David Brodati, DipWSET
|
Followers (4)
|
|
|
Following (0)
|
Reviews (619)
|
Reviews
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
Norman Hardie County Chardonnay Unfiltered 2012, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.00
With all due respect to the many talents of vingerons Bachelder, Jacquey, Paskus, Morissette, Senchuk et al, I officially proclaim Norman Hardie as Chardonnay (and arguably Pinot Noir) Master of the Ontario Universe (and beyond). This County 2012 is indeed world class, distinctively County but with a nod to Merseault. It shows great depth and complexity with minerality, apple, butter all wrapped in a smokey veil. The palate is creamy, viscous and long with wonderful acidity that frames the whole. Oak is minimal and expertly integrated. Very fine Chardonnay. Dec. 2014
4.0 Stars
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
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
(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
Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001
Rioja, Spain$30.95
This ruby red rioja's rockin' it old school. Oak is certainly prevalent but integrated with red fruit, dusty tannins and juicy acidity. There are savoury elements, a hint of mocha and iodine. Length and balance. Not my favourite style, but definitely a quality quaff.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Emiliana Coyam 2011, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$29.95
Dark purple ruby. Emiliana is an organic producer and that natural approach manifests itself in quality on a regular basis, including this red blend. Plum, black cherry, herbal notes, pepper, and chocolate. Sandy, ripe tannins, medium plus acidity, full bodied and lengthy. Oak is very present but integrated. Nice effort. June 2015.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Amontillado Los Arcos
Andalusia, Spain$18.95
Great value in this Amontillado Sherry. A lovely caramel colour and a complex nose that is essentially nutty but with notes of buttery caramel, creme brulee, marmalade, coffee and fig. The palate is viscous, salty with excellent length. Essentially dry but with a vague molasses-like kiss of sweetness. A touch hot on the finish but not overly so. Feb. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)E+(34)O
Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2010, Do Bierzo
Galicia, Spain$25.00
The 2010 Petalos is starting to drink nicely now. Dark ruby with a nice floral bouquet that is opening niccely. The palate is medium to full bodied with a rich mouthfeel and good integration of fruit, oak and acidity. Tannins subside with a bit of air. This could cellar for a few more years, but is approachable now. If you have a few, open one now and compare again in 2015. Oct. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Muga Reserva 2008, Doc Rioja
Spain$23.95
This ruby coloured Rioja sips very nicely. I get black cherry, pepper, vanilla, and toasty oak. Tannins are grainy, so decant (or lay down for a year). Good length, some bitterness towards the end and a bit of heat (serve slightly chilled). This wine's acidity, fruit and tannins make it a good pairing for a wide variety of food. All in all a nice Rioja. Grip it n' sip it! July 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V