David Brodati, DipWSET
|
Followers (4)
|
|
|
Following (0)
|
Reviews (622)
|
Reviews
Heartland Shiraz 2012, Langhorne Creek
South Australia, Australia$18.95
This Aussie Shiraz is thick, dark, brooding. Musky white pepper notes. Then dark fruit, black licorice and menthol. It's medium-full bodied with more pepper, dark fruit, dark chocolate, and a soy/hoisin element. Very long with medium acidity and good tannic structure. Nov. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Muriel Reserva 2017, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$19.95
I love it when the price/quality ratio is super high as it is in this lovely Rioja Reserva. A nice balance of primary and secondary aromas with red flowers, cherry, sandalwood, chocolate, vanilla, and dried herbs. With 6 years under its belt, the fruit flavours are in transition between fresh and cooked/dried. The palate is juicy with medium plus velvety tannins and some alcohol warmth. The length is very good to excellent. Will drink well for another 5 years or so. Nov. 2023.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2010, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
California, Usa$41.95
Ramey's multi-vineyard Sonoma Chard is yellow gold with a green tinge showing a still youthful character. There's a cool fresh minerality with notes of lemon, pear, vanilla, coconut and butter. The palate is rich but balanced by a lemony acidity that makes the wine food friendly. Full, ripe California meets lean, crisp, cool climate. Nicely done. March 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Alpha Estate Turtles Single Vineyard Malagouzia 2022, P.G.I. Florina
Greece$19.95
Nicely aromatic but dialed back a bit relative to a full on Gewurz for example. More of cross between Viognier, Gewurz and maybe even Sauv Blanc as I was getting a decent dose of pyrazene. Peachy, apricot, some lemony citrus, fennel herbaciousness, salty minerality, peppery spice and a pleasant bitterness. Definitely complex. But well balanced too. 13% abv provides body and the length is excellent. Medium acidity provides a degree of verve. A multitude of food pairings come to mind, but also a fun sipper on its own. May 2023.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Tenuta Roveglia Vigne Di Catullo Lugana Riserva 2013, Doc
Lombardy, Italy$26.95
From the Lombardy side of the Lugana DOC appellation (shared with Veneto), based on the Turbiano (Trebbiano) grape. Fairly deep yellow gold in the glass. A really lovely lifted nose of white flowers, hazelnut, yellow apple, spice and leesy honey. The palate offers lees stirring creaminess, medium bodied, even a hint of tannin and bright acidity. Excellent length. This pairs exceedingly well with apple cider glazed pork. Oct. 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
(0)V
Salomon Estate Fleurieu Peninsula Syrah Viognier 2011, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$19.75
This 2011 Fleurieu Pen Syrah with a splash of Viognier has entered a prime drinking window. Very complex with Syrah typicity being shown through bacon fat and olive along with still fairly ripe moving into dried fruit. Tar, hoisin, and herbal menthol cedar add to the flavours. The tannin have softened with still vibrant acidity married to a full bodied frame, yet it retains a sense of elegance. Length is excellent. Could still age a few years, but no need to wait. July 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Grand Vin De Glenelly Red 2010, Wo Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa$14.75
South Africa is at the top of the price quality ratio pyramid. This is perfectly exemplified by the Glenelly blend of Shiraz and traditional Bordeaux grapes. I love the complexity and full bodied density here. Red and dark (blueberry, cassis, prune) fruit, violets, meat, spice, hoisin, tar, black tea, chocolate and tobacco. Well structured with medium plus alcohol, grippy tannin and medium plus acidity. Excellent length. A nice follow up to the 09. Sept. 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Clos De Sarpe 1995, Ac Saint émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France$53.95
Well this was well worth spending north of $50 for a 22 year old Saint Emilion from an good vintage. I'm impressed with the way it's hung in with some fruit (albeit dried) still showing through, but it's a bit player now with secondary and tertiaty flavours abounding and astounding. There's an old musty rancio element that mimicks cork taint, but isn't. Savoury, umami, soy, teriyaki, earth, leather, tobacco, vanilla and cocoa. Tannin is still holding on by the fingernails. Complex, evolved and long. July 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Creekside Broken Press Syrah 2010, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$39.95
Nearly 6 years on and still a youthful ruby, although the slightest hint of garnet at the edge. Medium plus intensity aromatics with lift provided by some viognier skin contact. Dark fruit (blueberry, black cherry and currant), menthol, bay leaf, tea, fennel, meat, cedar and black pepper. Oak is restrained with a touch of vanilla. Medium-full bodied with medium plus alcohol. Tannis are still tacky but approachable. Balanced and long. One of Niagara's best Syrah's just starting to hit its drinking stride. March 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V