Randy Schuyler

Hermanos Peciña Señorío De P. Peciña Gran Reserva 1998, Doca Rioja

Stained, ruby colour reminiscent of aged, old world reds. Big, oaky nose. Medium to full body with black pepper on the finish

Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2004, Barossa, South Australia

Great, earthy mint nose. Silky smooth and long finish. One of my favourites.

Barone Ricasoli Casalferro 2004, Igt Toscana, Estate Btld.

Reminded me of a big, new world red. Great nose and long finish.

Hugh Hamilton The Ratbag Merlot 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

A nice nose but unfortunately, I could pick up a slight note that I liken to the youth and lack of refinement found in much cheaper wines. It improved with decanting (over an hour) and had good fruit on the palate and some length. Enjoyable but I think I know why LCBO dropped it a couple bucks to the sub $20 point.

Marziano Abbona Terlo Ravera Barolo 2005, Docg

A nice fruity nose with a hint of spice. It seemed to have full body on the tongue which backed off to medium through a long, peppery finish. Somewhat tannic which has me thinking it might be even better a year or two from now. Tasted November 2010.

Pecchenino San Giuseppe Barolo 2005, Docg

A hint of oak on the nose and full body that backs off a bit through the long finish. Big, in your face tannins on this one; I'd keep it in the cellar for a few years. Tasted November 2010.

Elderton Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia (The Ashmead Family)

Nice nose but didn't seem to open up as much as I expected; perhaps I didn't let it breathe enough. Full-bodied and smooth. Long, oaky finish.

Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, Doc

Nice, deep ruby with a great nose. Fruit comes through nicely with full body and a long finish. I ranked it 90/91 but rounded up....I'll buy this again.

Coriole Redstone Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

Fruit and spice on the nose and a surprisingly smooth mouthfeel at this price point. Plenty of tannins but not harsh; it will be very interesting to see how this one ages over the next year or two. A long medium/full-bodied finish....at $18, it's a great value and can hold its own against some wines that are twice the price.

Trinity Hill Syrah 2008, Hawkes Bay, North Island

A moderately expressive nose of blackberry and leather, surprisingly light bodied mid palate through to the finish (which struck me as watery and slightly bitter).

Not a great choice for fans of big, jammy, new-world Shiraz/Syrah.