It's only wine but I like it

Alamos Malbec 2019

Rich, ripe, gently herbal with some supporting vanilla notes from the oak. A hint of of prunes on the finish. Not complex but very well made and most enjoyable, especially considering the reasonable price. Drink now. Tasted Nov 2023.

Paternoster Synthesi 2017, Doc Aglianico Del Vulture

Youthful aglianico, ideally in need of another couple of years in bottle. Complex, a bit rustic, brimming with flavour and finishing with firm tannin and high acidity. Really fine wine and excellent value. Tasted Oct 2021.

Lua Cheia Old Vines Red 2019, Doc Douro

Loads of dark fruit - a very upfront red. Yet there is some real depth and complexity here. Tannin and acidity nicely frame that ripe fruit. Not intended for long ageing, but, as always, this is a super value from the Douro, Perfect for BBQs. Tasted Aug 2022.

Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2016

Seems a bit more oak than I remember from the 09, 10 vintages. Still, a well-made Tuscan red, with enough Sangiovese character to overcome the wood. For current drinking, Tasted Jul 2022.

M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes Du Rhône Grenache/Syrah 2019

Not much to add to David's review. Once again, Chapoutier delivers at a nice price, with a CdR that exudes South Rhone character. Smooth, and simply delicious. Easy multiple bottle purchase. Tasted Nov 2021.

Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Wo Stellenbosch

What a fine Cab this is. Amazing concentration, depth and length for an $18 wine. Fruit is very ripe, but keeps that Bordeaux-like balance. Oak, tannin, acids, all nicely balanced. Not sure its for keeping much more than a few years, but who cares? Delicious now. Tasted Aug 2021.

Réserve De La Roncière Cuvée Traditionnelle 2018, A.C. Côtes Du Rhône

Grenache dominated, soft and cuddly, with plenty of red fruit. "It's like, how much more red could this be? And the answer is None: None...more red.". Oh, yeah, easy going CdR, well made, delicious and just $16. How could I not love this? Tasted May 2022.

Fina Nero D'avola 2017, D.O.C. Sicilia

Perfectly ripened fruit, rich with wild berries, hint of herbs and no oak that I can detect. Tannin provide enough structure, complexity is very good and made with organic grapes. Delicious! for $17? Alas, pretty much sold out at Vintages. Another case of "I wish I'd bottle another bottle or 2". Tasted Dec 2021.

Les Hauts De Lagarde Blanc 2020, Vegan, Sustainable, Ac Bordeaux

Dec 2022: Same notes as below. Great value.

Fresh, crisp, lively....all those adjectives work here. Lovely summer sipper for a reasonable price. Seems to be lots available at the LCBO, an easy multiple bottle purchase. Tasted Jul 2022.

Lavau Côtes Du Rhône 2018, A.C.

Re-tasted March 2020 - same notes. Super value CdR.

Soft, easy-going CdR from the reliable Lavau. Generous ripe fruit with the expected spice/herbs/pepper notes of the region. No great complexity but for $15, this is more wine than one usually expects. Fine value indeed! Tasted Sept 2021.