It's only wine but I like it
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Following (3)
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Reviews (1352)
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Reviews
Quinta Do Noval Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003, Doc Douro, Unfiltered
Portugal$18.25
This is a superb LBV. Aromatic, tons of concentrated dark berry fruit, deep, sweet , with an excellent structure. Sure, this is delish now, but will definitely benefit from a few years in the cellar, will the possibility of keeping a decade or more. Previous vintage of this was a very good deal at $24, this is $2 cheaper. To me, one of the best values of the year.
3.5 Stars
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Taurino Salice Salentino Riserva 2008, Dop
Puglia, Italy$14.95
Old world wine here, with rustic notes of prunes, dried fruit and some pleasant bitterness especially on the long finish. Lots of complexity and very approachable. Super value for $15. Tasted April 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Montirius Garrigues Vacqueyras 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$27.00
When I peeled back the foil, the cork was clearly soaked and a deep purple liqiuid had been oozing out. The wine was not oxidized though, but it was lacking any Rhone character usually so amply demonstrated by this producer. "Inoffensive" was how my wife described it and that was about it. Like a $12 red. Given my experience with Montirius in the past, this can must have been an off-bottle. A shame. Mt score reflects what I tasted in this specific bottle, not likely indicative. Will try the '10 in the next week to compare. tasted Nov 7, 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Belle Les Pierrelles Crozes Hermitage 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$22.95
Recognizably north Rhone syrah, focused, with notes of pepper, cool dark berries, smoke and earth. Sinewy and medium bodied, with fine acidity and balance. Drinking very well now but has the stuffing to keep for several more years. Tasted Feb 2012.
3.5 Stars
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René Mure Pinot Gris 2007, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$17.95
A very respectable pinot gris. Inviting flavours of peach, and apricot, with notes of honey. Finishes a little off-dry. A nice match for a variety of poulty or seafood dishes )worked very nicely with shrimp for me). Drink now and over the next couple of years.
3.5 Stars
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Casanova Di Neri Sant'antimo Rosso 2008
Tuscany, Italy$23.95
I'm not quite sure what the difference is between this wine and Neri's Rosso di Montalcino. Whatever, this is a lovely red which nicely combines a modern approach to sangiovese without losing its Tuscan character. Pure, ripe red fruit without any gaps in the palate. Long finish with some noted tannin. Very good indeed now, I think better in 2-3 years. Very fairly priced at about $24.
3.5 Stars
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Jean Marie Arnoux Vieux Clocher Vacqueyras 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$23.95
My impression differs a bit from JS and DL. I found this to be a slightly leaner style of Vacqueyras, with less of the bold flavours I associate with the region. Yes, this is 3 years later, so perhaps that is a factor. Yet, my impression is that this wine seems to exhibit some of the cool climate characteristics of a Bordeaux: just ripe red fruit, hints of cedar, finishing with a bit of tartness, good but not great length. This is a good wine, no doubt, just not quite what I expected. Drink now. Tasted March 2015.
3.5 Stars
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Castello Di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2015, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$22.95
Nice bottle of Chianti Classico here, replete with red fruit, dried cherries, and hints of earthiness (in a good way, of course). Properly firm without being tannic and that lovely Sangiovese acidity on the long finish. Fine to drink now, should hold a few years as well. Fine value. Tasted Nov 2019.
3.5 Stars
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Tornatore Etna Rosso 2015, Doc Etna Rosso
Sicily, Italy$23.95
Not nearly up to the quality of the '14, the 2015 seems dry and austere. Quite pale, as to be expected, with red fruits, a bit like Grenache as David suggests but with some smoke and spice. However, in the end, just too austere to provide much enjoyment, at least for me. Given how good the '14 was and the reputation of the producer, I wonder if this simply needs 2-3 more years in bottle (or perhaps this was an off bottle?). Tasted April 2019.
3.5 Stars
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Antica Hirpinia Taurasi 2010, Docg
Campania, Italy$30.75
Certainly seems fully mature to my taste, with hints of dried fruit and prunes joining in the complex array of flavours. Full-bodied and long-finishing, this is southern Italy in a bottle. Enjoyed this very much. Match with robust foods or simply sipping on its own, relishing those moments away from the ball and chain known as your day job. Tasted Aug 2019.
3.5 Stars
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