It's only wine but I like it
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Following (3)
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Reviews (1260)
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Reviews
Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2007, Beamsville Bench
Ontario, Canada$17.95
For as long as I can remember, CS has been a benchmark in Niagara Riesling. In this vintage, the trend continues, though with a little less vibrancy that past vintages. I suspect that this was due to the warm vintage, which does not suit more delicate varieties such as Riesling. Still, plenty to admire here, with citrusy/floral aromas and good concentration of fruit. Drinking well now.
3.5 Stars
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Fassati Pasiteo Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2005, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$22.95
Well-made, food-friendly red from the Montepulciano region of Tuscany. Good fruit, subtle oak treatment and fine structure and acidity. Drink now or hold for a few years.
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$21.95
I am going against the grain with this one - I was not overly impressed with this wine. Now, I love Cotes du Rhone, but I found this a bit short in fruit and high in herbeceousness. Also, a bit hollow in the mid-palate as well. Disappointing given the positive reviews I have read. Bottle variation?
3.5 Stars
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Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes Hermitage 2006, Ac
Rhône, France$21.95
Has typical syrah notes of blackberries, smoke and dashes of pepper but unfortunately finishes with strong notes of over-ripe, pruney fruit that is very off-putting. The wine has clearly becoming somewhat oxidized. The cork was tight and dry, so I can only assume that the wine is over-the-hill already or that I had a flawed bottle. Drink now if you have it. Tasted Dec 2011.
3.5 Stars
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Famille Perrin Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2007
Rhône, France$17.95
A 50-50 Grenache-Syrah blend from the Perrin family. Rich and balanced, with loads of black fruit, spice and herbs. Good acidity and fine structure. A very fine Cotes du Rone Village and was fairly priced at about $18. The '09 (an equally fine vintage in the Cotes) has just been released at $3 so be a stellar value.
3.5 Stars
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Sori' Paitin Barbaresco 2005, Docg, Estate Btld.
Piedmont, Italy$48.95
Wonderfully floral aromas. Complex mix of sour cherry fruit, dried fruits, dried leaves and just a hint of oak. Medium bodied with some still noted tannin (at 10 years of age now!), bracing acidity and a long, long finish. this is just a wonderful barbaresco and a steal at the price. Lovely stuff. Drinking beautifully now, but still lots of life. tasted oct 2015.
3.5 Stars
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Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2006
Tuscany, Italy$34.95
Purchased in the US for $17.99 (that's a full $11 cheaper than our LCBO monopoly). Initially a bit closed on the nose and rather shy on the palate as well. But wait, with some air, the true character emerges. Pronounced red sour cherry fruit, with hints of dried fruit and leather. Finishes with fine acidity and some still significant tannin at nearly 6 years on. Quite an intense wine, makes no apolgies for its traditional Tuscan roots. Very good now, but needs another 2 years or a good decant. Should live to 2020+. Excellent indeed. Tasted June 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Castello Di Neive Barbaresco 2006, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$19.80
Inexpensive by Barbaresco standards, this still exhibits many of the hallmarks of Nebbiolo: cherry fruit, a bit of tartness and floral aromas. I also detected a touch of oak on the nose. Of course, at this price, one does not expect huge depth or complexity. Rather, think of this is a Nebbiolo-lite. Decent value and a very good food wine. Drink now or over the next couple of years. Tasted Dec 2011.
3.5 Stars
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Volpaia Chianti Classico 2007
Tuscany, Italy$27.95
Nice to taste a Chianti Classico that doesn't taste like a Bordeaux red. Medium well, with real Sangiovese characteristics such as bright acidity, ripe red fruit and minimal oak influence. I think that this wine needs a year or so in bottle to really shine. Wish it was a bit cheaper than $23....the wine can be had in Italy for about EUR 13 ($18)
3.5 Stars
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Saladini Pilastri Montetinello Rosso Piceno Superiore 2007, Doc
Marche, Italy$15.95
At first sip, this wine takes me aback, Braceing acidity, very dry, and significant astringency from contact with the grape skins. Yet, with some time in the glass, the red fruit emerges along with clean, pronounced acidity. The fine blend of sour cherry fruit and acidity leave no doubt that this wine is Italian, and for that I am grateful. Personally, I think that this wine is in need a of 2-3 years of bottle age...at the price, certainly worth trying one now and laying down one of more for e few years.
3.5 Stars
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