It's only wine but I like it

Marynissen Cabernet Franc 2017, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Now owned by the Zhang family, Marynissen is an old favourite on mine but it had been about 15 years since I had been to the winery or tasted their wine. This CF is a fine effort. Medium-bodied, fresh red fruit, telltale cool climate herbs/bell pepper (but not off-putting). Good complexity and finish. The new owners seem to be on the right track if this red is any indication. A solid, well-priced red. Tasted Sep 2020.

Insurgente Vinho Tinto 2015, Doc Dão

Rich, almost overripe, Dao from Lua Cheia. A bit of tartness and twigginess (is that a word? well, it is now) support the big fruit along with some tannin on the finish. Really, I should have waited a month or 2 until cooler weather sets is as this wine seems perfectly suited to big, soul-warming stews. Anyway, the bottle is open now and it is a very good, attention-grabbing wine. Tasted Sep 2020.

Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2017, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment

A good Riesling from Cave Spring but not quite up to the usually standard for this wine. Quite rich and ripe, with almost tropical flavours that seems just a tad muted. The finish seems a bit clipped as well. Still, solid enough. Tasted Dec 2020.

Jean Luc Colombo Le Pavillon Des Courtisanes Cairanne 2016, Ac

Slightly less exuberant Cairanne here from JL Colombo. Savoury, meaty, black pepper tinged dark fruit had me thinking this had a large portion of Syrah. The back label says otherwise, only 20%, the rest being Grenache. Oak (if any) is virtually undetectable, Complex and long finish. Nice wine indeed. I think originally priced at $22, the price shown here was after it was discounted. No need to hold any longer. Tasted Dec 2021.

Château De Nages Vieilles Vignes Blanc 2017, Ac Costières De Nîmes

Rich, ripe, with a nice blend of tropical and citrus fruit. Texture has a bit of viscosity, like a late harvest wine, though this is completely dry. Very little oak influence.
Finishes long with crisp acidity. Nicely done. Tasted Dec 2019.

Saint Roch Vieilles Vignes Syrah/Grenache 2017, Ap Côtes Du Roussillon

Wild herbs accentuate the ripe dark fruit in this old vine Grenache-Syrah blend from the Roussillon. A bit chewy, with good complexity and noted acidity on the finish. As always, this is a delicious representation of the region and well worth multiple bottle purchase. Tasted March 2020 and again in Sept 2020 with consistent notes

Malivoire Melon 2019, VQA Beamsville Bench

Lean, crisp white from Malivoire. Very dry (indeed, 0g of RS according to the website), with flavours mostly in the citrus spectrum (grapefruit, lime). Fresh and lively, this is a good patio sipper but I think even better with food (seafood, even better, sashimi/sushi). Drink with young and fresh. Tasted Aug 2020.

Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay 2018, VQA Beamsville Bench

Not much to add to John, Michael and Steve's notes. This is simply a fine cool climate chard, with no resorting to heavy oak or other manipulations. Niagara, and in particular, Malivoire, do this variety so well, Fine value indeed. Tasted Nov 2020.

André Brunel Cuvée Sabrine Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2016, A.C. Côtes Du Rhône Villages

Re-tasted April 2021 - still excellent but best to drink over the next year. Stellar value.

When CdR is this good, why would anyone spend $50+ on high octane, big label Chateauneuf that are less enjoyable? Like I said for the '15 "Quintessential CdR and a superb value to boot." Tasted April 2020.

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2017, Do Bierzo

A very good mencia from Palacios, smooth and balanced, with nicely ripened dark fruit along with hints of spice and pepper. Seems to show more oak than past vintages that I have tasted, though nothing obtrusive. Seems to be in a good drinking places now. Tasted March 2023..