It's only wine but I like it

Kir Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro 2017, P.D.O. Naoussa

re-tasted April 2021, still in fine form.

A fresh and lively style of Xinomavro, brimming with red fruit, dusty tannin and citrus-y acidity. Tasted blind, one might have thought a Nebbiolo, though less tannic than a Barbaresco or Barolo. Such impressive complexity and long finish for what is a relatively modestly priced wine. Super food wine, though easily enjoyable sipped on its own. Drink now through the next 4-5 years. Tasted July 2020.

Grands Serres Les Hautes Vacquieres Vacqueyras 2016, Ap

My notes are in line with to David, Michael and John's. This is a fine CdR from my favourite AC in the region. I do wish we saw more Vacqueyras come through our wine monopoly. I derive more pleasure from a bottle of Vacqueyras than from an overblown Chateauneuf costing twice as much. Tasted Feb 2021.

Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Do Valle Del Maipo

The herbal streak is notable from first taste, then the dark fruit stakes steps in and takes center stage. Certainly complex, finishing very dry with a good structure and acidity, Very delicious. Drink now or hold for a few years. At $18, worth buying more than 1 bottle. Tasted Nov 2021.

Castello Di Fonterutoli Mazzei Chianti Classico 2017, Docg, Italy

As with prior vintages, Fonterutoli's Chianti Classico is modern-styled with it shadings of oak from the small barrel ageing. But the quality of the Sangiovese fruit shines through. Red cherry fruit, tart and focused with just the right amount of tannin and a long finish. Seems to be drinking very nicely to me though should hold a few years if you prefer your CC with more mature flavours. Tasted Sep 2020.

Jim Barry Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Coonawarra, South Australia

Ripe, juicy Cab Sauv from the famed Coonawarra region. Made in an approachable style, medium-bodied with oak well-integrated. Certainly some juicy acids on the finish (a little too much acidification perhaps?). I suppose this will age for a few years but essentially ready to guzzle now. Tasted Dec 2020.

La Tremenda Monastrell 2017, Do Alicante

A big, fairly powerful red with very ripe fruit and firm tannin. Nicely accented with some pepper and herbs. A lot of flavour and depth for only $18. Fine wine. Tasted Jul 2021.

Gabriel Meffre La Châsse Grande Réserve 2015, Ap Vacqueyras, Rhone

Re=tasted Nov 2020: Softer structure and more mature fruit flavours. Still very good but drink up.

Original note: Not the depth of the better Vacqueyras, but less expensive as well. A bit rough and ready, but a delicious, authentic expression of the Cotes du Rhone, with classic herb infused fruit, pepper and good tannic grip on the finish. I'd be happy sipping this any day of the week. Nice new addition to the LCBO general list. Tasted Aug 2018.

Villa Matilde Stregamora Piedirosso 2018, Igp Roccamonfina, Campania

Piedirosso. You don't see this variety coming through your local Vintages very often. I cannot recall having tried it before. Too bad, too, this is a lively red with lots of red cherry fruit, brisk acidity and fairly low tannin. Very delicious, not too heavy - a lovely summer red. Best to serve just a wee bit cool (30-40 minutes in the fridge ought to do the trick). Tasted July 2021.

Domaine La Rougeante 2016, Ac Corbières

Herbs, and spice and lots of other nice. Complex Corbieres, meaty, cassis, fine tannin and a solid dry finish. Warmed my heart on a dismal October eve, which I suppose is the whole point. Tasted oct 2021.

Villa Matilde Rocca Dei Leoni Aglianico 2016, Igt Campania

Solid aglianico, with very ripe fruit with good complexity. Seems ready to drink. Tasted Nov 2020.