It's only wine but I like it

Lindes De Remelluri Viñedos De San Vicente 2011

Densely flavoured Rioja, but not at all heavy. Loaded with dark fruit with notable spice and hints of vanilla. Tannin is still quite notable and there is a good (but welcome) dose of acidity. Still too young, its seems not quite fully integrated. Suggest giving this another couple of years. Nice indeed. Tasted July 2017.

Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2014, VQA Prince Edward County

A lean, minerally chard from Closson Chase. Plenty of tart lemon flavour along with some green apple. Oak is very well judged, only playing a supporting role. This wine impressed more the longer it sat in the glass (perhaps a function of being served a bit too cold, perhaps it simply needed some air). The finish is quite long. I do wish that they would have spent a few extra cents on a decent cork. After all, this is nearly a $30 wine (though I picked it up for about $22 on sale). Drink over the next year as I don't think that the cork will hold out longer term. Tasted Oct 2017

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.