David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (618)
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Reviews
Kim Crawford Illuminate Rosé 2020
New Zealand$18.95
A basic rose, better with food than on its own. Off dry with red berry, some citrus and watermelon but with a candied undertone. Not very expressive or complex and with a rather short finish. Despite the low alcohol I get a hint of burn, so a balance issue for me. Drink up if you have any bottles left. March 2024.
2.5 Stars
Laurenz V. Friendly Grüner Veltliner 2020, D.A.C.
Kamptal, Austria$24.95
Good Gruner typicity with fairly intense flavours of citrus and signature white pepper. Some nice textural weight. Bright acidity makes this food friendly. But there's a balance issue with alcohol burn, and the length is modest. Enjoy over the short term and pair with lemon chicken or fish. February 2023.
2.5 Stars
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Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Western Cape
South Africa$6.25
Very pale colour with a tropical nose along with hints of pears. Medium length on the tatse buds starting with sweet fruit then shifting to some bitterness. There's a bit too much heat on the finish. I found this wine really rocked with food, but just ok as a pre-dinner sipper. Paired exceedingly well with chicken breast in a tarragon mustard cream sauce. Excellent value, especially at my local LCBO wher it was being cleared out at under $8.00. Tasted Feb. 2013.
2.5 Stars
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Big House The Birdman Pinot Grigio 2011
California, Usa$12.95
Pear aroma and flavour dominates this non traditional pinot grigio. Sweet, fruity, almost off-dry in style. A decent sipper that should have fairly wide appeal and that would work well with a wide array of food choices,
2.5 Stars
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Burning Kiln Strip Room 2011, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$24.95
This merlot/cab franc blend offers up cherry and jammy flavours. It is sweet, somewhat confected, but there's also a slight herbaceousness with dill coming through at the end. There is some heat reflecting the high alcohol content, even when chilled slightly. Good, but overpriced in my view (perhaps the price reflects the appassimento process).
May 2013.
2.5 Stars
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Stoney Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$13.75
An enjoyable, acceptable cab sauv, whose merits largely rely on the ripe fruit of the 2010 vintage. An approachable style, mid weight and medium length/complexity. Tannins are a bit soft for the varietal. A good backyard bbq wine with friends when top sirloin streaks are searing on the Q. Grip it n' sip it! June 2013.
2.5 Stars
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Strewn Two Vines Riesling Gewurztraminer 2011, Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$11.95
Light, some spice, a touch of sweetness, some tropical aromas. Ok on its own, but it seemed to blossom a bit with a bowl of spicy Thai curry soup with shrimp. If spicy Asian cuisine is on the menu, then grip it n' sip it.
2.5 Stars
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Southbrook Connect Organic White 2013, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Southbrook's entry level Connect white is an easygoing fresh everyday wine that suits the patio, large gatherings and lighter meals including lightly spiced Asian fare. Mostly Vidal with Riesling (acidity) in support and a splash of Savvy, the nose is almost tropical and the palate more orchard along with citrusy tang. Not overly long or complex. Part of Southbrook's organic (but not biodynamic) line and vegan/vegitarian friendly. May 2015.
2.5 Stars
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Renwood Fiddletown Zinfandel 2012, Amador County
California, Usa$24.95
This is a big Zin from Fiddletown, near Lodi in the foothills of the Sierras. Over 16% ABV, wowser! Yet somehow the alcohol doesn't burn, there is decent integration. The fruit is in the blue, brambly spectrum with some dried, baked, cooked fruit (dates). One almost goes to Appassimento. The oak is prominent lending mocha, vanilla. Very modern new world fruit forward style. If you like sweet, big, rich Cali's, this will do. For me, a little too over the top and commercial. Aug. 2016.
2.5 Stars
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Cave De Beblenheim Heimberger Réserve Riesling 2014, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$12.75
Cave de Beblenheim's Heimberger Riesling is fairly dry with apple, pear, and citrus notes. The acidity is racy with citrus on the palate and a mineral and slightly bitter finish. Medium bodied with 12% ABV, there's some alcohol burn but the finish is long. A very table friendly Riesling that would match nicely with Asian cuisine, and a wide array of fish, poultry and pork dishes. Oct. 2016.
2.5 Stars
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