It's only wine but I like it

Cape Mentelle Trinders Shiraz 2022, Margaret River, Western Australia

A rich Shiraz from one of my fav regions in Australia, the Margaret River. With the cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean, the wines from this region always seem to have a fine sense of balance. Case in point here, while this is no North Rhone syrah, neither is it a blowsy Barossa shiraz. Yes, it is rich, but not over the top, with good complexity and a hint of oak. Drink now or in the next 3 yrs. Tasted Sep 2025.

Trasqua Fanatico Riserva Chianti Classico 2018, Docg

Very solid CC Riserva. Still a bit chewy, but fine for current drinking or holding a few more years. Nicely priced. Tasted Mar 2025.

Barone Ricasoli Brolio Bettino Chianti Classico 2021, D.O.C.G.

A rich Chianti Classico, with deep bright red fruit (cherry, cranberry), a solid structure and vibrant acidity. I get hints of some mature flavours as well which indicates to me that this wine may not be one for the longer haul. But it is delicious now, and should be good for the 2-3 years. Tasted Sep 2025.

Domaine Brusset Laurent B. 2017, Côtes Du Rhône D.O.C.

re-tasted Mar '24- more mellow, but I fear slightly on the fade. drink up.

A well-made Cotes du Rhone, medium-bodied with notes of pepper and spice enhancing the the fruit. More depth and complexity than the generic CdR designation might indicate, but still this wine somehow failed to excite me. Another bottle awaits in the cellar so perhaps time (18 mths?) will enhance the charms here. Tasted June 2020.

Domaine Alary La Jean De Verde Cairanne 2015, Ac Côtes Du Rhône Villages

A serious CdR for sure, perhaps too much so. On the positive side, this is a complex red, with all the rip fruit, herbs and spice one might expect from this region. Yet, the alcohol is obvious, it is still tannic and there is some notable bitterness on this finish. Seems a bit over-extracted to my tastes. Perhaps another 2-3 years might help. Alas, I will never know - my only bottle. Tasted March 2021.

Gorghi Tondi Coste A Preola Nero D'Avola 2022, Doc Sicilia

An absolutely delicious Nero D'avola. Not one for long keeping but to be enjoyed in its youthful splendor. $18? A steal. Wish I had bought a few more bottles. Tasted Sep 2025.

Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Southern Valleys

A superior Sauvignon from Auntsfield. Crisp, light yet brimming with flavours running from citrus to hints of tropical fruit. For drinking over the next year or two while the fruit is fresh. Lovely deal. Tasted Aug 2024.

Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Wo Stellenbosch

Oodles of flavour here, really big wine. But the fruit is, to my taste, veering into the overripe region. Others will like this more than I. Tasted Dec 2024,

Basilica Cafaggio Single Estate Chianti Classico Docg 2022, Panzano

A very fine Chianti Classico from Cafaggio, with properly tart red fruits, dusty tannin and fine acidity. Concentration and length are very good indeed. Depth of flavours is as well. Drinking well now but I thinking holding another 12-18 months would show even better. Should hold to the end of the decade. Tasted June 2025.

D'Angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2019, Doc Basilicata

Full bodied and brimming with flavour.
Dark red fruit, herbs, hints of dried fruit, and long finishing. Seems a bit less rustic than in the past, but still keeping to it's southern Italian roots. Perhaps the best vintage yet in this wine. Stellar value in Aglianico. Worth buying more than one bottle - try one now, cellar the others for a few years. Tasted Dec 2024.