It's only wine but I like it

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Reviews
Finca Sophenia Altosur Malbec 2023, Uco Valley
Mendoza, Argentina$17.95
Rip and juicy as one would expect from Malbec, but this is also very nicely balanced. Not sure ripe or heavy and the oak is nicely in the background. Complexity is good and this is simply delicious. For drinking in the near(er) term to capture that fruit Great value. Tasted in the evening as the sun was setting, pondering, pondering. what to do?
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2004, "Grampians, Victoria"
Australia$16.95
A very nicely made Shiraz, which really should be labelled Syrah. Why? Because this wine has much more in common with the red wines of the north Rhone than with most Aussie Shiraz. Dark berry fruit, pepper and well-judged oak, with a fine backbone of acidity. My only gripe is that it lacks a bit of character. Stil at a dicsounted price of less than $17 a good buy.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.