It's only wine but I like it

Il Molino Di Grace Chianti Classico Docg 2016

Excellent Chianti Classico from Molino di Grace. The red fruit leans a bit more to the sweeter cherry fruit than sour cherry but this is Tuscan through and through. I am not sure if this is destined for long ageing, it seems to be in a fine place right now. Excellent value at $22, Tasted Nov 2022.

Falernia Gran Reserva Syrah 2017, Valle Del Elquí

re-tasted Nov 2023 with consistent notes.
The inky colour give the first hint of what to expect. This is a big, in your face, bold syrah. Super-ripe black fruit, black pepper, spice, cured meat. Not much finesse or subtlety, but this is silky smooth and quite delicious. You would be hard-pressed to find a better wine for $17. Impressive. Tasted Nov 2022.

Feudo Montoni Lagnusa Nero D'avola 2019, Sicilia D.O.C.

Red fruit dominated flavour profile along with a few hints of this and that,,,,,really cannot place those flavours but they sure add some interest. Tannin is manageable at this point but another year or two would nice. Picked up one bottle at $19.75, another at $15.85. Discounts in this inflationary environment are welcome, esp when its good wine, Tasted Nov 2022.

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2021, W.O. Stellenbosch

Re-tasted Apr 22. still great value.

Seems a bit riper this vintage yet again it has great purity and balance. Crisp, complex fruit flavours an oak so dialed in that I hardly noticed. I really am an idiot for only buying one bottle of this, I'd love to taste this with a few years of age, but one can hardly keep from drinking this young. Brilliant value one again. Tasted Sep 2022.

Marynissen Cabernet Franc 2020, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Fully ripe, and delicious cab franc here from Marynissen, with concentrated red fruit, hints of black pepper and herbs. The 2020 vintage in its full glory but some fine work here being done at Marynissen. Best wine I have had from them in a long time. Super value here. Tasted July 2023.

Viticcio Chianti Classico Docg 2018

Mostly Sangiovese Of course) with a touch of Merlot, this CC has lovely red cherry fruit, hints of cedar (from the oak?) and mixed herbs. While I wouldnt call this classic Chianti, it is nevertheless delicious and was a splendid match with scallops in a cream sauce. Nicely priced for the quality delivered. Tasted June 2022.

Château De Montfaucon 2019, A.P. Lirac

A very good Lirac with all the expected herbal/peppered dark fruit that one would expect from the south Rhone. Yet, I found the wine a bit hot (15% abv) and rather angular and austere. Not sure that age will sort this out. Certainly not up to the '16 in my view. Maybe give it another year and hope? Tasted Dec 2023.

Goretti Le Mura Saracene Montefalco Rosso 2018, D.O.C.

Dark cherry, plum, a touch of prune and (like David said) a hint of marzipan. Tannin is noted but not overbearing. The oak really does not stand out to me at all.....just a really nice, balanced wine. BTW, the remaining 15% is indeed Sagrantino (according to the Goretti website). Tasted Apr 2023.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Coonawarra

Such lovely balance in this cab from Wynns. Bright fruit, perfectly ripened with nary a hint of going over the top. Oak is use judiciously and the tannin is so smooth that you hardly notice. While drinking now, there is certainly the stuffing to hold a few bottles for 5+ years. Very nice. Tasted JUly 2022.

Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay 2020, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment

This usually reliable, well-priced chardonnay seems a step below it usual quality. Certainly nothing truly wrong with the wine, it just seems rather light in flavour and character in this excellent vintage. A bit forgettable I'm afraid to say. Perhaps an off-bottle? Tried over 2 nights (Oct 2022).