It's only wine but I like it

Tormaresca Trentangeli Rosso 2015, Doc Castel Del Monte

re-tasted July 2019, consistent notes....a gem.

A highly ripened red as one might expect from the warm growing climate of Puglia. hints of leather, spice and smoke support all that fruit, yet this wine is one of superb balance. A modern interpretation of Puglia, yes, but one that remains true to to its roots. Really fine stuff here and on sale for about $16. Worth seeking out. Tasted Feb 2019.

Mazzei Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2015, Docg

A very good Chianti Classico, with good complexity, bright red cherry/currant fruit and crisp acidity on the finish, I would rate it even higher if the French oak was a bit less noticeable, Maybe leans a wee bit too much to the more modern style of CC this vintage. Still, a fine wine. Tasted March 2021.

Thorle Riesling Trocken 2015, Rheinhesen

Light weight, nearly dry Riesling. Piercing acidity, and bit of effervescence (upon opening the screwcap, there was a pop sound). I got mostly citrus notes on the palate along with perhaps some peach. But overall, I found this slightly underwhelming...though it did improve a bit once in the glass for 15 minutes. Tasted April 2019.

Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso 2012

Restasted Mar '21: Tannin softenening, concentrated, long, wonderful acidity. Even better now. upped 1 pt to 91. Wow!

Original note: Firm, full-bodied sangiovese-merlot-sagrantino (according to their website) blend from Scacciadiavoli. Flavours of sour cherries, leather, earth and a touch of vanilla. Finishes very dry, long and with bracing acidity. Depth and complexity are well above your garden variety $21 red. Needs some air time if opening now and should hold nicely to its 10th b-day....impressive. Tasted Nov 2017.

Casale Del Giglio Cesanese 2014, Igt Lazio Rosso

Re-tasted Nov 2018, consistent notes. Lovely red.

A ripe, yet still taut red made from cesanese. Flavours of blackberries long with unexpected but welcome herbal/ red pepper notes calling to mind cabernet franc The finish lingers nicely. with hints of smoke. An interesting and enjoyable detour from the well-trodden track and well worth the $18 price tag. Tasted Oct 2017.

Quinta Da Rede Reserva 2013, Doc Douro

Very nicely made Duoro. The label says ageing in 100% new French oak, but very little oak comes through on the palate (thankfully). Instead, we get refined herbal-infused red and black fruit, fine acidity and a nice backbone of tannin. Very nice value. Tasted April 2019.

Tawse Pinot Noir Quarry Road Vineyard 2016, Vinemount Ridge

Pale red in colour, this pinot noir from the cooler region on the escarpment is light-medium bodied. It's all about red fruit - cranberry, sour cherry, beetroot with hint of spice. Very pinot. Tannin is fine and silky and the finish is crisp and long. In the realm of pinot, which is never cheap, this quite fairly priced at $35. Seems to be at it peak now, though I tasted no sense of fading. Excellent. Tasted Feb 2021.

Domaine Tselepos Driopi Agiorgitiko 2015, Pdo Nemea

Calls to mind Barbera with riveting acidity. A bit of spice backs up mostly lean cherry flavours (perhaps with some tart plums). No catering to heavy use of oak. Not an easy wine to sip on its own, but does nicely as a food wine. Tasted April 2019.

Ovidio García Esencia Crianza 2009, Do Cigales

100% old vine Tempranillo aged 14 months in various types of oak, A complex, quite full-bodied red, with ripe mix and black and red fruits, accented by herbs and just a hint of oak. At 7+ years of age, this wine is at its peak but showing no signs of being over the hill. Fine value indeed. Tasted Oct 2017.

Tabali Vetas Blancas Reserva Especial Cabernet Franc 2014, Limarí Valley

Certainly, this is not anything like Loire or Niagara Cab Franc. More deeply coloured, bigger, richer, riper fruit with little of the greenness that can mar cooler climate examples. I get very little oak flavours, at least nothing that is overbearing and the finish is a bit tannic and with refreshing acidity. No holes or gaps in the flavour profile, this just hangs together so well. Buy a couple of bottles, one for now, one for 2-3 years hence. Tasted Nov 2017.