It's only wine but I like it
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Following (3)
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Reviews (1328)
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Reviews
Bonterra Merlot 2008, Mendocino County
California, Usa$19.95
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.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Le Fonti Di Panzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2011, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$33.75
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.
4.0 Stars
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Lavau Vacqueyras 2012, Ac
Rhône, France$25.95
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.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Du Cèdre Cahors 2009
Southwest, France$21.95
Very fine Cahors here, that has mellowed very nicely and is drinking well now. While Malbec isn't used much in Bordeaux these days, the comparison with a fine red Bordeaux seems most appropriate. This is all about balance, structure and finesse, not in your face over ripe fruit. Fine wine at its peak now but should how several more years. Tasted April 2017.
4.0 Stars
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Grand Vin De Glenelly Red 2009, Wo Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa$19.95
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.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Terre Nere Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$42.95
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.
4.0 Stars
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Finca Villacreces Pruno 2011
Ribera Del Duero, Spain$21.95
Densely fruited yet remarkably fresh and vibrant. Oak is well in check, fine acidity, well structured. Everything here is in excellent balance. Very nicely done. drinking well now but can easily hold a few years. Tasted Sep 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Schiavenza Broglio Barolo 2005, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$41.95
The 2004 vintage: A bit darker than expected, but with browning at the edges. Notes of sour cherries, dried fruit and hints of leather. Complex, and long finishing with some still notable tannin, even at nearly 16 years of age. I don't think that tannin even melts away. Fine Barolo here though a notch below top shelf. Drink now or can hold through its 20th b-day. Tasted May 2020.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$27.95
What fine Cabernet this is! Superior complexity with nice ripeness, well-integrated oak and a long finish. The hints of sour cherries and the welcome acidity and hints of tartness remind me of sangiovese....or maybe that is just the character of Tuscany. Drinking nicely now, but no rush, this should hold for a few more years. Excellent and easily worth $28, Tasted Oct 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Beauséjour Duffau Lagarrosse 2006, Ac St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé
Bordeaux, France$85.00
Notes for the 2008 vintage.
Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt were now consulting at the chateau. What strikes me about this wine is the balance. Sure, there is some oak but it so nicely folded into the deep ripe fruit (leaning more toward the red spectrum). Despite over 11 years of age, the tannin is still firm though not oppressively so and the acidity is spot on. A bit more complexity would have pushed my score even higher but this is a very fine right banker indeed! Will age another 10 years without issue. Glad that I have another bottle. Tasted April 2020.
4.0 Stars
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