It's only wine but I like it

Mojo Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Coonawarra

I don't get this wine at all. Rather odd sweet/sour flavour profile with unpleasantly high acidity. Overall, seems a bit unbalanced, with very little Cabernet or Coonawarra character. Doesn't work for me at all. Worth paying the extra $10 for Wynn's Cabernet. Tasted April 2017.

The Foundation Stone 2014, Wo Western Cape

Mainly a Rhone grapes blend (but with a little Tannat added), this is a balanced delicious wine with loads of character. Ripe, intense, complex, with hints of cured meat and pepper. Oak is well integrated and the finish has some lemony acidity. Really well done and picked up on sale for $16. Tasted July 2018.

Lafage Côté Sud 2014, Igp Côtes Catalanes

Loaded with herb-infused red fruit, and a bit of black pepper. Fine depth, concentration and structure for so little. Indeed, this is a great value. Tasted Sep 2017.

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011, Douro Valley

A great value port every year. Like port? buy this. New to port and want to try? buy this. Remarkable how Graham's can make such good wine and ship it all the way across the Atlantic for such a low retail price. Drink now or hold a few years. Tasted Dec 2016.

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila Haut Côtes De Roussillon 2015, Ac

Jul 2018: Original note stands but wine is more open now. Lovely. Upped tp 89pts.

Original note:
Once again, Chapoutier delivers a fine, flavourful red from the Roussillon. Plenty of dark fruit flavours backed by notes of black olives, pepper and herbs. Seems a bit tight at the moment - wouldn't hurt to give this another year. Or better, buy a few bottles, try one now then again in a year or two. rated 88pts. Tasted Aug 2017.

Niepoort Dão Rótulo Red 2013, Doc Dão

Dirk Niepoort prefers to pick early for his table wines and this shows here in this fresh, lively Dao (just 12.5% abv). Lean red currant fruit, along with plenty of pepper and spice, and hints of evergreen. Best with food. Will show better in 18-24 months. Tasted Nov 2016.

Jaspi Negre 2013

A very ripe red blend from Montsant which is concentrated, complex and long-finishing. Despite the ripeness, it is not heavy or ponderous, and has a freshness about it that makes it quite attractive. Reminds me of a good CdR Villages (not surprising, given the large percentage of Rhone varieties). Smart purchase for $18. Tasted Sep 2017.

Caiarossa Pergolaia 2009

A fine modern Sangiovese-led blend. While there is some noted oak in the flavour profile, it never dominates the fruit. Indeed the red cherry fruit and fine acidity of the sangiovese leave no doubt about the origins of this red. Drinking very nicely now, but should hold for a few years longer. Lovely stuff. Tasted Dec 2016.

Merayo Las Tres Filas Mencia 2014, Do Bierzo

Juicy, energetic mencia, loaded with bright red fruit. Some interesting notes of spice and herbs add to the mix. A bit of edgy tannin is noted but I think that adds to the youthful appeal of this wine. While this surely will keep a few years, I like it just as it is now, Delish stuff. picked up on sale at the local Vintages for $15.95. A steal. Tasted Oct 2016. and re-tasted May 2017 with consistent notes.

Redstone Chardonnay (Licensee Only) 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Typical citrus fruit with just a touch of oak. A pleasant, fresh chardonnay, one that it Niagara seems to produce effortlessly. Simple, crisp, enjoyable yet a bit boring....but chardonnay often has that effect on me. Paid just over $15 on sale, which seems a bit more reasonable than the $20 price. Hard to believe this scored 91 pts at NWAC. Tasted June 2017.