David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (613)
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Reviews
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
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
Pieropan Soave Classico 2016, Doc
Veneto, Italy$19.95
Clearly not as profound or sublime as Pieropan's single vineyard La Rocca, but nonetheless an excellent Soave in its own right. Great value here. Expressive lemon, honey, minerality, almond and spice. A pleasantly creamy mouthfeel with bright acidity and excellent length. April 2018.
4.0 Stars
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Roger & Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2016, Ac
Loire, France$31.95
This Sancerre reveals higher intensity aromatics with florals, fruit and a characteristic herbaceous quality. The fruit is apple, pear and gooseberry. A saline minerality finishes it off. Vibrant, balanced, with higher acidity, medium bodied and very good to excellent length. Feb. 2018.
4.0 Stars
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Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2011, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$23.95
Pale straw colour with the slightest green tinge, this Beamsville Bench estate sourced wine embodies what Ontario Riesling is all about. A fresh citrus and mineral laden nose with more citrus fruit, mineral notes, some spice, herbs and fresh acidity on the palate. Nice complexity and length with a touch of heat on the finish. 2011 was a good vintage for this varietal in Niagara and this Hidden Bench offering doesn't disappoint. Nov. 2013.
4.0 Stars
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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
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
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
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
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Domaines Schlumberger Kessler Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2008
Alsace, France$25.95
A lovely Pinot Gris, yellow gold in the glass with a hint of green. Lifted nose of petrol/minerality, floral notes, and peach. Floral and mineral replays on the palate with spice, a touch of residual sugar and lemony shmeck in a creamy fuller bodied mouthfeel. Good acidity and higher alcohol provides structure and is integrated rather than dominant. Very complex and long. A fine aperitif and a compliant accomplice for a range of foods given the palate cleansing and saliva inducing acidity. Jan. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V