David Brodati, DipWSET
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Reviews (618)
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Reviews
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
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
Trius Distinction Sauvignon Blanc 2021, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.40
An excellent Savvy by Trius, showing medium intensity on the nose but that flavour intensity gets more amped on the palate. Good typicity showing that herbaceous grassy note we all expect along with citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime), and a white pepper spicy note reflecting barrel aging influence. There's also a really pleasing weighty mouthfeel (lees). As expected with SB, acidity is bright and the length is excellent. Great value here. March 2024.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
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
Emiliana Coyam 2019, Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$29.95
The kitchen sink! 9 varieties! Almost every page of Jancis Robinson's "Wine Grapes" tome is represented in this blend (ok, slight exaggeration). Part Bordeaux, part southern Rhone, part Rioja foretells the complexity with, for example, Petit Verdot and Cab Sauv providing floral aromatic intensity, Syrah and Mourvedre giving meatiness and tar, Tempranillo, Garnacha and Carignan showing red fruits and the Bordeaux varieties imparting dark fruit. Judicious oak, ripe tannins, vibrant acidity are all nicely balanced. Excellent length. And organic to boot. Tasted Jan 2023.
4.0 Stars
(0)E+(20)O
Hinterland Les Etoiles 2012, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.00
The 12 Les Etoiles is a traditional method sparkler from Hinterland's estate fruit. I love the freshness, vibrancy, poise and balance of this PEC sparkling wine. There's notes of apple, doughy bread and minerality. The bubbles are very fine and persistent. The structure is medium body with racy acidity. The length is excellent. Wonderful quaff to toast a celebtration, but equally nimble at the table. Jan. 2017.
4.0 Stars
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
Cape Of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2019, W.O. Elandskloof, Overberg
South Africa$25.75
This chard hits many marks - it's balanced, complex, intensely flavoured and long. Notes of yellow apple, peach, pineapple, caramel, spice and diacetyl (buttery) notes indicative of Malo conversion. Medium to full bodied with a lovely creamy mouthfeel indicating lees contact. The fruit's high elevation provides freshness and vibrant acidity. Great value here for fans of bigger oaked Chards but that still give a sense of freshness. Aug. 2023.
4.0 Stars
El Maestro Sierra 12 Year Old Amontillado, Do Jerez Xérès Sherry (375ml)
Andalusia, Spain$20.75
This is a lovely Amontillado. Amber-tawny in the glass. Dry with much complexity exhibiting hazelnut, almond skin, toasty caramel, fig, marmalade/orange rind and a dusty character. Amontillado will show more body and be more oxidized than the lighter Fino and Manzanilla, due to the protective flor yeast dying off. The El Maestro Sierra clocks in at 17.5% ABV and some weight is felt on the palate. Well balanced, excellent length and warmth on the late palate. Try with seafood or sip on it's own. March 2018.
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