It's only wine but I like it

Goru Organic Monastrell 2017, Do Jumilla

A big, ripe Monastrell, with jammy dark fruit. A bit of pepper and spice mixed in a some notable alcohol on the finish (seems like higher than the label's indicate 14% abv). Also, a wee bit of sweetness on the finish but nothing to annoy. A whole lot of flavour for only $14 and organic to boot but I must confess, it was difficult to finish a glass....maybe the weather is too warm (finally!!) for a big wine like this. Certainly worth buy a couple of bottles for the cold winter months to serve with a heavy stew. Tasted June 2019.

Lua Cheia Old Vines Red 2017, D.O.C. Douro

Second tasting, consistent notes with first tasting. Great value. Feb 2020.

Super value here from the Douro again this vintage. Nicely balanced tannin and acidity match well with the rich, ripe fruit. For drinking over the next few years. Worth buying a few for bbq season. Tasted June 2019.

Monasterio De Las Vinas Reserva Garnacha/Tempranillo/Carinena 2014, Dop Spain

This Spanish red has good depth for the price category. I like the herbal/spicy accents. A bit of raisining to the fruit along with a liqueur note on the finish. Solid. Tasted Mar 2021.

Château Saint Roch Le Rosé 2018, Ap Côtes Du Roussillon

Well, we couldn't wait any longer for truly warm weather to arrive to enjoy a rose, as it seems like summer will never arrive in Ontario. Very pale pink, with plenty of refreshing citrus-orange flavours, perhaps a hint of pepper and herb. Really refreshing and delicious. Just goes to show that, with good wines, the weather doesn't really matter - it's the company you keep. Tasted June 2019.

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah/Mourvèdre/Grenache 2016, Ap Côtes Du Roussillon

Not quite as ripe or substantial as some from the region, this Bertrand red scores well on balance and regional authenticity. As David notes, flavours are a tad muted but this is still quite tasty. Finish is a bit clipped but with brisk acidity and soft tannin. Tasted Nov 2019.

Château De Tréviac Corbières 2016, Ap

A little less wild and distinctive than the '15, again this vintage, this is a fine value. Black pepper infused blackberry fruit, silky tannin and nary a sign of wood. Easy multiple bottle purchase. Tasted July 2019.

Mathilde Chapoutier Sélection 2017, Ap Languedoc

A delicious red from the Languedoc, with pepper/spice-infused red fruit, soft tannin and a good finish. Easy multiple purchase (if it is still available) at $15. Tasted NOv 2020.

Miguel Torres Cordillera De Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Maipo Valley

Like the 2013, a big rich heavily oaked Cabernet from Chile. Certainly dense, but just too much oak for my taste. in my notes for the '13, I said "...my next $20 will be spent elsewhere". I have such a short memomy, but then again, I didnt pay over $20 for this! I got it on sale for 30% off. Anyway, not for me but it did taste better with Shepherd's Pie. Tasted Sep 2019.

Fattoria Dei Barbi Brusco Dei Barbi 2016, Igt Toscana

Made primarily from Sangiovese, this is a wine designed for near term consumption. Straightforward, with light tannin and crisp acidity, bright tart red fruit and a good finish. Think of this as like a Rosso di Montalcino or normale Chianti. Meant for simple pleasure, and it delivers on that. Picked up on sale for about $14. Delish. Tasted Oct 2019.

Carmim Terra Lenta Premium Reguengos 2016, Doc Alentejo

Bright, lively, fresh are apt descriptors on this Alentejano. A bit of cedar from the oak ageing and a wee bit of sweetness (not cloying though) round out the flavours. The finish lingers nicely. AT $14, my only annoyance is that I didn't buy more. Very nice. Tasted March 2020.