It's only wine but I like it

Fuligni Brunello Di Montalcino 2005

2006 vintage, tasted June 1, 2024.

At nearly 18 years of age, this Fuligni Brunello is simply gorgeous. A complex mix of red cherry fruit, herbs, blackberries, earth and hints of wood. Silky but firm structure and a long, lingering finish. Simply brilliant and seemingly at a lofty peak (which should hold for some tiime). Wow.

Montirius Le Clos Vacqueyras 2006

From a biodynamic vineyard, this equal blend of Grenache and Syrah impresses with it's authenticity. The wine sees no oak ageing at all so what you taste is pure Rhone. This wine is quite different from the '05, the '06 being less tannic and shows more of the meaty/leathery flavours from the syrah to go along with its flavours of red berries and local herbs. There is also a notable whiff of barnyard, which detracts slightly ...one of the hazards of Organic/biodynamic wines is the possibility of brett. Still, this is a wine that is impressive for its uniqueness, though not for everyone.

Patrizi Barolo 2011, Docg

An authentic young Barolo, Fragrant and inviting, with attractive flavours of sour dried red fruits with little in the way of intrusive oak. Some considerable tannin and high acidity on the finish, as expected from nebbiolo. A bit of bitterness and just an average finish detract a little but overall a decent Barolo for the money. Will show better in a few years. Tasted Jan 2017.

Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bellezza 2012, Docg

Gran Selezione:is supposed to be the top tier in Chianti Classico but, in my experience, this category is the least authentic CC. Highly ripened and extracted fruit slathered in a huge amount of oak, to the point where any Sangiovese character is a mere wish. If I had tasted this blind and had been given 6 guesses at the where this wine was from, Tuscany would not have been on that list. Guess that you can tell that I did not enjoy this wine. Tasted oct 2020.

Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2011, Docg

Bright and lively CC here, with vibrant sour cherry and red currant fruits supported by firm acidity and well-judged tannin. Oak is a non-issue, and the wine remains faithful to its Tuscan roots. For fans of real Sangiovese. Nicely done. Serve with a slight chill. For drinking now or should hold a few years. Tasted Oct 2014.

Le Fonti Di Panzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2011, Docg

Certainly not lacking in concentration, this CCR is on the riper side of the genre. Very good depth and complexity, but the ripeness seems to have taken away some of the vibrant Tuscan character that Chianti's often show. Still, this is a very good wine to be sure, but I'd err on the side of caution and drink sooner rather than later. There is a hint of oxidation creeping in that will increase in the future. Tasted Sept 2017.

Bonterra Merlot 2008, Mendocino County

A rather un-Californian merlot. No sense of cloying cherry-cough-syrupy flavours that we often see in Californian reds at the LCBO, rather this wine strikes me as more St. Emilion. Bright red fruit, with notes of earth, and herbs, with good acidity and a dry firm finish. From organic grapes to boot. Very fine merlot. Drink now or can hold for a few years. Nice price too. Tasted March 2012.

Lavau Vacqueyras 2012, Ac

A fairly big and very ripe Vacqueyras, veering a bit over the line. Baked red fruits, hints of prunes and the requisite black pepper/herbal notes that one often finds in the CdR. Certainly a good wine, but this would have scored higher had the grapes been a bit less ripe at harvest. Tasted June 2017.

Grand Vin De Glenelly Red 2009, Wo Stellenbosch

A concentrated Rhone+Bordeaux blend, at a fine stage of drinking. Fruit is ripe and complex without being overripe. A sheen of vanilla and mocha complete the picture. Therein lies my only, admittedly, small complaint: The oak s just a bit too prominent for me tastes. That said, this is most definitely not overoaked, that is just my personal preference. Tasted Jan 2016.

Terre Nere Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, Docg

Right from the first pour, you realize that this is not one of those Tuscan wines designed purely to impress certain critics. It isn't inky black from over-extraction or (legal or Illegal) addition of non-indigenous varieties. No, this is a Brunello, the way it is supposed to be. Notes of sour cherries, leather and earth, with a firm yet silky structure and no interference in the flavours or texture from over use of wood. In short, this is a delight to taste and quite reasonably priced. Drink now or hold up to 5 years.