David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (611)
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Reviews
Broccatelli Galli Montefalco Rosso 2014, Doc
Umbria, Italy$11.75
This Rosso blend of Sagrantino and Sangiovese isn't quite fully integrated and comes across as lacking balance. There's cherry fruit and good acidity from the Sangiovese, dark fruit and medium plus bitter tannin from the Sangrantino, and decent length, but it has edges. Oak treatment is noticeable and not harmonious. Alcohol heat is also noticeable. In need of decanting, meaty protein, or further aging to integrate better. Feb. 2018.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Cave Spring Riesling 2015, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
I've said many times that Cave Spring is probably Ontario's best Riesling specialist, and quite affordable with their Estate at $19 and their CSV at under $30. This entry level off dry version is consistently good value at $15.95. There's a precision of balance here between RS and acidity, giving the perception of splitting the difference between dry and off dry. Apple and citrus fruit that plays airy on the palate then that juicy acidity and very good length. Nov. 2017.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau Di Sardegna 2013, Doc
Sardinia, Italy$17.95
This perenially good Grenache dominant wine from the Vintages Essentials collection takes a dip in quality for the 2013 vintage. Somewhat disjointed and unbalanced. There's good typicity with cherry fruit and spice, but there's also a distinct meaty, earthy character. Alcohol heat is pronounced. Medium acidity, medium minus tannin and good length. Not bad value while on sale, and a decent table wine, but not a sipper on its own. Oct. 2017.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Leaning Post Merlot 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$42.00
2013 was an interesting vintage for reds in Niagara. An excellent vintage for whites with chards excelling. For reds though, pinots and gamays fared better than the Bordeaux varietals. This Merlot is more tart, spicy and a touch green rather than soft and rounded. But there's good sour cherry fruit, baking spice, cedar and mild vanillin flavours. Five years on and tannins are softening and alcohol is well integrated. Length is very good. Looking forward to trying the 16 as a comparator, given that year's superlative vintage for reds. Oct. 2018.
3.0 Stars
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Central Coast
California, Usa$18.95
I tasted the 2018. Poor wine. Unbalanced with considerable alcohol burn, no complexity to speak of, short finish, confected with stewed fruit (Central Valley likely). How can this be almost $18? Fortunately I bought it on sale. So many better entry level Cali cabs out there. May 2021
3.0 Stars
(1000+)G
Flat Rock Cellars The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2016, Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$26.95
The warm 2016 vintage is parlayed into a texturally rich Chard with medium plus body and a leesy creaminess. 13.5% ABV. Yellow apple and pear, minerality, spice and toasty oak. I'd like to see the oak integrate a bit more and this will come with time. Acidity could be a touch higher, but length is excellent. Falls short of the wondrous 2013 vintage, but then 2013 produced some of the finest Chards Ontario has ever produced. Dec. 2018.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Orofino Scout Vineyard Syrah 2012, Similkameen Valley
British Columbia, Canada$28.90
For me, new oak is a bit too prominent showing vanillin, cocoa, baking spice. There's also dark fruit and anise. The frame is built on medium plus acidity with softening tanning. There's late palate alcohol burn. Excellent length though. August 2015.
3.0 Stars
Domaine Gael Martin Beaujolais Villages Les Pains 2022, Beaujolais Villages
Beaujolais, France$19.95
A very pleasant Villages Gamay from Beaujolais that delivers decent value. It offers mostly red tart fruit in the red berry and sour cherry range, along with pepper, cinnamon and Beaujolais signature bubble gum (albeit more restrained compared to Nouveau). Concentration is on the lighter side and it's mid weight on the palate, with good acidity, moderate plushy tannin and very good length. March 2024
3.0 Stars
(1000+)V
Chapoutier Belleruche Blanc 2010
Rhône, France$16.95
Very pale colour with a slight green tinge. Fruity nose. Nice viscous mouthfeel. Citrus taste that becomes a bit bitter and alcohol heat brings up the rear. Not bad (not great), Tasted June 2013.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Cal Blanca 2009, Do Toro
Castilla y León, Spain$10.95
Ruby colour in the glass. Floral notes with raspberry and cherry and a hint of mocha. Soft with mild tannins. Hot but premature finish left me a little wanting. Significant "meh" factor.
3.0 Stars
(0)V