It's only wine but I like it

Graham'S Late Bottled Vintage Port 2007

Much like the '06. this is a delicious, approachable LBV. Packed with flavours of dried fruit, hints of chocolate and a bit of spice, this just lacks a bit of the complexity necessary for a 90pt rating. Still, for $16.95, this is stellar value, as I have come to expect from Grahams. A great port to have when your vintage ports still need more time in the cellar..actually, a great port to have just about any time! Tasted Aug 2013.

Porca De Murça Reserva Tinto 2010, Doc Douro

This is a firmly-structured Douro red, which mixes lean blackberry fruit with interesting notes of spice, and vanilla. The acidity provides real vibrancy to the wine. The tannin is noted on the finish, as is some bitterness. Very good red, but, for the moment at least, doesn't quite seem in balance. I just think that this needs to sleep another 2-3years for it to really meld together. If drinking now, a decant should help. Tasted Oct 2014.

Poggio Il Castellare Rosso Di Montalcino 2010, Doc

Restasted Aug 2016. Evolving nicely, tannin softening. Very fine Rosso here and drinking well now. Drink now -2018.

Original tasting note:Surprisingly dark for a sangiovese, this is a rosso that really needs a bit more time in the bottle. Characteristic sour cherry fruit, with firm tannin, fine acidity and a long finish. While drinkable now, I suggest 2-3 years in bottle to allow the tannin to mellow a bit. I would not be surprised to see this wine reach its 10th birthday and still provide much drinking pleasure. Tasted August 2013.

Château Moulin De Clotte Cuvée Dominique 2008, Ac Côtes De Bordeaux, Castillon

On first sip, this seems quite restrained and almost unremarkable. But, upon further evaluation, the subtle flavours begin to emerge- cherry, cedar, and hints of vanilla. the finish lingers nicely with crips acid and fine structure. As JS states, a Bordeaux lovers Bordeaux, and one that doesn't cater to the tastes of one powerful American wine critic. A real Bordeaux. Drink now or can hold a few years I should think. Tasted March 2014.

Castello Di San Sano Guarnellotto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008

An energetic, and delicious Chianti. Bright red fruits (raspberries, and especially sour cherries), notes of earth and leather. Finishes with fine tannin and bright acidity. A real Chianti and a joy to drink. Stellar with meat lasagna. Drink now or hold for 3-5 years. Tasted April 2014.

Beni Di Batasiolo Barolo 2013

Pale and translucent (as Nebbiolo tends to be) with notes of sour cherry, a bit of spice and the expected tannin and acidity on the finish. Tannin is not a fierce as with many Barolos and complexity and length are merely average. A decent Barolo, but nothing here that you couldn't find in your everyday $20 Langhe Nebbiolo. I suppose that another year of two might help but this is essentially a very basic Barolo. Tasted Dec 2019.

Château De Treviac 2010, Ap

Once again, Chateau de Treviac has produced a wine tasting much more pricey than its $16 price tag. Generously fruited and approachable, with lovely supporting notes of herbs, black pepper and spice. Despite 15% alcohol, I don't find this hot at all. Good length. Super value. Tasted May 2013.

Château Pech Redon L'Épervier 2010, Ac Côteaux Du Languedoc, La Clape

Very impressive Mediterranean red, with ripe blackberry fruit, black olives, pepper and dried herbs. No heat from the 14.5% alcohol, no bitterness, no Aspirin. Bottle variation I can only presume, this is textbook southern French red. Yum! Tasted Nov 2015.

Pierre Henri Morel Signargues Côtes Du Rhône-villages 2010, Ac

A very ripe but balanced CdR, loaded with herbs and note of black pepper supporting the ripe fruit. A bit rustic, but plenty of charm. I note some heat on the finish. An easy wine to enjoy short-term at a fine price. Tasted March 2013.

Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009, Docg

Youthful and fresh, Poliziano's '09 Vino Nobile is a particularly savoury Sangiovese. Lean, but ripe dark cherry fruit, with hints of earth, herbs and a slightly tart finish (Sangiovese acidity). Some tannin and alcohol is noted on the finish. Very nicely done, but I think that another year or two of cellaring are still in order for this red. Tasted Dec 2014.