tasted New Years's Eve, 2013. Resolution: get my hands on more of this stuff in 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
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
Creekside Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
This Ontario SB scores on complexity and length. The nose is reminiscent of a N.Z. savvy while the palate is more Loire. Intense aromas and flavours of white flower, lime, peach, gooseberry, sage and salty minerality. Juicy acidity really activates the saliva glands. My local LCBO had this discounted by 20% making it a steal, but alas only one bottle was left. But still a great value at full price. Jan 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)W
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
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
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
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