It's only wine but I like it

Trapiche Pure Black Malbec Unoaked 2017

Pure = unoaked. Deeply coloured, inky almost. A bit herbal, bright fruit (not really black fruit I would say, despite the label), finishing with a noted acidity/lemony flavour. FIne enough for the price, but not especially memorable. Tasted June 2020.

Château Baracan 2015, Ac Cadillac Côtes De Bordeaux

A reasonably ripe red from Cadillac on the right bank, yet still has the tell-tale sign of cool climate red (herbeceous, twiggy, green pepper notes). Oak is well integrated and tannin is non-obtrusive. Good wine, but I wasn't really taken by it. 40% Merlot, 40% Can Sauv, 15% Cab Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted Dec 2019.

Lavau Rasteau 2015, Ac

Like JS, I found this wine a bit angular and austere. Certainly, there is the usual spice-infused south Rhone dark fruit, but there Is an astringency that detracts a bit. I am tasting the wine 2+ years on from the WA team, so seems that not much softening has occurred. Maybe another 2 years?

Second night, this seemed to be less astringent, I'd say wait until late 2022 or 2023 to open.

Tasted July 2021.

Domaine La Haute Févrie Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine 2017, Ac

Lean, crisp, very citrusy melon from the Loire. Despite the deeper yellow colour, this is fresh and lively. Not for people who want a fruity white, as JS says, this is more for fans of minerally, crisp whites. Fine value for the money for sure. Tasted july 2019.

Troupis Fteri Moschofilero 2017, Igp Arcadia

Straight off, the floral aromatics are what strike me. On the palate, I like the interplay of exotic fruits and citrus. Fairly light bodied, fresh with a very good finish. Really delicious wine here from Yiannis Troupis, one to drink in summer weather ...or whenever. Fine value. Tasted O
ct 2019.

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.