It's only wine but I like it

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2009, Douro Valley

As usual, a fine value lbv port. Staaighforward, no nonsense way to warm up on these cool fall evenings. Not the depth of vintage port but a lot cheaper. This Graham's is quite sweet (a per their house style), but not cloying. Worth chilling down a bit. Tasted Oct 2015,

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2014, Swartland

Not nearly a 90 point wine in my view, this is nevertheless a very well made syrah. Ripe, but not veering into cloying territory. Fairly priced.

Capezzana Carmignano 2010, Docg

Stylistically, somewhere between Brunello and Chianti Classico, this mostly Sangiovese (+20% Cab Sauv) is pure Tuscana. Maturing sour cherry fruit, dried fruit, leather and a bit of herbs. This finish is long, still showing some firm structure. Really fine as it seems always to be with Villa di Capezzana, Easily the equal of much more expensive Brunello. Drinking now, but I suspect that this should hold for 5 years or more. Wish that we saw this in Vintages more frequently. Tasted March 2019.

Pietro Marini Torrontés 2013, Salta

Ripe tropical fruit, hints of spice and mint, Fine acidity, and overall balance. Super value.

Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Really impressive pinot here from Flat Rock, best I have tasted from them. Cranberry, beetroot and smokey notes with very well judged oak. Acidity and tannin in good measure. one of the best value pinots (under $20) that I have had. Tasted Jan 2016.

Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Maipo Valley

Deeply coloured, this is indeed quite a big cabernet, with good depth and quite mouth filling. Ripe darker fruit, quite blunt and a bit tannic. There is an unusual flavour of evergreen that takes a bit of getting used to...in fact, I never quite did. It's one of those flavours that might polarize tasters. Still, alot of dept for the money ($15.95 on sale). Tasted July 2015.

Ruffino Modus 2012, Igt Toscana

Certainly a "modern" red, I didn't find it overly faceless as some of the super Tuscans can be. Yes, oak is noted but to me (one who detests over-oaked wines), it is very well integrated. The bright red fruit and acidity of the Sangiovese shines through enough to show at least some Tuscan character. A lot of complexity and depth to this wine. Really nice wine here. Fine now, though sure to keep another 5 years or so. Tasted Nov 2016.

D'angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2010, Doc Basilicata

third tasting, April 2017. Still hanging on, this is a unique old school, oxidized wine that is still very enjoyable. Love it!

re-tasted Dec 2015, note pretty much consistent with 6 months ago but the wine has moved into an even more mature state. Drink soon.

Definitely old school, with flavours of dried fruits, oxidized sour cherries, herbs, and leather. Unique and very southern Italian. Yeah, its a bit funky and unusual but I love wines like this. The finish is merely good so I can't quite stretch to 90 pts but this is a very good wine indeed. Tasted June 2015.

Poeira Dusty 2010, Doc Douro

What a fine wine this is! Superb density and depth, with perfectly ripe fruit and fine tannin. Yet, the flavours never veer into overripeness and the wine doesn't feel at all heavy, thanks to good acidity. Certainly worthy of laying down for a few years. Super recommendation by JS and a great value for $20 (which, amazingly is being reduced to under $17 - go figure!). Portugal continues to produced stellar reds at affordable prices. Tasted July 2015.

Domaine Beau Mistral Vieilles Vignes Rasteau Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2012, Ac

Soft, with flavours of stewed fruits and hints of herbs. Seems a bit muddled and lacking in focus. Lacks the structure and complexity of a Villages level wine. Enjoyable enough but failed to really impress me. For current consumption. Tasted Oct 2015.