David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (622)
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Reviews
Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2010, Pyrenees
Victoria, Australia$35.25
Such an interesting wine, not your typical Aussie Shiraz. Clearly Chapoutier's influence and unique terroir from this lieu dit in the Pyranees has resulted in a rich, savoury complex wine. Quite intense aromatics with depth and concentration but the flavour profile is less about the fruit and much more about the savoury. At almost eight years it will shift more in that direction. Umami rich soy, teriyaki, mushroom, earth and raw meat. Medium plus acidity provides balance and lift. It's big (14% ABV) and rich, but it carries a certain elegance. Excellent length. Drinking nicely now. Dec. 2017.
4.5 Stars
(0)V
Pirathon Silver Shiraz 2017, Barossa Valley
South Australia, Australia$33.00
A very Barossa Shiraz here, embracing its bigness and boldness. Yet the 15% abv is nicely integrated at this stage, with a pleasant warmth (no burn). Dark fruit (kirsch cherry, black plum, blackberry and prune) dominant with pleasant oak spicing, tea and a lovely herbal note. There's also a blood orange freshness that provides some lift. The finish is pleasingly long. Balanced integrated and long. Moving into stewed fruit and tannin super fine and smooth. Perfect drinking window, don't cellar too much longer. July 2023.
4.5 Stars
(0)
Lustau Almacenista Cayetano Del Pino Y Cía Palo Cortado De Jerez, D.O. Jerez Xeres Sherry (500ml)
Andalusia, Spain$51.75
Ok I may have kept this lovely Palo Cortado a little too long in my cellar (darker amber colour) but it was still super delish. Complex layers of flavours featuring oxidative rancio/nutty notes of almond skin and marzipan entwined with dried apricot, orange peel and honey, leading to a long briny sea salt and green olive finish. 21% ABV is nicely integrated providing body and envelopes warmly rather than a hot burn. Excellent to outstanding length. Many food pairing options (think Tapas of course), but I really enjoyed sipping it alone which fostered a reflective navel gazing mood. April 2025
4.5 Stars
(0)V
Poças Colheita Port 1994, Vieilli En Fût, Doc Douro
Douro, Portugal$41.95
I'm not very experienced with port, so I'll defer to Mr. Lawrason's score. I found this colheita to be lovely. It sits tawny in the glass with orange and coral hues. I get hints of apricot and honey with a slight medicinal tone. A delectable evening quaff - this sweet heat is a treat. Grip it n' sip it!. March 2013.
4.5 Stars
(0)V
Alvear Solera 1927 Pedro Ximénez, Do Montilla Moriles, Spain (375ml)
Andalusia, Spain$26.90
The complexity of flavours stands out in this lusciously sweet PX sherry. So mahogany dark and rich on the palate, viscous, almost cloying. But the variety of aromas/flavours just keep coming like waves over the palate, including stewed prune, dates, fig, raisins, molasses, honey, chocolate, caramel, tea, soy/hoisin and more. Scores on complexity and length. Pair with dried fruit based desserts, nuts or blue cheese. Dec. 2016.
4.5 Stars
(0)V
Thirty Bench Steel Post Vineyard Small Lot Riesling 2020, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$33.95
I'd love to get this in a blind taste test as it oozes Beamsville Bench Riesling typicity. Nicely aromatic with white flowers, green apple, stone fruit, tangerine, waxy lanolin, honey and petrol from the warm 2020 vintage. And steely minerality in spades. Similar flavours on the palate. The mouthfeel has texture and the finish is very long. The acidity RS balance is spot on landing in the off-dry realm while retaining a juicy vibrancy. Love it! Dec. 2024
4.5 Stars
Taylor Fladgate 10-year-old Tawny Port, Douro Valley
Douro, Portugal$34.95
Taylor Fladgate 10 year Tawny is more ruby than tawny in the glass. The nose offers up dark and dried fruit with a hint of nuttiness that plays out in a more pronounced way on the palate. A full bodied almost creamy mouthfeel, with some alcohol heat and excellent length. Really well done for their entry Tawny (10 years) in the series. Oct. 2014.
4.5 Stars
(1000+)E+(31)O
Greystone Pinot Noir 2018, Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
Waipara, New Zealand$43.95
A lovely Canterbury Pinot showing a complexity of flavours including sour cherry, cranberry, raspberry, baking spice (nutmeg, cinnamon), black pepper, an herbal sage-like note and minerality. Medium plus acidity keeps things vibrant and the tannins are on the soft side, typical for Pinot. Length is excellent. Drinking nicely now and has the acidity and concentration to show well for another few years. Dec. 2023.
4.5 Stars
The Hedonist Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$23.95
A lot going right with this dark ruby, magenta edged medium to full bodied shiraz. Chocolate, menthol and slightly gamey nose. Fruit forward with chocolate and pepper carrying through on the palate, but with a sour edge and acidity that offers some balance. Oak is nicely integrated. Great length and soft tannins. I would definitely grip it n' sip it!. July 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Pearmund Old Vine Chardonnay 2018, Meriwether Vineyard, Fauquier County, Virginia
Usa$29.95
Here's a complex, balanced and richly textured Chard from Virginia. Primary notes of buttercup florals, pear, peach, citrus and melon along with nicely integrated oak flavours including hazelnut and caramel and a buttery diacetyl character from Malo. The texture is rich and creamy. Acidity is bright enough to balance the richness and there's even a reductive note too. Length is excellent. Pair with rich cheese with a nutty note. April 2022.
4.0 Stars