It's only wine but I like it

D'angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2008, Doc Basilicata

Maturing, complex aglianico with all sorts of interesting flavours ranging from dried red fruits, leather, and prunes. Firmly structured along with palate clensiing acidity. Long finishing with pleasant tartness. I can see that this would be a polarizing wine for many but I really enjoyed this. Ceratinly no catering to modern tastes here and, for that, I am grateful. Drink now or can hold a few more years. Tasted July 2014.

Cave De Roquebrun La Grange Des Combes Saint Chinian Roquebrun 2010, Ac

Dark, rich blackberry fruit, with prominent notes of herbs, meat, and pepper. Good structure, though it seemed to me to be quite approachable now. A red loaded with regional character. Tasted April 2013.

Château Rahoul 2010, Ac Graves

At almost 11 years of age, the Graves is in a very good place. Fruit is still very much alive, tannin still firm (in a nice way), and the oak is so nicely integrated that is goes unnoticed. Perhaps not quite the complexity and finish of more expensive Bordeaux but immensely enjoyable wine. Drink now, but surely no rush either. Tasted May 2021.

Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Tawny Port, Doc Douro

Typically sweet, with notes of dried fruit, raisins, and hints on nuts. Smooth and approachable, with decent acidity to balance the sweetness. As Mr Lawrason notes, do chill it a bit. Very nice value, just what the doctor ordered for a cold February evening!. Tasted Feb 2013.

La Pieve Barolo 2008, Docg

To my taste, this Barolo is a bit modern leaning, with noted flavours of sweet oak amidst the red fruit (sour cherries, cranberry). Luckily, the oak does not overwhelm the character of the nebbiolo. Tannin is softening, making this wine quite enjoyable to drink now or to hold another 3-5 years. $28.95 on release was decent value (subsequently reduced to a stellar $21.25). Tasted OCt 2014.

Lionello Marchesi Coldisole Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg

A very good BdM that is neither traditional or modern, embracing both worlds. Certainly, vermouth-y flavours, dried cherry fruit and oxidative notes are more traditional Brunello. Yet, there is a significant dose of vanilla from the ageing in small oak barrels. While not up with the superior (and ore expensive) reds of the region, this mis-mash of styles works. Tannin seems quite mellow. I'd say that there is no benefit in ageing further, this seems to be at or near its peak. Tasted Feb 2017.

Socré Barbaresco 2008, Docg

Re-tasted July 2017.
A further (nearly) 4 years of ageing has softened this wine, but still enough structure to hold a bit more. Taking on some more interesting nuances (dried fruit, faded roses). Really interesting mature Barbaresco. Upped score a point to 91.

A slightly more approachable Barbaresco than the norm. Nicely fragant. this is a medium-bodied red, with red fruit, firm (but not astringent) tannin and a long finish with a hint of pleasant tartness. Nice to drink now, but I think another year or two would benefit this wine. Should hold through 2020. Tasted Sept 2013

Vieil Armand Médaille Gewurztraminer 2010, Ac Alsace

Golden yellow in colour, and viscous when swirled in the glass. Very fragrant, with notes of spring flowers and spices. On the palate, intense notes of sweet apricots, oranges and spices. Quite a bit of residual sweetness, though not quite to late harvest status. To my taste, this calls to my Riesling as much as it does Gewurz. Whatever, an excellent white for near term drinking. Tasted Dec 2012.

Alvaro Castro Red 2008, Doc Dão

Medium bodied, with ripe red fruit, along with notes of smoke and spice. I actually found the wine a bit lacking in the middle palate and the finish is only good. It's a good wine for sure, and fairly priced, just not 90+ to my taste. Drinking now or can hold a few years. Tasted July 2012.

Giacosa Basarin Vigna Gianmaté Barbaresco 2007, Docg

I believe this producer (Giacosa Fratelli) is completely separate from famed Bruno Giacosa (no obvious relationship I could find). This Barbaresco is modern leaning, with its ageing in small oak barrels (noted in the sheen of vanilla), yet tries to maintain the character of nebbiolo. For the most part, this merging of styles is a success. The oak, while noted, is not obtrusive and the red fruit and perfumed floral elements shine through. Noted (but pleasant) acidity and firm tannin on the finish. Drinking now, but no rush, this should keep. Nicely done. Tasted Dec 31,2015.