David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (622)
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Reviews
Leaning Post Chardonnay Wismer-foxcroft Vineyard 2018, Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$40.00
A lovely chard from Wismer Foxcoft showing nice ripeness of fruit from the 2018 vintage (apple, pear, melon), but framed by integrated oak spice, bright acidity and a slight flinty reductive minerality. A honeyed note and sage like herbal add complexity. Texturally it shines with a lovely creaminess on the palate. The length is excellent. Sept. 2022.
3.5 Stars
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
(0)V
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
(0)V
Maison Roche De Bellene Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2021, A.C.
Burgundy, France$29.95
A pleasant and affordable Bourgogne from a reliable Maison. The nose opens with white flowers, then orchard fruit (bosc pear and yellow apple), lemony-lime citrus and a mineral note. The palate offers much the same along with a hint of honey on toast not too dissimilar to aged Aussie Semillon. Creaminess suggests lees contact and there's medium plus acidity providing lift and refreshment. The length is very good to excellent. Pair with lemon chicken. Jan. 2025.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Zenato San Benedetto Lugana 2022, Doc
Veneto, Italy$19.95
Always a lovely expression of Trebbiano di Lugana (aka Verdicchio) from the Lugana DOC which lies in the southwest of Lake Garda and straddles the regions of Lombardy and Veneto. White flowers, apple, pear, vanilla, and a slightly bitter mineral note. The mouthfeel is creamy with some weight (13.5% abv) but balanced by juicy acidity to keep things fresh. The length is very good. An enjoyable quaff indeed. Nov. 2023.
3.5 Stars
(0)E+(12)O
Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Southern Valleys
Marlborough, New Zealand$21.95
A very light colour with green tinges belies the intensity and pungency in the glass. The nose is all about fresh fruit with tropical notes, green apples, apricot, grapefruit and lime along with that greenness and cat's pee one expects. But the palate, while displaying replays, hones in on the acidity, minerality and bitterness. Vibrant acidity for sure and medium plus finish as lime and minerality crescendo. April 2026.
3.5 Stars
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Las Rocas Garnacha 2009, Do Calatayud
Spain$15.00
Pretty bright cherry garnet colour. Muted nose, but this light to medium body wine shines on the palate. My novice taste buds get plum jam, sour cherry, and a bit of dark chocolate. There's some lingering here with a peppery, slightly sour finish. Tannis and alcohol heat are soft but somehow an overall balance is achieved. A versatile table wine, I enjoyed it with Pasta alla carbonara. Excellent value at $14.65, but I picked up a few bottles during the LCBO early Jan. 2013 sale of $3.00 off - a steal!
3.5 Stars
(0)G
Clare Hills Riesling 2009, Clare Valley
Australia$10.95
Golden yellow with a pale green hue. This racy, vibrant, dry riesling shows good acidity. Petrol and citrus fruit invade the schnoz and lemon drops and apricot tingle the taste buds. Not a great sipper, and as the experts point out, this would be fine company for oysters or seafood drizzled with lemon juice. I enjoyed it as a partner for spicy Thai chicken. Grip it n' sip it! April 2013.
3.5 Stars
(0)A
Domaine De La Vieille Ferme De L'Eoune Rasteau 2009, Ac Côtes Du Rhone Villages
Rhône, France$13.90
This wine sits dark ruby in the glass with a tinge of purple. Red fruits and pepper on the nose. The spicy peppery syrah elbows the grenache out of the way on the first sip, but after a half hour of decanting, red fruit starts to reveal itself. Tannins soften a little too from initial vice grip. Not an overly long finish with alcohol heat as the last note of a somewhat pitchy melody. Tasted March 2013.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Concha Y Toro Marqués De Casa Concha Syrah 2009, Buin, Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley, Chile$19.95
Nice Syrah with expected peppery spice. Dusty tannins. Just enough balance, complexity, length, syrah typicity and good fruit to sneak into a 90 point score. Excellent QPR given the price reduction to $15.75. April 2014.
3.5 Stars
(0)V