David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (613)
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Reviews
Godelia Mencia Red 2015, Do Bierzo
Galicia, Spain$24.95
I'm more in agreement with John Szabo on this one as opposed to David or Michael. 100% Mencia from the Bierzo DO in NW Spain. From the warm 2015 vintage. The nose is quite lovely and maturing with floral violet, dried fruit, vanilla, clove, licorice, iodine, smoke and leather - so good complexity. But the palate is where it disappoints, with unpleasant chalky aggressive tannins, out of balance high alcohol, and what seems to me acidification that is not integrated. Further a bitter finish adds to the unpleasantness. These issues may or may not resolve with more bottle aging. Sept. 2021.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Bersano Gavi Di Gavi 2019, Docg, Piedmont
Piedmont, Italy$18.95
Lime, pineapple, melon, white flower, almond and mineral saltiness. Medium bodied, with elevated acidity. A bit warm on the finish, with very good length. Good typicity for Gavi Cortese. Excellent with shellfish or a citrus pan-seared fish dish. Dec. 2020
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Follas Novas Albariño 2019, Do Rías Baixas
Galicia, Spain$18.95
Everything you want in an dry, fresh, crisp Rias Baixas based 100% on Albarino. A touch of CO2 off the top soon dissipates. Fairly complex and pronounced aromas and flavours of white flower, peach, apricot, zesty lemon, honey, almond nougat, salty iodine minerality and a savoury finish. High acidity keeps things fresh. Perhaps some skin and lees contact as shown in a nice textural quality. Scores on complexity and typicity. March 2021.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Château La Croix De Queynac 2019, A.C. Bordeaux Supérieur
Bordeaux, France$17.95
A pleasant Merlot dominant Bordeaux Superieur, offering fruity notes of cherry, raspberry and red plum. There is some oak influence as well manifesting as chocolate and vanillin. There's also an anise/licorice note along with an herbal aspect. The cab sauv (30%) provides structure and a cedary note, but the tannins are nicely ripe. Very good length. Slight alcohol burn. Drinking well now, no need to cellar much longer. Oct. 2022.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Fazi Battaglia Passerina 2022, Igt Marche
Marche, Italy$16.95
It's nice to see the LCBO bringing in more Italian native varieties like this very affordable Passerina from the Marche in west-central Italy. Expressive aromatics here and flavours of citrus, a tropical note, fennel and herbs. It's mid weight with a pleasant textural element. The acidity is medium and the length very good. A touch warming despite only 12.5% abv. Enjoy with cream of asparagus soup as you welcome in Spring. March 2024.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava
Spain$17.95
Fine persistent bubbles in this bright refreshing Cava. Apple, pear, peach, citrus and butter notes. More fruity than yeasty. Doesn't have great depth but nicely balanced and decent length. Excellent value. This sparkler is versatile as an aperitif or a table mate for lighter fare. March 2016.
3.0 Stars
(1000+)G+(160)O
Foss Marai Extra Dry, D.O.C. Prosecco
Veneto, Italy$19.95
A pleasant light refreshing off dry sparkler. Not complex or lengthy, but nice frothy bubbles with notes of apples and pears. A good choice for festive gatherings, as a host gift and as an app accoutrement. Dec. 2015.
3.0 Stars
(1000+)E+(84)O
Kaiken Malbec 2010, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza
Argentina$14.95
Ruby coloured in the glass. Unabashed fruit scents hit the nose with herbs and fireplace ash. Palate picks up fruit forward black fruits that linger through the middle of a decent length, then leather, spice, and a hot finish reflecting the high alcohol. A little too hot even when chilled 15 minutes. Tannins are on the softer side. Would suit smokey BBQ fare with plenty of sauce.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2011, Leyda Valley
Chile$11.95
This review is for the 2012. Pale colour with the slightest hint of green. Fruit bursts onto the schnoz with pear, peach, citrus and tropical aromas. Fruit forward, then distinct minerality and decent acidity. Short to medium length. It ends with a slight bitterness and some alcohol (13.5%!). Not a bad offering and decent value. A workable match for spicy curries. Sept. 2013.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Palacios Remondo La Montesa 2009, Rioja
Rioja, Spain$21.00
This review is for the 2010. A light ruby Rioja that is Grenache dominant. Red fruit is primary in this approachable easy going Crianza style, but there's good savoury characteristics and judicious oak influences (vanilla and spice). Light to medium body, there's some structure to support the dominant fruit with tannins present but subdued. Very good length. A bit of alcohol burn holds back a higher rating. July 2014.
3.0 Stars
