David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (622)
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Reviews
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
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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
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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
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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
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
Château Bizard Montagne De Raucoule 2010, Ac Grignan Les Adhemar
Rhône, France$16.75
I was looking for a good red that would fit the bill for a weekend bbq at a friend's cottage. After reading Mr. Lawrason's review, I decided that this wine just might fit the bill. Well, it certainly did. This Rhone matched nicely with delicious medium rare grilled steaks, good friends and an equally delicious summer cottage setting. Nicely balanced fruit, integrated tannins, yummy mouthfeel and a lingering finish. Grip it n' sip it. June 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Frei Brothers Reserve Zinfandel 2012, Dry Creek Valley
California, Usa$26.95
A good rep for Cali Zin. Dark ruby purple. Full, ripe dark berry fruit, sweet spice, herbs. Full bodied with a plush jammy mouthfeel in a fruit forward style. Oak and high ABV are well integrated. Stays this side of flabby with a nice seam of acidity. Tannins are round and soft. April 2015.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Firestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Santa Ynez Valley
California, Usa$19.90
I love deals at the LCBO whether they be bin end or LTO's, particularly for good wines that are already value priced. This Cali Cab offers ripe dark fruit with cassis and blueberry pie. Some pepper and herbal minty notes. Medium minus acidity and light tannin somehow seem enough to provide structure. Oak is checked, with some chocolate notes. Stays just on this side of confected. A multi bottle purchase while on sale. Feb. 2016.
4.0 Stars
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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