David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (611)
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Reviews
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
Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2011, VQA Vinemount Ridge
Ontario, Canada$35.20
From 35 year old vines atop the escarpment, Charles Baker has crafted an interesting, complex essentially dry riesling. I tasted it in a mini vertical side by side the 2012. It shows orchard fruit, citrus, cut rubber hose, some dried herb, a savoury mid/late palate and lots of minerality (older long roots penetrating beyond the clay). Acidity is high creating a vibrant, refreshing riesling that balances the RS. Length is lingeringly excellent. March 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
De Loach Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast
California, Usa$55.00
Opened this Cali Pinot for Thanksgiving and it matched beautifully with turkey dinner, drawing in the berry sweetness of cranbury sauce but having enough earthyness for the savoury stuffing. A lifted nose, with lovely concentrated fruit. It is plush with good structure including acidity and waning but still present tannins. Excellent length. Oct. 2014.
4.0 Stars
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)
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
Rolly Gassmann Rotleibel De Rorschwihr Auxerrois 2007, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$15.75
This yellow gold wine is delicious. Mid sweet and honeyed, there's wonderful fruit, fresh acidity a lovely mouthfeel and length and complexity to boot. A slight hint of savouriness puts boundaries on the sweetness. This sips beautifully on it's own and could work with mid sweet food, but not overly sweet dessert.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$44.95
Thomas Bachelder's Wismer vineyard Chard (Foxcroft Block?) is well balanced between citrus and pear driven fruit, crisp acidity and minerality (limestone soil). 2011 was a good year for Ontario whites and this is a great example of top notch Niagara Chard. Precise and focused. July 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Schild Estate Shiraz 2010, Barossa, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$24.95
This is a dark inky ruby shiraz. Dominant notes of cherry and strawberry jam. A prototypical peppery palate prevails, packing prune plum preserve plus perceived peppermint (enough already). Chocolate, oak and integrated tannin. Barossa earthiness with excellent length and some heat on the finish. A nice Aussie shiraz for the price. Nov. 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Journey's End Shiraz Single Vineyard 2007, Wo Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa$19.95
This is a big, bold, dark ruby shiraz. On the nose, it made a mess (that's the last time I pour wine on my nose). But inhaling it revealed dark fruit, smoke meat and tarry and oak aromas. On the palate, there's more fruit, pepper, velvety tannins and a nice full mouthfeel (I will continue to pour wine on my palate). Oak is integrated adding to a fine balance. I would pair this with a juicy peppercorn encrusted steak. January 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2010, VQA Beamsville Bench
Ontario, Canada$38.20
Still somewhat youthful despite 6 years under its belt. A beautifully balanced, concentrated, complex Meritage that is aging gracefully. Opaque deep ruby. Aromas of cherry, red plum, raspberry, currant, tobacco, smoked meat, cinnamon, red rose tea, black pepper, licorice, cedar. Juicy medium plus acidity, body and alcohol, with still tacky tannin. Excellent length. Rich and extracted but still elegant. Lovely wine. March 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V