David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (613)
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Reviews
Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2014, Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$22.95
Light ruby with watery edges and almost translucent. Red berry and cherry fruit lead the way then baking spices and earthy savoury notes, ending with sour bitterness. Medium body, with moderate tannin, juicy acidity and good length but with some alcohol heat at the end. Somewhat unbalance at this stage, but may coalesce yet with a year or two of aging. Dec. 2016.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Château Des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2014, Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$17.95
Good purity of fruit as one would expect from older vines. An off dry style Riesling with peach, apricot, apple, lemon, honey, spice and minerality. Vibrant acidity keeps it all very fresh. It's medium bodied with a sense of viscosity on the palate and alcohol provides some structure (12% ABV). Very good to excellent length. A perfect match for Asian cuisine with a bit of spice. March 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Poderi Di Luigi Einaudi Dolcetto Di Dogliani 2013, Doc
Piedmont, Italy$19.95
This Dogliani is really nice, offering Dolcetto typicity with sour red and dark fruit, violets and subtle oak influences. Tannic with decent acidity and very good length. Nov. 2016.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Domaine Des Tourelles White 2015, Bekaa Valley
Lebanon, World$17.25
Here's a nice offering from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. A blend of mostly Viognier with Chard and Muscat of Alexandria in support. The Viognier and Muscat contribute to fairly intense aromatics with florals, spice, and ginger. The fruit is ripe apple, pear and pineapple, and the palate is viscous (Viognier) with medium acidity and very good length. The 14% ABV provides structure but isn't totally integrated with late palate heat present. May 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Evans & Tate Metricup Road Cabernet/Merlot 2013, Margaret River, Western Australia
Western Australia, Australia$16.75
Cooler Margaret River Meritage, showing vibrant acidity. Notes of cassis, menthol, spice, pencil shaving and mocha. Merlot adds roundness. Tannins are evolving, drinking well now, Very good length. July 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Mastroberardino Fiano Di Avellino 2014
Campania, Italy$17.25
Mastroberardino's Fiano is not very intense aromatically, but that's not indicative of the complexity here. Honey notes, ripe pear and tangerine, spice, salty minerality and a bitter almond finish. It has medium acidity, very good length, but is a tad too hot to score on balance (keeping my rating under 90). Very good value. May 2017.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Lapilli Beneventano Aglianico 2014, Igt
Campania, Italy$13.75
Here's an Aglianico that scores well on complexity. It is full bodied, ripe and prominently oaked but not overdone. Floral and dark fruit flavours (plum fig, black cherry), spice, teryiaki, tar, earth, coffee, herbs and a sanguine minerality. Tannins are soft and there's a seam of acidity providing freshness. A tad hot, but very good length. On sale and a great value. April 2017.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Jean Biecher & Fils Schoenenbourg Riesling 2014, Ac Alsace Grand Cru
Alsace, France$23.95
Excellent value for a Grand Cru, this Alsatian Riesling is a bit closed on the nose right now, but eventually opens to reveal apple, peach and citrus fruit. It's somewhat round with a honeyed palate, medium plus acidity and very good length. A bit unbalanced and a touch hot. Should integrate with some time in the bottle. April 2017.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Dainero 2013, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$14.75
Medium ruby with the faintest hint of garnet at the edges. Fruit is mostly in the red spectrum with raspberry and cherry, but some dark fruit as well, although I find the oak masks the fruit somewhat. Some new oak no doubt, manifested in cedar and cinnamon. There's also a vague meaty note and evergreen and herbs. Good complexity. Some elegance here with bright acidity, medium body and dusty tannin that still has some traction. Bitter dry finish with decent length. April 2018.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Fassati Pasiteo Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2012, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$8.15
This Vino Nobile demonstrates a nice balance between rustic Sangiovese authenticity and modern wine making style. Medium-full bodied. Good concentration of sour cherry fruit, earthiness, leather, tobacco, and oak influences. Dusty tannins. Vibrant Sangiovese acidity makes this a really nice and versatile food partner. Very good length. And of course Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano fits that price-quality ratio sweet spot between fuller, richer more expensive Brunello and lighter Chianti. Nov. 2017.
3.5 Stars
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