It's only wine but I like it

Coudoulet De Beaucastel Côtes Du Rhône 2019, Ac

Picking up on sale at $24, this is a superb Cotes du Rhone, obviously far superior to the generic CdR labelling that it is required to use. But wine lovers have known about this bottling from the Perrins for many years, hence the higher (and fully justified) price compared to other CdR-lablled wines. Fine to drink now, but probably better with another 12-24 months in bottle. Tasted Dec 2022.

Lafage Cayrol Vieilles Vignes Carignan 2019, I.G.P. Côtes Catalanes

Good intensity and depth here from this old vines Carignan. Dark fruit accented with wild herbs, all bundled up with taut tannin and bright acidity. I think that this is still a bit too young- best to hold another 12-18 months. Tasted March 2022.

Clos De Luz Massal 1945 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Almahue, Do Valle Del Rapel

Very solid cab sauv, with virtually no oak influence. Still fairly pronounced tannin and bright acidity. Complex and long finishing. Very good now, but I suspect better in another 12-18 months. Tasted March 2022.

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.

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.

Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico 2018, Docg Tuscany

Decent if unexciting CCR. Seems a little middle of the road, without the vibrant flavours of the '15. Better with food. Tasted June 2023.

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.

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2018, Igt Toscana

Modern Sangiovese (aka super Tuscan), but without losing its Tuscan identity. Complex, intense, with oak dialed in very nicely. Crisp acidity and young tannin are noted on the finish. I feel like this could use another 12-18 months mellow a bit. Nice indeed. Tasted Aug 2022.

Famille Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras 2018, A.C.

Solid, well made Vacqueyras here from the ever reliable Perrin family. Rich, ripe, yet balanced with dark fruiit, herbs, and a hint of olives. Drink now or hold a few years. Tasted May 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.