David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (613)
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Reviews
Inniskillin Discovery Series Malbec 2012, VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$23.95
The Okanagan is not known for Malbec, but that's what Inniskillin's Discovery Series is about - less typical offerings. This one kinda works with both red and dark fruit, minty herbs, and cedar. The body is medium with restrained alcohol, the structure is firm with medium plus acidity and still young sticky tannins that soften with air. The palate transitions from initially sweet to savoury. Worth a try if you come across it, but not a multi-bottle purchase at this price. Aug. 2015.
3.0 Stars
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Ogier Ventoux Rosé 2014
Rhône, France$14.55
Pleasant aromatic, dry, Southern French rose. Fresh red berry, good acidity, medium plus body and very good length. A touch hot. At this price, particularly on sale, a great value. April 2016.
3.0 Stars
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Château Mirambeau Papin 2010, Ac
Bordeaux, France$24.95
Good typicity on the nose with black currant, cedar, herb and licorice, but fairly bitter, unbalanced and hot. Dry, fuller bodied with decent acidity and light dusty tannin. Moderately long finish. March 2016.
3.0 Stars
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Donnachiara Irpinia Coda Di Volpe 2013, Dop
Campania, Italy$13.75
This is a foxy wine. Not a foxy scent of course, rather, an alluring wine. Relatively shy nose (foxes are not the most gregarious of creatures), but a fairly substantial palate with medium plus body, and flavours of orange and lemon citrus, minerality and a slightly bitter late palate. Medium plus acidity and excellent length. Quite food friendly. Definitely not a case of the tail wagging the fox. The quality/price ratio is cunningly good. Sept. 2016.
3.0 Stars
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Montecillo Reserva 2010, Rioja
Spain$17.95
The Montecillo Riojas available in the general listings at the LCBO (Crianza and Reserva) always offer an excellent price/quality ratio. And they are often on sale, as is the case right now with the Reserva. Nicely aromatic with Tempranillo's red fruit in the lead. Oak is well integrated. Bright acidity on the palate makes this very food friendly. Medium plus body, easing tannin, and very good length. Nice quaff at a very reasonable price. Jan. 2017.
3.0 Stars
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Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Gewurztraminer 2013, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$18.95
A pretty nicely Alsatian gewurz that isn't over the top aromatically. Floral and perfumed nose with slightly tropical fruit and gingery spice. The palate is oily, viscous, medium bodied and not chubby as there's enough balancing acidity.Very good to excellent length. A touch hot though. March 2016.
3.0 Stars
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Flat Rock Chardonnay 2013, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Quite big and bold, with aromatic intensity showing some reduction, apple, pear, sour cream and nutmeg. The oak is pronounced, it's creamy, warm with alcohol heat on the finish. Good length. Dec. 2016.
3.0 Stars
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Xavier 100% Côtes Du Rhône 2012, Ap
Rhône, France$19.95
A full bodied CdR, with cherry and red berry fruit and black pepper. The palate is full, fairly balanced, with a mid/late palate bitterness and good tannic structure. Moderate to good length. Not overly complex, but correct and well priced. April 2016.
3.0 Stars
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Norman Hardie Calcaire 2015
Ontario, Canada$23.00
An interesting blend of Chard, PG and Riesling. Mostly citrus on the nose and palate, with leesy notes and minerality. Light to medium bodied with vibrant acidity making this a very refreshing quaff. Very good to excellent length. A nice summertime wine for sipping or pair with a citrus based vinaigrette salad, shellfish or soft cheese. July 2016.
3.0 Stars
Château Des Charmes Estate Bottled Old Vines Pinot Noir 2011, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Into it's sixth year of evolution CdC's "old vines" Pinot is showing garnet in the glass. Fruit is in the red berry spectrum but fading. Beet notes as well. It's earthy with a sanguine minerality that leaves a salty impression. Tannins still persist. Quite hot with a sour/bitter finish. Not well balanced and seems to lack an overall finesse. At this stage I don't think there will be further integration, so drink em if you got em. 2012's are part of the next Vintages release - will be interesteing to compare. March 2017.
3.0 Stars