It's only wine but I like it

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.

Château Pegau Cuvée Maclura Côtes Du Rhône 2013

Re-tasted Nov 2016, this bottle really impressed me. Super CdR, seemed to me a superior bottle than the one I had several weeks ago - more open and generous. Excellent.

Original note:
A slightly leaner style of CdR than many, less overtly fruity with more savoury flavours. Very dry and a bit tight and austere at the moment, but displays a complex array of flavours. I'd suggest giving this a year or two to mellow, my score may be a bit conservative. Tasted Oct 2016.

Terre Di Talamo Tempo Morellino De Scansano 2012, Docg

The Sangiovese wines from Scansano tend to be riper than those of the more famous Chianti regions. And that is the case here. Ripe black cherry fruit, full and almost lush, along with hints of vanilla and black tea. Very approachable and inviting with a lingering finish. Very easy to like and a very good value at a discounted $18. Tasted Sept 2016,

Firestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Santa Ynez Valley

More Bordeaux-like than Californian, though one hates to brush California with the same raspberry-mocha-sugar brush given the wide array of wines from the Golden state (most of which we don't see here). This Cab is too young to be enjoyed now, with very tight tannin and some oak that needs integration. Also, some bitterness on the finish. Some nice savoury flavours are here, but the wine needs time to mellow. Hold until 2019. Tasted Apr 2017.

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2013, Do Bierzo

A balanced red again from Palacios, with little oak affecting the herb-inflected dark mencia fruit. Quite structured and a bit austere at the moment. Not quite up to the 2012 to my taste, but I do believe that I opened this a bit early. I suspect anther 2 years will allow this wine to blossom. Tasted Nov 2017.

Cave De Roquebrun Granges Des Combes 2013

As always, a ripe deeply fruited wine from St Chinian. Authentic and distinctive. Black pepper, herbs black olive all serve to complement the dark fruit flavours. A fine value. Tasted April 2016.

Château Malescot St. Exupéry 2004, Ac Margaux

While lighter and a bit less concentrated that more hyped vintages, this '04 Malescot is still a very authentic Bordeaux. Pure lean blackberry fruit, hints of cedar and lead pencil. Tannin seems a bit softer than last time I had this a few years ago. This wine seems at its peak now, though it should still hold 3-5 more years. Fine stuff. Tasted May 2016.