David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (618)
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Reviews
Donnafugata Floramundi 2018, Docg Cerasuolo Di Vittoria
Sicily, Italy$27.95
This Cerasuolo di Vittoria offering from Donnafugata combines the Frappato grape (lighter colour) with Nero d'Avola. Medium bodied and fragrant, with aromas of red cherry and red berry, and nicely integrated oak flavours (spice, smoke). Well balanced, refreshing acidity and excellent length add to an overall elegant wine. Well done. June 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
Olivier & Lafont Gigondas 2013, Ac
Rhône, France$23.75
A lovely Gigondas offering very good Southern Rhone value. Red cherry and plum fruit, black pepper and subtle, well integrated oak influence of baking spice and pencil shavings. I detect some Brett coming through as a sweaty and barnyard funk, but not as a fault, more nuanced adding complexity. Tannin are moderate. Full bodied, balanced and very good to excellent length. Drinking well now, but will continue to evolve and be in a prime drinking window for an additional 5-7 years. May 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2013, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$26.95
Wow, given the quality relative to the price point for this Bench Chard, this is a steal. Aromas of apple, pear, melon, citrus with well integrated oak, creamy mouthfeel, balanced acidity and excellent length. Aug. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf Du Pape 2010
Rhône, France$52.50
I was disappointed with this CdP relative to expectations. I found it quite closed. The nose eventually opened a bit with lots of time in the decanter, but I expected a 2010 to be more ready and expressive, particularly given the great vintage. Dark ruby, with faint fruit notes of black cherry. A slow reveal of spice, herb and graphite minerality. There's good structure, balance, soft tannin and very good length. I expected more. Perhaps needs more time, or I had a weird bottle, but I couldn't detect a specific fault (TCA, VA, overly reduced or oxidized). Jan. 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)
La Copa Vermouth Rojo, Jerez, Spain
Jerez, Spain$25.95
Wow, the amped aromatics on this Spanish Vermouth are striking. Complexity abounds with aromas and flavours of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, fruit cake, vanilla bean, varnish, orange peel, honey, florals, perfume/soap and on and on. Interesting interplay between sweet and bitter, a paso doble rather than a coalescent whole. Medium minus acidity and a viscous mouthfeel. Pleasant bitter medicinal finish. Love it. July 2017.
4.0 Stars
(901)V
Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2012, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$34.95
This Rioja Reserva is drinking beautifully now, showing only a hint of garnet at the rim, and with a nice balance between fruit, secondary and tertiary notes. About 3/4 Tempranillo with the rest Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo (Carinena) which umphs the acidity. Both red and dark fruit with lovely sweet spice (vanilla and coconut) from 23 months in American oak. Sandalwood, tomato paste, leather, tobacco, oregano and olive. Tannins are sweet and soft and the length is excellent. Traditional, distinguished and oh so quaffable. Jan. 2024
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$38.20
This deep ruby Bordeaux blend offers aromas of raw meat, cassis, dark fruit, anise, dill and other herbal notes. It's medium bodied on the palate, juicy, with sticky and pleasant tannins that are softening as we speak. Nicely balanced, this Meritage is well suited for prime rib dinners. It's drinkable over the next 3 to 4 years - just in time for the more heralded 2010 vintage to come into its own. Dec. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Galil Mountain Yiron 2013, Upper Galilee
Israel, World$27.75
Big and bold Cab dominant red blend. Non-mevushal kosher. Good concentration and depth of flavour in this full bodied wine. 15.5% abv declared but doesn't feel hot, just nicely warming. Over-ripe to baked fruit in the prune and black cherry spectrum, with herb and vanillin/chocolate from the oak that, while obviously present, doesn't protrude beyond its intended boundaries. Mild tannin and excellent length. April 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010, Mornington Peninsula
Victoria, Australia$29.75
Light straw colour. Toasty, smoky aromas with mineral oil and slightly burnt popcorn. On the palate this cool climate chard has some heat, lemony citrus flavours with more toasty notes, nutty brulee, a hint of earthiness and juicy acidity. With all it's depth and complexity there's a sense of finesse, almost restraint. Very well done, particularly at the bin end sale price. Would be a fine accompaniment for roasted nuts and smoked cheese nibbles. Feb. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V