David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (611)
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Reviews
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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Principessa Gavia Gavi 2015
Piedmont, Italy$19.95
This Gavi has a very aromatic perfumed nose with pear and honey. Good acidity as would be expected from the Cortese grape. Simple, not great length with some bitterness, but ample for the table. Nov. 2016.
2.5 Stars
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Wildass Rosé 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
A very interesting rose. Light ruby garnet colour. Aromas invade rather than caress the olfactory glands. Stawberry is dominant, then some bitterness and a hot finish. Seems a bit off kilter, but then this isn't your typical rose. Would suit a variety of BBQ fare. May 2013.
2.0 Stars
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Revolution Red, California
California, Usa$9.85
Translucent cherry colour. Lighter bodied and smooth. Starts out fruity on the palate then a tug of war between sweet and salty ensues. It's like sucking on a cherry cough drop and a Dutch dropje (black licorice candy) at the same time. A bit dusty and some bitterness and alcohol on the short to medium length finish. Wouldn't offend as a party red, but nothing revolutionary.
2.0 Stars
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13th Street White Palette 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Floral, citrus, peach, lychee, spice. Not dissimilar from the 2011 (the advantage of blending), but perhaps a bit more concentration of fruit given the warmer vintage. And maybe a tad more gewurz?? Anyhow, the balancing acidity is still there making for a decent sipping wine or pair with slightly spicy Asian cuisine. June 2014.
2.0 Stars
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Fetzer Valley Oaks Fume Blanc 2013
California, Usa$13.95
Fruity nose with notes of lemon, apple and a minty herbaceousness. The palate is creamy reflecting a higher ABV that accounts for a slight burn on the finish. Very good length. A decent sauvignon blanc in the californian style. July 2014.
2.0 Stars
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Ares Crianza 2008, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$16.95
Mr Szabo's review is a bit harsh - this wine is a strong 83.75. Drinking this crianza is the wine version of drinking tequila. Only instead of licking the salt off your hand, you're licking the Johnson & Johnson bandaid on your hand. To be serious though, there is some good aroma and a nice fruitiness on the palate, with the wine opening up a bit with some decanting. But it is definitely off kilter. Medium length and a harshness on the finish. Grip it n' drip it. April 2013.
2.0 Stars
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Mcmanis Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, California
California, Usa$19.95
Looks like I sit squarely between the professional critics and those community reviewers that like this Cali cab. On the one hand, use of oak and confected sweetness is over the top. Typical cab tannins seem curiously subdued. On the other hand, it is approachable, widely appealing (good for group gatherings where it's hard to anticipate varying tastes), has some length and is not unpleasant to drink. (Ok, I'm being a bit generous). Look at me, I could be a politician the way I danced around this one! Tasted Dec. 2013.
1.5 Stars
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