David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews
Verbena Brunello Di Montalcino 2009
Tuscany, Italy$39.95
Ah to catch a fine wine at the apex of its evolutionary curve is a special thing. Verbena's 2009 Brunello will no doubt go another seven to ten years before the fading accelerates to the "drink up" category, but I think it's peaking now. Still some primary and secondary aromas lurking with violet, baked cherry, jammy red berry, tomato leaf, nutmeg, cumin and oak vanillin. But savoury is the order of the day as tertiary leather and tobacco gain a stronghold, and a touch of complexing VA. Elegance, warmth (the 14.5 ABV doesn't burn), declining acidity, dusty tannin and excellent length. Oct. 2018
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Burmester 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Dop, Portugal
Douro, Portugal$29.95
This 10 year Tawny has a lovely light garnet-brick colour. Complex aroma/flavour profile leading with a nutty rancio element followed by dried dark fruit, tea, marmalade, leather and old wood varnish. The palate is rich and viscous with fresh acidity that provides balance and creates a perception of medium sweet rather than lusciously so. Rounds out with pleasing alcohol warmth. Excellent length. April 2017.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)V+(2)O
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
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
Polkura Syrah 2009, Marchigue, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$19.40
This is a very intense and substantial syrah. It sits inky purple opaque in the glass. Floral aromas and ripe dark fruit with tarry and herbaceous savoury notes. Typical pepper and spice. A chewy, sticky and full mouthfeel. Tannins flex their muscles so decant for an hour, or even better, put down for a nap in the cellar for a year or two (which will add a point or so to the rating). Good balance and decent length. Made for smokey bbq meats, so if tenderloin medallions are sizzling, grip it n' sip it!. August 2103.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
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
Best's Bin No. 1 Great Western Shiraz 2018, Victoria
Victoria, Australia$21.95
Wide range of scores from the pro critics here. I'm siding with Mr. Szabo as my bottle also had very high levels of SO2, making this quaff not enjoyable at all. The palate was also quite bitter, almost green. It seems the fruit and other notes are too masked to really show through, leaving the more unpleasant elements to dominate. Feb. 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Schloss Schönborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett 2018
Rheingau, Germany$25.95
This is a complex Kabinett Reingau Riesling from a warm vintage that offers flavours of peach, apricot, yellow apple, honey, lanolin and petrol. It comes across as sweeter than off-dry but not quite medium sweet. The balance between racy acidity and residual sugar is very well done. And the length is excellent to outstanding. Fine German Riesling can still be found at such an affordable price. This scores on complexity, length and typicity, and great value to boot. Pair this with spicy Asian cuisine. April 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2013, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$45.20
This County Pinot starts with a funky earthy nose then minerality, sour red fruit (cranberry, red current and pomegranate) and nutmeg. Light to medium bodied, the palate is tart, spicy with white pepper and more sour red fruit. High acidity and integrated tannin. Fresh, juicy and earthy, nicely balanced and quite complex. Excellent length. Another solid effort by Norm. Jan. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V