David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (622)
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Reviews
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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Nicolas Gueusquin Brut 1er Cru Champagne 2015, Ac, France
Champagne, France$48.95
Everything you'd want in a grower Vintage Champagne: excellent quality but without the big "House" price. It's not showy, but there's a sense of elegance. Soft mousse that persists in the glass. Aromas of yeasty brioche, apple, pear, mushroom and a nutty character. Lovely mouthfeel and vibrant acidity. Paired beautifully with sauteed scallops in a mushroom and shallot cream sauce. Dec. 2022.
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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Emiliana Winemaker'S Selection Syrah 2011, Casablanca Valley
Casablanca Valley, Chile$19.95
Freshness and finesse describe this dark ruby/magenta Chilean shiraz, rather than big and bold. Dark berry and plummy fruit bursts out of the gate, followed by typical pepper and spice. Medium bodied on the mouthfeel, there's grippy tannins and decent length. A nice softer feminine shiraz that should be widely appealing. I enjoyed it on its own, but it certainly would pair well with grilled chicken, pork or burgers. So grip it n' sip it! Sept. 2013.
4.0 Stars
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Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2011, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$19.95
What a pleasant CC here, with ripe red cherry fruit leading the way. A hint of licorice and a touch of well integrated oak offering a slight whiff of baking spice. Medium body on the palate, the cherry fruit is countered by a savoury late palate. Refined tannins, balanced acidity and very good length. A touch hot on the finish keeps the score just under 90. Very food friendly and good value. Nov. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V