It's only wine but I like it

Tawse Cabernet Franc Grower's Blend 2016, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nicely ripened red fruit, with nary a hint of the annoying vegetal component that shows in some cool climate cab francs. Quite silky in texture, though there are some sneaky firm tannin and bright acidity on the long finish. Oak is nicely held in check. Very fine red from Tawse here though i do wish the price was closer to $20. Drink now or hold a few more years. Tasted Oct 2020.

Quinta Das Carvalhas Red Blend 2015, Doc Douro

A fine representation here of the Duoro, made with the three mainstay grapes of the region (Touriga nacional, tinta roriz, touriga franca). Concentration, complexity, structure are all well-beyond what one might expect for $14. Really solid and enjoyable. Tasted March 2020.

Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2018, South Australia

Decent organic Shiraz, produced more toward the leaner Rhone model of Syrah. I like the leaner blackberry flavours and notes of peeper but I find that acids to be a bit harsh (acidified?) and that detracts a bit. Oak is virtually invisible. Best to give this a bit of a chill to tone down that acidity. Tasted Aug 2020.

Shanahans Strength In Gentleness Grenache 2017, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Soft and cuddly - as Sara notes, like a big hug of a wine. Low tannin, all red fruit and seems to be higher in alcohol than the 13.5% declared. No oak and soft brisk acidity on the finish. A decent midweek quaff. Chill for about half an hour in the old fridge before serving. Tasted May 2021.

Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc 2017, Wo Stellenbosch

Lean, crisp, very dry chenin with tart citrus and barely ripe peach spectrum of flavours. That is not to say that this wine is unripe, but it seems to made from earlier picked grapes (just 12.5% abv, only 2 g/L RS) to preserve acidity and freshness. Along with well-judged oak, this makes this a superior food wine. Yet another fine value from South Africa. Tasted Dec 2020.

Château De Montfaucon Côtes Du Rhône 2016, Ap

A wine that, for me, seemed shy upon first few sips in revealing its charms. Pleasant red berry fruit and a tang on the finish were the main features. Yet, after some time in the glass, the complexity and south Rhone character began to exert themselves. A fine CdR. Tasted Oct 2020.

Villa Montelpaldi Chianti Classico Tagliafune 2016, Chianti Classico

Spot-on CC. All red fruit, especially sour cherry. Nary a stick of wood in sight. Great acidity and tannin and fine complexity. Damn, my only bottle, $17?
Should have bought a few more. Tasted Aug 2021.

San Felice Chianti Classico 2018, Docg Tuscany

A delicious, fresh mid-weight CC from San Felice. Better ripeness and complexity in this vintage compared to some I have had in the past. Balanced, with nicely judged acid and tannin, little in the way of wood influence. In short, a fine representation of Chianti Classico at a reasonable price. Best for drinking within the next 2 years or so. Tasted April 2022.

Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Docg Cavaliere D'oro 2017

An easy-to-like Chianti Classico, with the expected red fruits, leaning toward sour cherries and lively acidity, and light tannin. Went very nicely with stuffed pasta in a cream sauce. Tasted May 2020.

Lornano Chianti Classico 2016, Docg

2nd bottle, Mar '24: Most of the astringency has faded now. a very good CC, at its peak: upped to 89pts

Certainly more deeply coloured than most CC that you come across. As expected, red fruit (cherry, red currant) dominates the palate along with a hint of oak. However, this finish is quite tannic and astringent, almost like they were trying too hard (over-extraction?). Tough to judge this wine now, certainly less joyous than the '15 at the same stage. Give this until mid-2023. I will open my second bottle then and see if this improves. 87 pts for now. Tasted Oct 2021.