David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews
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
Piekenierskloof Shiraz 2020, Wo Piekenierskloof
South Africa$18.95
South Africa continues to provide great value as exemplified in this excellent Shiraz for under $20. Intense aromas of dark cherries, charcuterie, smoke, vanilin, balsamic and loamy olive. Similar flavours on the palate, with bright acidity and velvety tannin. It's balanced and the high alcohol is warming without burn. Flavours linger on the palate. A touch oaky but overall checks typicity, intensity, balance, complexity and length. For under $20, can't be it. Nov. 2023.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
Dei Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2010, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$27.95
This is a very pleasing sangiovese. Dark ruby in the glass, it presents lovely notes of cherry, anise, spice box, all in a refined package. The palate is medium full and smooth with dusty tannins that become plush with decanting. Acidity is balanced adding to a secure frame and making this very food friendly, but it also sips nicely as a solo act. Excellent length. Jan. 2015.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
(0)V
St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009, Barossa
South Australia, Australia$39.95
A nice balance between Barossa Shiraz and Rhone Syrah. Concentrated bold fruit but some elegance as well. Earthy, savoury, spicy, peppery. Nicely balanced with excellent length. A great BBQ wine. August 2014.
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
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
Terra D'uro Finca La Rana 2012, Do Toro
Castilla y León, Spain$18.95
Good value in this red from Toro. Still some ripeness on the fruit, mostly red (cherry, red berry) although I picked up hint of blueberry. Good intensity aromatically, with some floral intertwined with the fruit and oak spice. There's also a medicinal and herbal quality. Definitely complex, but I didn't get a sense of balance, which may come yet with further maturity. Oak is still too dominant for me, with cedar and spice leading the way, and some alcohol burn rather than integrated warmth. That keeps my score below 90. Very good length, and well priced. March 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino 2022, D.O.C.
Umbria, Italy$33.95
This Umbrian white shows a fairly intense nose of buttercup florals, ripe pear, subtle peach and an herbal note. On the palate there's a creamy mouthfeel with citrus and minerality flavours. Balanced acidity and very good to excellent length. A very nice example of Spoletino. Nov. 2023.
4.0 Stars
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