David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (619)
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Reviews
13th Street Pink Palette Rosé 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Very pretty strawberry Kool Aid colour. A red berry fruit nose with a hint of leesy pastry dough. The palate is mid weight, offering more red berry and cherry fruit followed by a savoury bitter mid to end palate. Off dry, there's some structure here with medium acidity and moderate alcohol. Good length, not overly confected, but not a great deal of finesse either. Nice summer sipper and enough substance to stand up to wood burning pizza served al fresco. June 2014.
2.5 Stars
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The Dreaming Tree Crush 2011, North Coast
California, Usa$15.95
This California red opens like many approachable wines in its genre and one expects fruit forward, easy drinking, slightly confected, not a lot to think about, dreamy. But as Mr. Thurlow points out, there's a little more here that bumps it slightly above the norm for entry level Cali red blends. Red fruits, notably cherry, sweet but some spice and tobacco/herbs that cuts off the sweetness at the end of it's moderate length. Good acidity means this will pair nicely with pizza or tomato based lasagna. Sips well on its own. Not the best value, but widely appealing. Oct. 2013.
2.5 Stars
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Hardys Stamp Series Riesling Gewurztraminer 2012, Southeastern Australia
Australia$9.95
Hardy's Stamp series riesling/gewurz is consistently good value vintage to vintage. The pro critics adeptly describe this blend. A nice sipping wine and a reliable food friendly choice for mild to medium spiced Asian cuisine.
2.5 Stars
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Tiger Horse Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio 2013
Western Cape, South Africa$12.45
A pleasant lemony medium plus acidic grigio/chenin blend that would be a nice summer patio sipper and a nice accompaniment for food. Not very complex or lengthy but fresh and bright. 13.5 ABV is noticeable on the finish.
2.5 Stars
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Sperling Vineyards Pinot Gris 2013, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$19.00
This Pinot Gris from Ann Sperling's family vineyard is pale yellow with a rather shy nose but with a more gregarious palate. Notes of pear, a hint of peach, citrus, ginger spice, honey and white pepper with a lemony finish. Medium plus body that is quite viscous. Very good length. But pronounced alcohol burn keeps my score below 90. Dec. 2015.
2.5 Stars
Fat Bastard Merlot 2012, Vin De Pays D'oc
Languedoc, France$14.95
The merlot from this popular brand is round, confected and oak engineered. Pleasant enough as a quaff for large gatherings, but short on length and not well callibrated/balanced. Dec. 2014.
2.5 Stars
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Freakshow Michael David 2013
California, Usa$29.95
I agree with David and Sara, the oak and manipulation mask any Cabernet typicity. One would expect this somewhat confected and mochafied style from lower priced Cali blends. There are some decent attributes, but not good value at $27. Dec. 2017.
2.5 Stars
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Umberto Fiore Barolo 2012, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$32.95
This Barolo is still a puppy and needs at least 3-4 more years, and will go many more of course. Decent Barolo typicity with pale ruby, not quite garnet hue, aromatic roses, red cherry fruit, tarry earth and high tannin and acidity. Not very balanced and it may integrate yet with some time. Alcohol heat is present. Length is very good. Better Barolos out there, but the price point is very reasonable for Barolo. Nov. 2016.
2.5 Stars
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Marchesi Di Barolo Zagara Moscato D'asti 2014, Docg
Italy$17.95
A fine Moscato D'Asti. Moscato Bianco aromatics are on display here. This sweet frizzante makes a good aperitif and would match nicely with softer cheese, fruit, salty snacks and spicy morsels (think hot wings). Nov. 2016.
2.5 Stars
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Domaine Salmon Grande Réserve Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie 2015, Ac
Loire, France$16.95
Showing good typicity for Muscadet, but not a very balanced wine. There's some complexity with ripe (warm 2015 vintage) and somewhat tart fruit ranging from pear to citrus to peach, with distinct minerality. Lees add a yeasty note and contribute to a creamy texture. Elevated acidity, medium bodied, but alcohol provides too much warmth despite 12% declared. Very good length. Stick to the classic shellfish food pairing. March 2018.
2.5 Stars
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