It's only wine but I like it
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Reviews
Lafage Cayrol Vieilles Vignes Carignan 2021, I.G.P. Côtes Catalanes
Roussillon, France$19.95
Not too often that one comes across a wine made from 100% Carignan. Very ripe, with lots of alcohol (15% according to the label). An in-your-face wine, with lots of concentrated fruit, and plenty of herbal notes. A bit of bitterness on the finish which you may like or not. Really fine wine, as one has come to expect from this producer. Tasted Jul 2024.
3.5 Stars
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Mazzei Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2021, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$21.70
A bit heavy on the oak ageing, this is a simple CC from Fonterutoli. Sure, it has some of the cherry fruit and dusty tannin associated with Sangiovese, but it all seems so muted. Decent, but over-priced. Tasted Aug 2024.
3.5 Stars
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Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay 2022, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$21.95
A very solid vintage of Malivoire's Estate Chardonnay, at the bottom of their price range, but this is hardly plonk. Nicely ripened fruit with notes of citrus, peaches and some more exotic flavours (possibly due to the inclusion of some of the musqué clone in the blend). Wood is wisely kept to a minimum, Very nicely done. For near(er) term consumption, And fine value too. Tasted Dec 2024.
3.5 Stars
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Fielding Cabernet Franc 2022, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$26.15
Nicely ripened cab franc in this fine vintage with red currant and raspberry flavours and a tangy twist. All this is, unfortunately, dominated by a huge whack of oak that detracts, at least to my taste (American oak it seems thought the website says French) . Just not my cuppa. Tasted M ay 2025
3.5 Stars
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Cave Spring Estate Grown Cabernet Franc 2022, Sustainable, Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$20.95
I don't often find Niagara reds interesting in the sub $22 price bracket but this is a pleasant exception from Cave Spring. A fine vintage was 2022 (save the nasty winter damage), but this is a nicely ripened cab franc, with plenty of juicy red fruit, just of hint of red pepper, and wood that is seamlessly integrated. Just missing a wee bit of length on the finish, but for $21, no complaints. Really fine value. Drinking now, should hold another couple of years. Tasted Apr 2025.
3.5 Stars
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Tenuta Di Renieri Chianti Classico 2020, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$20.00
I struggled with this wine. High acidity, slightly tart red fruit, taut tannin....as one would expect from a CC, Yet, it seems rather austere and a bit joyless at the moment. Agree with DL, I would age this another few years, it may mellow and provide more pleasure. Tasted Oct 2024.
3.5 Stars
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Pipoli Aglianico Del Vulture 2021, Doc
Basilicata, Italy$17.95
Agree with Steve, Aglianico (along with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo) produce some of the finest red wines in Italy. This Pipoli is an excellent example, with joyous red fruit, herbs, firm tannin and a kiss of oak. There is a hint of sweetness (8g/L RS, surprisingly), but the fine acidity keeps that in check. This is outstanding value and simply a joy to drink. Drink now or hold for a few years. Tasted Aug 2025.
3.5 Stars
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Château De Nages Héritage Costières De Nîmes 2022, A.P. Costières De Nîmes
Rhône, France$19.95
Plenty of sweet, ripe, spicy red fruit, very greneache-y. Soft and supple, with a hint of some mourvedre tannin. Quite delicious now, I don't expect this to be a wine to lay away for any length ot time: now through 2027 seems about right, Tasted Dec 2025.
3.5 Stars
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Planeta Plumbago Nero D'avola 2021, D.O.C. Sicilia
Sicily, Italy$24.95
Good red here from Planeta but somehow I was underwhelmed. A bit monolithic and astringent. Maybe just needs a bit more time to round out. Tasted April 2025.
3.5 Stars
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Maria Papoila Loureiro/Alvarinho 2023, Doc Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde, Portugal$18.95
Fresh, lighter-bodied, with lively acidity. Everything you'd want in a white Vinho Verde. Certainly the citrus flavours stand out, but I also pick up some stone fruit (like slightly unripe peach). No wood to mar the flavours either. A summer wine if there ever was one. Worthy of buying a few for the rest of summer. Tasted Aug 2025.
3.5 Stars
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