Randy Schuyler

Rompesedas 2006, Do Toro

Very expressive nose - floral and black fruit. This one is big and bold. A full-bodied wine that doesn't shrink away on the finish. Good value. Tasted November 2016.

G. D. Vajra Albe Barolo 2005, Docg

A little lighter coloured than some of the other Barolos we tasted and also seemed to have a more subdued nose. Big fruit and pepper flavours at the beginning but finishes quicker than I expected. Tannins are soft; this wine can be enjoyed now.

D'angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2006, Doc Basilicata

Deep red and a nice nose. I could pick up a mild note of barnyard reminiscent of a Bordeaux or two I've tried...made me wonder if that's the volcano terroir. Big and fruity on the palate but the body falls off through the finish. Decent length and a good value at under $20.

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.

Tommasi Il Sestante Amarone Classico 2008

Nice nose of blackberry with earthy notes. Full bodied with long finish. Decanted for 1/2 hour before serving and shared with a couple people who are now Amarone fans after the experience. Enjoyed Oct 2013.

Masi Serego Alighieri Poderi Del Bello Ovile 2007, Tuscany

Medium ruby-red coloured with a subdued nose. It struck me as a little young and perhaps should have been decanted. I found that this had a surprising amount of body given that the blend is so similar to Chianti...perhaps it's the vineyard's proximity to Montalcino that helps infuse more fruit. This wine had a long, peppery finish and is a real value at under $15.