It's only wine but I like it

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.

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.

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.

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

Stratus White 2005, VQA Niagara Peninsula

I had this at lunch at Treadwell's in Port Dalhousie. A pleasant, well-made red to be sure, but I somehow found this a bit lacking in complexity a depth, and showing a bit of un-ripeness as well. Enjoyable, but $44 is simply silly.....even in Niagara, there are many other reds at half the price that are equally good, if not better.

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.

Domaine La Fourmone Le Poète Vacqueyras 2013, Ap

A fine Vacqueyras here, with all of the ripe fruit, local herbs and spice that make CdR reds so appealing. Oak is invisible (since it is aged 100% in tanks, no oak at all). Still firm but not astringent tannin and some crisp acidity on the finish. Picked up on sale for $21.75 and that was a steal. Drinking now, but I think even better in another year or so and should hold into the early '20s. Tasted April 2018.

Pearl Morissette Cuvée Dix-neuvième Chardonnay 2014, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment

A silky, complex Chardonnay here from Pearl Morissette. Certainly not your everyday chard, this has some oxidative, honeyed notes along side some citrus fruit and peaches. Long and lingering, not at all heavy. Fine wine for current consumption and should easily keep several years. Tasted Nov 2018.

Planeta Frappato Vittoria 2015

Translucent pale red. Fragrant red fruits with hints of pepper. On the palate, flavours of cranberry and beetroot, with a notes of smoke. Quite light-bodied and low tannin, this reminds me most of pinot noir (perhaps a little Loire Valley Cab Franc thrown in as well). An interesting and enjoyable find, well worth trying, especially if you enjoy lighter reds. Tasted Sept 2017.

Prunotto Barolo 2013, Docg

A good Barolo, even very good, but one that failed to excite me. This just seemed a bit contrived, lacking in that certain character that Nebbiolo can provide. Tasted Sep 2021.