It's only wine but I like it

Paul Mas Single Vineyard Collection Reserve Grenache/Syrah/Carignan 2018, Ap Languedoc

Solid, if unexciting, red here from the Languedoc. There is some nice jammy red fruit with vague spicy/herbal notes and a soft structure. But overall this seems just a bit commercial. Fine enough for the price, just not interesting enough for me to want to buy additional bottles. Drink over the next year. Tasted Feb 2021.

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila Haut Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2018, Ac

Having had (and enjoyed) this wine from Chapoutier many times before, I have to say that this vintage was a bit of a disappointment. Certainly has some characteristic notes of black pepper and herbs, however, I found this a bit thin, acidic and short-finishing in comparison to prior vintages. Certainly not a bad wine....maybe an off-bottle? Oh, hell, maybe I was just in a bad mood that evening. Tasted Nov 2020.

Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2020, Niagara Peninsula

Again this vintage, a very pleasant food-friendly rose from Malivoire. Still just 5.5g residual sugar/L according to Malivoire's website, perhaps seeming a bit less dry this time due to the heat of the '20 vintage. This is not cloying in the least, however. I still would rather drink this that the angular/austere roses that seem to be considered the benchmarks for quality. Tasted April 2022.

Melini Chianti Classico Riserva Docg 2017

Decent if unexciting CCR.

Tasted March 2021.

Louis Bernard Louis Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2019, Ap

An easy drinking, approachable CdR Villages with lots of ripe, herb/pepper tinged fruit and a soft structure. For near term consumption (by end 0f '22), this is easy to like, all too easy to drink and quite delicious. Chill a wee bit before serving. Tasted Sep 2021.

Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition 2018, Ap Costières De Nîmes

Rich, dark, somewhat jammy fruit - almost over the top. Herbs, black pepper and a meaty note join in the flavour profile. No thing of grace for sure, there is a bit of heat and some drying tannin on the finish. Could do with another year or two in bottle but will likely never fully mellow - not necessarily a negative, but if you are looking for subtlety, best to look elsewhere. Anyway, I rather liked it! Tasted Sep 2021.

Confidencial Reserva Red 2016, Vinho Regional Lisboa

Super ripe fruit with good density and complexity for the price. Notable herbal component and acidity on the finish. 11 g/l residual sugar. For current consumption. Good value. Tasted Feb 2022.

Chateau Gaillot Fournier 2015, A.C.

Light-medium bodied red Bordeaux here, from the excellent 2015. Plenty of crisp red fruit with mild tannin and some pleasant tartness. Not particularly complex, but very well made and, most importantly, rather tasty. And easy multiple bottle purchase Tasted Oct 2021.

Firriato Santagostino Baglio Sorìa Nero D'avola/Syrah 2014, Igt Terre Siciliane

Solid Nero D'avola-Syrah blend, still very much alive and lively. Medium bodied, with red fruits, a dusting of pepper and a fair note of wood on the finish especially. A defter touch on the oak would have been welcome. Still, a solid enough red giving much pleasure. Tasted Jul 2021.

Gauchezco Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Mendoza

Fairly rich Cab Sauv from the Mendoza. Pleasantly a bit herbal and earthy, with nicely judged oak, tannin and acidity. Quite dense on the palate with good complexity. Gives a lot of pleasure. Super value. Tasted Oct 2021.