It's only wine but I like it

Miguel Torres Cordillera De Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley

A rich cabernet here, with notes of very ripe blackberry fruit, plenty of wood spice, dark chocolate and coffee. While this is clearly a wine made with top quality fruit, the oak is very notable and, for me, just too dominant. If you don't mind the strong flavour of oak in your wine, this is a fine cab. But my next $20 will be spent elsewhere. Tasted March 2018.

Fontaine De Clos Confidences 2014, Ap Côtes Du Rhône

A solid CdR, with pepper and herbs infused red berry fruit. Upon first sniff and taste, these seemed to have all the hallmarks of a fine south Rhone red. Unfortunately, some bitterness and slightly harsh acids arrive on the finish along. Tasted Dec 2017.

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.