David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (613)
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Reviews
Mayu Reserva Carmenère/Syrah 2014, Elquí Valley
Chile$15.95
I'm fascinated by wines that elicit divergent opinions from the pro critics. For this interesting Carmenere/Syrah blend from the northen Elqui region of Chile, I tend to agree more with David than with Sara or Godello. I too find that Syrah leads the way with meaty, spicy, peppery characteristics. There's ripe fruit (almost into the baked spectrum), balsamic, olives, herbs and mocha. Medium plus acidity provides freshness. Tannins are present but resolved. Good balance and excellent length. Intriquing, quality wine at a bargain price. Multi-bottle purchase. March 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Porconero Fiano 2015, Igp Campania
Campania, Italy$17.95
Super cool label depicting a stylized black pig (porco nero). Stylish in the bottle as well. I love the nose with florals, citrus, mineral and spice. Medium bodied with medium plus acidity and very good to excellent length. A touch warm despite the modest 11.8% ABV declared. Food friendly and good value. April 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Closson Chase Churchside Pinot Noir 2015, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.95
As self-declared arbiter when the pro critics have divergent scores, my judgement in this case sides with Godello. This Pinot from Closson's Churchside vineyard is quite delicious. A little closed just now aromatically, it will certainly bloom with time. Juicy PEC fruit that shows good typicity for PEC Pinot, with cran-cherry, red berry along with nutmeg, cinnamon and spice. And of course a mineral edge. The acidity is vibrant, tannin fairly soft. Good balance overall, and excellent length. Drink now or hold mid term 3-5 years. Pairs well with salmon, or fruit glazed pork roast. Nov. 2017.
3.5 Stars
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Ara Pathway Single Estate Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough
Marlborough, New Zealand$10.45
What a steal at the delist price of $10. Alas I was only able to procure three bottles as they were scooped up quickly by other savy consumers. Pale ruby and somewhat translucent in the glass. Red fruit with cherry, strawberry and cranberry peeking through. There's a smokey tobacco note on the finish. Medium bodied, bright acidity, balanced and very good length. I wish I was able to grab more bottles. Feb. 2018.
3.5 Stars
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Santa Carolina Merlot Reserva 2016, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$13.95
Here's a soft Merlot with plum and red fruit buoyed by some lift from good acidity and even a touch of VA. It's medium bodied with an herbal note, a sanguineous minerality and well integrated oak showing spice and mild vanillin. Tannin are smooth and length is very good. A touch hot with alcohol not fully integrated even though it clocks in at only 13% ABV. Great value especially on sale. Jan. 2018.
3.5 Stars
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Kwv The Vinecrafter Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Western Cape, South Africa$9.95
The "WINEcrafter" to be more on point. This is about making decent wine at an incredible price point. It loses points for balance, being somewhat awkward. It seems thin but clocks in at 14% abv with some heat. Only 2 years old but has a prune-like dried fruit flavour to go with the more typical cab cassis, black cherry and herbal notes. Some RS detected. It has good juicy acidity providing some lift and vibrancy and the length is good. Hey for under $10, can't complain and on sale, a definite bargain if not quite "case sale" worthy. Jan. 2019.
3.5 Stars
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Tawse Riesling Sketches Of Niagara 2017, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Lovely off dry Niagara Riesling from a quality producer. Apple, pear, citrus and a whiff of petrol. Fresh acidity balances the fruit and RS. Food friendly and nice for sipping on its own. Very good length. A bargain, but the current sale makes this a steal. March 2021.
3.5 Stars
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Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Red 2017, VQA Beamsville Bench
Ontario, Canada$19.75
This shows a medium ruby colour with the slightest hint of garnet appearing at the edges. A medium bodied assemblage that is nicely balanced, complex and with very good to excellent length. You won't get a lot of concentration with this vintage for Niagara reds, but I really like the aromas and flavours of florals (violets) red and black fruit including black raspberry and plum, along with baking spice, herbal tobacco, and tea. Tannins are medium and fine. The 2017 is discounted at the moment, so excellent value for this degree of complexity. Sept. 2020.
3.5 Stars
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Cesari Mara Valpolicella Ripasso 2017, Veneto
Veneto, Italy$19.95
This poor man's Amarone is always good value,especially when on sale, as it is now. Jammy, pruney dark fruit in the plum, black cherry and blackberry spectrum. Aromas/flavours of violet, black pepper, vanillin and smoke contribute complexity. The jammy fruit is kept fresh with good acidity. There's medium, ripe tannin, medium plus body and very good length. Would suit stews, bbq fare, parmigiano cheese. May 2020.
3.5 Stars
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Château Mayne Vieil 2016, Ac Fronsac
Bordeaux, France$19.95
This ageing Fronsac has a fairly intense nose and expressive concentrated palate. Flavours range from dark fruit (blackberry, blueberry, plum) to a cedar and herbal element with vanillin/chocolate. But the fruit is in the cooked/stewed realm. Tannins are still a bit sticky/tacky. It's boozy and hot with a burn from the 14.5% declared abv, I'd say too hot (beyond warming) that for me shows a balance issue which holds back my score. Length is very good to excellent. Serve with big, bold savoury dishes (roast beef, lamb, Osso Buco). November 2022.
3.5 Stars
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