It's only wine but I like it

Lionello Marchesi Coldisole Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg

A very good BdM that is neither traditional or modern, embracing both worlds. Certainly, vermouth-y flavours, dried cherry fruit and oxidative notes are more traditional Brunello. Yet, there is a significant dose of vanilla from the ageing in small oak barrels. While not up with the superior (and ore expensive) reds of the region, this mis-mash of styles works. Tannin seems quite mellow. I'd say that there is no benefit in ageing further, this seems to be at or near its peak. Tasted Feb 2017.

Socré Barbaresco 2008, Docg

Re-tasted July 2017.
A further (nearly) 4 years of ageing has softened this wine, but still enough structure to hold a bit more. Taking on some more interesting nuances (dried fruit, faded roses). Really interesting mature Barbaresco. Upped score a point to 91.

A slightly more approachable Barbaresco than the norm. Nicely fragant. this is a medium-bodied red, with red fruit, firm (but not astringent) tannin and a long finish with a hint of pleasant tartness. Nice to drink now, but I think another year or two would benefit this wine. Should hold through 2020. Tasted Sept 2013

La Pieve Barolo 2008, Docg

To my taste, this Barolo is a bit modern leaning, with noted flavours of sweet oak amidst the red fruit (sour cherries, cranberry). Luckily, the oak does not overwhelm the character of the nebbiolo. Tannin is softening, making this wine quite enjoyable to drink now or to hold another 3-5 years. $28.95 on release was decent value (subsequently reduced to a stellar $21.25). Tasted OCt 2014.

Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Tawny Port, Doc Douro

Typically sweet, with notes of dried fruit, raisins, and hints on nuts. Smooth and approachable, with decent acidity to balance the sweetness. As Mr Lawrason notes, do chill it a bit. Very nice value, just what the doctor ordered for a cold February evening!. Tasted Feb 2013.

Domaine Du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf Du Pape 2007

Medium-bodied, with a nice balance between red fruit, spice and herbs. Tannin are evident but unobtrusive. While not top shelf Chateauneuf, this is still a fine wine. But I can't help thinking that there are equally good Gigondas or Vacqueyras for $8-12 less. Drinking well now, but not for the long term in my mind (drink in the next 3-5 years). Tasted Sept 2013.

Vigna Di Pallino Riserva Chianti 2014, Docg

Fine, quintessential Chianti. Fresh, lively, with sour cherry fruit, fine acidity and firm tannin. Complex and complete. Needs a bit of aeration to show its stuff, so decant if serving now. Will hold for a few years. Easily the equal of many CCR at higher price points. Tasted March 2018.

Theulot Juillot Vieilles Vignes Mercurey 2015, Ac

Riper than many Burgs for the price, with an almost new world fruitiness. On the finish, however, there is enough acidity and tang to remind you that this is indeed Burgundy, not Oregon or NZ. Tannin is soft and inviting, and the fruit is all red and bright. A wine that draws you in. So delicious. I don't have enough experience with red Burgundy to guess at the longevity of this wine but this is super right now. Tasted June 2020.

Château Rahoul 2010, Ac Graves

At almost 11 years of age, the Graves is in a very good place. Fruit is still very much alive, tannin still firm (in a nice way), and the oak is so nicely integrated that is goes unnoticed. Perhaps not quite the complexity and finish of more expensive Bordeaux but immensely enjoyable wine. Drink now, but surely no rush either. Tasted May 2021.

La Ferme Du Mont Côtes Jugunda Gigondas 2015, Ap

Beautifully balanced, with perfectly ripened fruit, notes of Iocal herbs and pepper. I usually prefer the reds from Gigondas and Vacqueyras to the more expensive Chateauneuf du Pape and this wine shows why. Unlike many CndP, this wine does not veer into the over-ripe, hyper alcoholic wines that wow some noted reviewers but which become tiresome after the first two sips. This Gigondas is one that draws you back. Lovely stuff. Tasted Oct 2020.

Ama Chianti Classico 2015, Docg

A superb CC from Castello di Ami. Pure Sangiovese fruit (a wee bit of Merlot in the blend), perfect ripeness, with racy red fruit, wonderful complexity dense structure and a long finish. No interference from oak. As so often is the case, the annata is a better representation of Chianti Classico than the more heavily oaked (and more expensive) Riservas and Gran Seleziones. Lovely wine, drinking now, will hold another 5 years. Tasted June 2021.