David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (622)
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Reviews
Tabali Reserva Syrah 2012, Limari Valley
Limari Valley, Chile$14.95
This is a well balanced and finessed syrah that sees judicious oak treatment to complement rather than bully the red and dark fruit and fresh acidity. There's spice, pepper, an herbal menthol note, a meaty note and some saline minerality. It's medium/full bodied with tacky tannins and good length. Overall a nice syrah that can't be beat for value. Nov. 2015.
3.5 Stars
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Château Arnauton 2010, Ac Fronsac
Bordeaux, France$25.95
At ten years of age, this Fronsac is holding up quite well. Sure there's a garnet tinge appearing at the rim and the fruit and flower aromas/flavours are more in the dried spectrum than fresh, but there's still life yet - I would say another 2-3 years. Fairly complex with red florals, black and red fruit, baking spice, cured meat, pencil shavings, cedar and a green leafy element. So definitely complex. Tannin is softening, but some graininess left. Alcohol is on the high side with a pleasant warmth rather than burn and length is very good to excellent. Prime drinking time. April 2020.
3.5 Stars
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Alejandro Fernández Dehesa La Granja 2008, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Y León
Spain$21.95
This is very well done. Medium plus intensity aromatics with dark and red fruit, American oak (dill, coconut, vanilla, cedar) and brett that stays this side of acceptable/non-fault, adding complexity. The palate offers juicy acidity keeping the full bodied wine fresh. Tannins still have some traction, but are softening. Finishes with slight alcohol burn. Almost a decade old and still showing youthful tendencies with colour and some tannic grip. Could go another 5-7 years. Great value. Sept. 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Zenato San Benedetto Lugana 2021, Doc
Veneto, Italy$17.95
Intense and pretty aromas of white flowers, orange blossoms, citrus and papaya. The mouthfeel is lovely with a creamy texture (lees contact). More citrus flavours on the palate, ending with an almost bitter herbal and almond skin note so typical of Italian whites. Vibrant and juicy, balanced (although a touch of alcohol heat creeps in) and very good to excellent length. Food friendly for sure. Dec. 2022.
3.5 Stars
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Hacienda López De Haro Crianza 2018, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$16.95
Great value here at under $16 for this very expressive Rioja Crianza. Mostly Tempranillo with a smattering of Garnacha and Graciano (which adds some acidity). Typical aromas and flavours of red fruit (cherry, raspberry), sandalwood, dill, vanilla and olives. Tannins are present but relatively resolved. Medium bodied. Not great concentration, but very good length. A bit of alcohol burn (despite only 13.5% abv) keeps my score under 90. But great value overall. March 2022.
3.5 Stars
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Melini Chianti Classico Reserva 2011
Tuscany, Italy$19.95
Here's a really good value for Chianti Classico Reserva. This 2011 is ageing but still has some kick left. The fruit is in the cherry and red berry spectrum although starting to dry out. There's added complexity with secondary and tertiary notes including a savoury herbal note, tea, chocolate, vanilla and leather. The tannins are dusty and are polymerizing into resolution. A tad thin, showing medium body and medium plus alcohol. Finish is very good to excellent. Scores on complexity, balance, typicity and finish. When on sale, it's an absolute steal. April 2019.
3.5 Stars
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Albino Piona Bardolino 2016, Doc
Veneto, Italy$12.75
A delicious Bardolino. Based on the same grapes used in Valpolicella but the appellation lies to the west of Valpolicella on the eastern/Veneto shore of Lake Garda. So light in colour, almost Chiaretto (rose), but this belies it's true weight and body along with 13% ABV. Tart red berry, cherry, spice, florals, creamy/honey (malo?) and some mineral salinity. There's also a perception or RS without any sense of confection. Bright acidity renders it food friendly, tannin are mild and length is very good. Great value. April 2018.
3.5 Stars
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Ca'Tullio Tenace Lo Schioppettino 2015, Doc Friuli Aquileia
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy$16.25
Schioppettino, which means "crackling", is native to the Friuli region and this version from the Colli Orientali DOC shows characteristic aromatic intensity with violets, red berry fruit and spicy pepper. Quite fruity on the palate, with more pepper and a late palate bitterness. Reminded me a bit of Gamay. It's mid weight, has vibrant acidity, medium tannin and very good length. Schioppettino is also known as Ribolla Nera, but is unrelated to Ribolla Gialla. Makes a lovely Valentines wine. Feb. 2018.
3.5 Stars
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Fontaine De Clos Confidences 2014, Ap Côtes Du Rhône
Rhône, France$17.95
Another great value from the south of France. Light cherry red colour and somewhat translucent. Cherry fruit, pepper, spice, cinnamon hearts, chocolate and slightly bitter. Medium-full bodied, a bit hot with alcohol burn in the late palate. Medium acidity provides some freshness and fine chalky tannin. Very good length. Well-priced and a nice mid week, cool weather quaff. Nov. 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Casale Del Giglio Cesanese 2014, Igt Lazio Rosso
Italy$18.95
A great find and good on the LCBO to bring this wine based on the native Lazio Cesanese grape to Ontario. Medium full bodied with good concentration of red berry and cherry fruit, along with spice, tea, vanilla and minerality. Fine grained tannin, bright acidity and very good to excellent length. Sept. 2017.
3.5 Stars
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