It's only wine but I like it

Il Molino Di Grace Il Margone Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011, Docg

Quite big for a Chianti Classico, with plenty of depth and ripeness and some firm tannin and acidity on the finish. This is clearly a very fine wine, yet the sheen of oak robs the wine of some of its Tuscan character (as least, in my view). Admittedly, there is some excellent fruit here to balance the oak, so I am sure lovers of Super Tuscans will really enjoy this. Drinking now, but probably better in 2021. I liked it....just didnt love it. Tasted Nov 2019.

Fattoria Di Fèlsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rància 2005, Docg

the 2006 vintage.

Almost 15 years on, this is still very much alive. Sour cherry fruit with some dried fruit, earth and hint of balsamic. Complex and, interestingly enough, quite a bit better on the second night after opening. Still life left in it but better to drink sooner than later. Nice indeed. Tasted June 1, 2021.

Château Léoville Poyferré 2008, Ac St Julien

The 2003 vintage:
Unexpected surprise. Given the hot vintage and "modern-wine" reputation of the producer, I expected something ore over the top. But instead, this is a wonderfully complex authentic left-bank red, with perfectly judged oak, ripe (but not overly) black fruit, cedar, vanilla and a very long finish. Tannin is still noted, so this is still (at 13 years) a bit young but still a sensation red. I have another bottle too! Drink now through 2030...maybe longer. Tasted Dec 2016.

Poças Colheita Port 1994, Vieilli En Fût, Doc Douro

This single vintage tawny is most comparable to a 20 year old tawny port. Flavours range from dried fruit to toffee and butterscotch. The alcohol is well-balanced as is the sweetness. I do find this a bit rougher and shorter-finishing than , say, a Taylor's 20 year old. Still, a fine tawny. Tasted Dec 2014.

La Ferme Du Mont Côtes Jugunda Gigondas 2013, Ap

To my taste buds, I get more of the red fruit (esp strawberries), no doubt to the predominance of Grenache in the blend. in more a supporting role are notes of pepper and spice. Tannin is mellow - this wine seems to be at its peak now. The finish is lingering. Nice CdR here. Tasted Aug 2019.

Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Barolo 2012

Still very much fresh and vibrant, this is a truly lovely Barolo. Complex, the flavours simply drench your palate, Sour cherries, dried fruit, a touch of earthiness and the nebbiolo acidity and tannin on the very long finish (though that tannin is mellowing). This wine is in a very good place. Bravo! Tasted Sep 2022.

Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2007, Igt Toscana

From the colour to the palate, there is no doubt that this is a wine designed to impress fans of internationally-styled wines. There is clearly some good fruit here but the heavy-handed oak treatment completely obscures any sense of place. The oak was present from the first whiff right through the finish. Just too much for my palate. Tasted May 2012.

Château Puech Haut Prestige Saint Drézéry 2010, Dop Languedoc

Purchased at Empire Wines in Albany for about $17 (when the C$ was at par!). A big, complex red with lots of extraction and alcohol but also some real southern France character (black fruit, pepper, herbs. Tannin is started to soften now. Finish is merely good (hence the sub 90pts rating). Overpriced in our monopoly wine market but good value when purchase in the US a few years ago. Tasted Jan 2016.

Romain Duvernay Vacqueyras 2009

A very solid, complex Vacqueyras. Still remarkably youthful, both in colour and structure. Loads of ripe fruit, firm tannin and spice/pepper. Nicely balanced. Drink 2016-2021. tasted sep 2015.

Verbena Brunello Di Montalcino 2009

Just too much American oak derived coconut flavours for me. If blind tasting, I'd have guessed Rioja. Some good fruit lurking there, but why obliterate it with oak? Geez.....Tasted Oct 2017.