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.

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.

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.

Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Pinot Noir 2019, VQA Niagara Peninsula

re-tasted Sep 2024. Tannin mellowing, more mature flavours but still going strong. Really good stuff.

May 2022: Quite pale red in colour - this is thin-skinned pinot noir after all. Cool climate pinot through and through, with dominant slightly tart red fruits, hints of earthiness and vanilla. light-bodied with a silky texture and some sneaky tannin on the long finish. Fine wine here from Thomas Bachelder and decent value. WIll be interesting to re-visit in a couple of years.

Quadrus Red 2015, Dop Douro

Excellent Douro, with complex flavours, still fresh and firm nearly 6 years on. Delicious now, can certainly hold for a few years as JS suggest. Well-priced. Tasted Aug 2021.

Lavau Rasteau 2017, Ac Rasteau

Full-bodied, dense, loaded with lovely fruit, herbs and spice. A bit less austere than the 2015. Great now, should hold a few more years. Think of this wine as a hot chocolate substitute for warming one's insides on a cool fall or winter day. Tasted Oct 2022.

Bindi Sergard Chianti Classico Riserva Docg I Colli 2015

Clear roots in Tuscany, with that brisk acidity and red fruit that only come from Sangiovese (ok, from Nebbiolo and Barbera too, but let's not quibble). Add in a dose of international flavours from the oak ageing and presto, this Riserva. Very good wine, ready to drink but yet falls short of compelling. Not complaining, it is very good but better values can be had from this lovely part of the wine world, Tasted Nov 2022,