David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (619)
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Reviews
Tawse Cherry Avenue Pinot Noir 2010, Twenty Mile Bench VQA
Ontario, Canada$57.95
This biodynamic Pinot is starting to show some age in the glass with more garnet hue, particularly at the edges. The nose offers red berry fruit, nutmeg, other spices and smoke. The palate is fruit dominant representing the fine vintage ('10) albeit tart sour-edged. But there's good balancing acidity and tannins are present but softening as we speak. This wine is starting to come into it's own. Feb. 2015.
3.5 Stars
Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2011, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
Cave Spring has always done Niagara Riesling very well and their Beamsville Bench 2011 is no exception. More racy and nervy compared to 2010 given the vintage, but that's ok for Riesling. Strong acidity and minerality offset the citrus fruit and make this a really food friendly wine. January 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Peter Lehmann Clancy's Shiraz/Merlot/Cabernet 2010, Barossa Valley
South Australia, Australia$18.15
The 2011 is a bit more funky/barnyard on the nose along with menthol, red plum and vegetal characteristics. On the palate it is medium bodied, fruity with pepper and nutmeg. Tannins have moderate grip and there's a slightly confected sweetness with alcohol heat. Good length. Purchased on sale bringing it into decent value territory. March 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Stanners Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$30.00
This interesting PEC Pinot is a blend of County sourced grapes (some estate) and Niagara Lincoln Lakeshore grapes. The result is a very fine Pinot with good PEC limestone minerality, Niagara fruit and tannin, and an earthy musky element. Looking forward to a vertical comparison with the 2011 (100% County). July 2014.
3.5 Stars
Domaine Des Aubuisières Cuvée De Silex Vouvray 2011, Ac
Loire, France$14.75
Golden straw coloured off-dry chenin blanc from the Vouvray appellation in the Loire valley. Mineral notes along with honey, peach, pear and lime. Lovely soft, round medium bodied mouthfeel. Sweet mid palate that carries through to a lingering finish that's integrated well with some alcohol heat. A nice complex wine that would pair well with a variety of cheeses, seafood and poultry. It also has the substance to lay down for a couple of years. But why wait? Grip it n' sip it! August 2013.
3.5 Stars
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Alvaro Castro Red 2009, Doc Dão
Dão, Portugal$17.95
Ok so I'm a bonehead. My local LCBO had this wonderful Dao discounted by $3.00 making an already excellent valued wine even more of a steal - and I only picked up one bottle! Mid ruby in the glass, this blend has a floral and fruity nose with licorice and herbal notes. The mouth swish reveals a spicy tang and a seam of acidity that offsets the concentrated fruit. It has a tannic edge, so decant or leave it for a power nap in the cellar. Good length with some heat on the finish. Very food friendly, particularly if you enjoy spicy chorizo topped pizza. Budget bottom dwellers rejoice! Nov. 2013
3.5 Stars
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La Ferme Du Mont Le Ponnant Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2011
Rhône, France$0.00
This Cote du Rhone Villages is great value. Medium bodied with length and complexity, this wine shows a nice balance between fruit, herbs, acidity and tannins. Cherry, pepper, vanilla and a hint of mocha. Excellent shmeck factor as a food playmate. At this price, grip it n' sip it for sure. 90+. August 2013.
3.5 Stars
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Penfolds Thomas Hyland Chardonnay 2012, Adelaide, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$16.75
This pale straw Chard from Adelaide Hills displays cool climate precision with a slight nod to bigger buttery chardonnays. Initially, I found a hint of sulphur on the nose, but butter, white stone fruit and some nutty influence shine through. There's a creamy midweight mouthfeel, with buttered toast and citrus flavours framed by a good acidic spine. A brief sojourn in French oak evokes a roasted nuttiness without overly dominant influences. Excellent value. Jan. 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Mocine 2011, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$17.25
An eccentric and idiosyncratic blend to be sure. It has a very fragrant nose. I get perfume, vanilla, ripe cherry and stewed fruit, and a slightly medicinal character. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with a smooth entry transitioning to a sour middle and a bit of spice and heat at the end. Moderate acidity and tamed tannins. I like this as a sipping wine. Very contemplative. It taxed my brain but pleased my palate. Feb. 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2011, Adelaide, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$21.95
A very young and somewhat resinous wine. The nose shows off ample fruit, perfume, menthol and a funky note. Oak is judiciously impactful. Very structured with medium acidity and a medium-full body. Tannic and hot. Flavours of sweet baking spices, black pepper and a touch of bitterness. Very good length. This could use another year to come together. If drinking now, decant for at least an hour. Nov. 2014.
3.5 Stars
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