David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews
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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Carrick Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, South Island
New Zealand$39.95
This Otago pinot has a light cherry hue and a hint of brick colour at the edges. Red fruit, meat, herbal notes and some pepper are the main characteristics. Tannins are well integrated and there's nice acidity. Some bitterness and heat at the end of a decent length. There's some substance to this pinot. It softened after decanting. Not sure it's the best value, but it fit within my frugal budget after a 20% markdown at the LCBO. Grip it n' sip it!. July 2013
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
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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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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
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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
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
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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
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Alain Jaume Grande Garrigue Vacqueyras 2010
Rhône, France$24.95
Fruit dominates the nose initially, followeed by anise. The palate offers red berry fruit, more licorice, salt/teriyaki and savoury herbs (garrique). The stated 15% ABV is certainly present but not as dominant as I expected (the fruit isn't bullied), providing structure along with grippy tannins and some acidity. Very nice length here. It's coming together, but I suspect another 2-3 years will show marked improvemnent elevating the score to an excellent rating. March 2014.
4.0 Stars
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