David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (613)
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Reviews
Versado Malbec 2013, Lujan De Cuyo, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$19.95
A bit hard to describe the essence of this higher altitude Argentine Malbec. There's good typicity with red and dark fruit, some savoury soy and hoisin, herbal quality and a hint of licorice. The oak is not insignificant with vanillin and cholcolate, but not overbearing either. It's hot and big with 14.8% ABV, which adds sweetness. But at the same time it strives for lift, vibrancy and elegance in the Sperling style, with medium plus acidity and a touch of VA. I'm not sure it all comes together, being a bit disjointed. Nonetheless it gets marks for complexity, length, balance and drinkability.
3.5 Stars
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Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier 2014
Colchagua Valley, Chile$9.95
A nod to viognier typicity with this fragrant nose. Fresh, floral, perfumed with apricot, orange and the faintest hint of tropical fruit. A creamy palate with milder to medium acidity and a slightly bitter late palate. Very good length. Try this with aromatic Thai food like a jasmine rice based lightly spiced dish - but not too spicy as the higher ABV will be exacerbated by the heat. Can't beat the value, and the consistency vintage to vintage is Swiss clockwork. Nov. 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Henri Ehrhart Gewurztraminer 2012, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$19.95
Very good varietal typicity with a highly perfumed nose of rose petals, lychee and soap. Off dry. The palate is thick and viscous playing as fat due to a lack of acidity (even for a gewurz) to frame it. Honey and ginger flavours with a slight late palate burn. Good to very good length. I wanted a bit more acidity, but nonetheless it paired well with a dish of spicy Nasi Goreng (Indonesian stir fried rice). Dec. 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2013, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Another excellent Riesling from the Pennachetti's and Angelo Pavan, this being from mature estate vines. Lovely aromas of citrus, apple, honey and minerality. The palate is just off dry, with similar fruit notes and a slight viscosity. Bright lemony acidity provides the spine and the finish is long. Cave Spring's Estate Riesling is consistently good and so well priced. July 2015.
3.5 Stars
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Manoir Du Carra Les Bottières Juliénas 2012, Ac
Beaujolais, France$19.95
Pretty semi-opaque ruby colour with watery edges. Strawberry fruit opens the nose followed by spice and a funky earthy note. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with more red fruit on the palate, soft tannin and good acidity. A touch hot. Very good length. A nice fresh, fruity Beaujolais that lives up to it's Cru status with something extra. Sept. 2015.
3.5 Stars
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Delas Les Launes Crozes Hermitage 2012, Ac
Rhône, France$24.95
Although there's a sense of new world and modern winemaking here, old world expression comes through. Dark fruit, smoke, minty dried herb, black pepper and noticeable but not over the top oak influence. Dry, medium plus body, moderate tannin and good to very good length. A decent Northern Rhone at an approachable price. My local LCBO had it further discounted so excellent value. March 2016.
3.5 Stars
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Espelt Viticultors Old Vines Garnacha 2013, Do Empordà
Spain$14.95
Good typicity for this Grenache varietal showing high alcohol, lots of fruit in a rounder softer package. A lively, fresh nose of red berry and black cherry, fruit forward on the palate with caraway/mint and cinnamon. Full bodied but light on its feet. A bargain at this price so load up while bbq season is still upon us. Aug. 2015.
3.5 Stars
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Chapoutier Belleruche White 2014, Cotes Du Rhone
Rhône, France$16.95
Quite a complex white Rhone with aromas and flavours of quince, citrus, apricot, tropical notes (banana, pineapple) and mineral. The mouthfeel is creamy and leesy with medium plus body and alcohol. There's a slightly reductive sulphury note with a savoury/bitter late palate. Not quite balanced as acidity doesn't match the weight and alcohol heat is pronounced. But can't deny the value and my local LCBO has it discounted to $11. Bonus! April 2016.
3.5 Stars
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Gorgo San Michelin Custoza 2014, Doc
Veneto, Italy$14.95
This northern Italian blend (Cortese, Trebbiano, Garganega) is aromatic with some floral, honey, wax, citrus and melon notes. The mouthfeel is somewhat viscous with more honeyed lemon, stoney minerality and a bitter/savoury late palate. Dry with medium plus acidity and excellent length, this would match well with seafood and shellfish. Dec. 2015.
3.5 Stars
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Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley, Chile$19.95
Fruit forward in the modern style with good cabernet typicity of cassis, black berry and slightly pruned fruit and mint. Oak is in check offering supporting flavours of vanilin and pencil shavings. A meaty flavour adds to the complexity. While tannins are mild, structure is achieved by juicy acidity providing balance to the fruit. All that plus very good length all combine to bump this cab into the excellent scoring range. A terrific bargain at its regular price, but with the current $3 discount at the LCBO, it's a steal. July 2016.
3.5 Stars
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