It's only wine but I like it

Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Oak dominates the simple fruit. Out of balance. Unmemorable.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino 2008, Docg

A fairly big, concentrated Brunello here from Donatella Cinelli Colombini, quite amazing considering that '08 was considered merely a good vintage in the Montalcino region. Rick, ripe dark cherry fruit, with notes of sour cherries and vanilla on the long finish, as are some youthful tannin. Complex, deep, and delicious. Lots of life left in this. Really well done. Tasted Aug 2018.

Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino 2010, Docg

Fully mature, savoury and complex Brunello. Oxidized, dried fruit, integrated wood and a long finish. Traditional Brunello and a fine one at that. At its peak now. Tasted Feb 2020.

Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2009

Purchased at Premier wines in Buffalo for USD 39.99, this is a forward ripe Barolo from Vietti, no doubt due to the warm 2009 vintage. Concentration and flavour depth are excellent as one would expect from a wine in this price range. Plenty of red cherry notes but with a hint of oxidation creeping in. This does not detract from current enjoyment of the wine but is something to be mindful of if intending to hold this wine longer term - I think that this is best consumed in the next couple of years. But lovely juice here. Tasted Aug 2017.

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.

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.

Norman Hardie County Cabernet Franc 2013, VQA Prince Edward County

Notes for the 2014 vintage:
I wanted to like this wine...very fond memories of the County as a child. But this is a lean and very tart cab franc. Highly acidic, with lemony notes and some hints of tart sour cherries. Thankfully, little of the vegetal notes that plague many cab francs but, to me, this wine just lacks ripeness and fruit. OK with food. not nearly worth $29. Tasted Jul 2017.

Col D'orcia Brunello Di Montalcino 2009, Brunello Di Montalcino

Just medium-bodied, this Brunello remains true to Sangiovese, with no recourse to over-extraction or heavy toasted oak. Flavours of red cherries, tart cherries and hints of dried fruit on the palate with a long finish and bright acids. It is remarkable how light and fresh (for Brunello) that this wine is, yet it still fills the mouth with complex flavours, Nicely done. Purchased in Buffalo for $30. Tasted Dec 2017.

Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Sonoma Mountain

Ripe, fruity Sonoma cab, which neither fits the ultra jammy Cali red wine model or the savory structured Bordeaux model. Nice balance and complexity without getting heavy at all. Drinking very nicely now, with enough structure for another few years of ageing, though I don't think this wine make old bones. Well done, and in the realm of over-priced reds from California, quite fairly prices. tasted May 2017.