It's only wine but I like it
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Following (3)
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Reviews (1267)
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Reviews
Les Parcelles De Stéphane Derenoncourt 2010, Ac Saint Estèphe
Bordeaux, France$18.60
Mid-weight Cab-Merlot blend here from vineyards somewhere in St Estephe from well-known wine consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. Not particularly complex, this is, for the most part nicely balanced. Well ripened fruit, oak left well in the background and just a bit of awkward acidic tang on the finish. Won't get any better from here so drink up. Tasted March 2019.
3.5 Stars
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Tessellae Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2011, Igp Côtes Catalanes
Southwest, France$17.95
Very deepply coloured, this red from southern France has ample ripe fruit, notes of earth, black pepper and herbs. Alas, those positives are marred by some bitter astrignency and noticeable alcohol. Perhaps time will soften the astrigency, but I wouldn't bet on it. A decent wine, but really doesn't provide alot of joy. Tasted Dec 2013.
3.5 Stars
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Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008
Douro, Portugal$16.00
An LBV with typical notes of dried fruits (prunes, raisins, dates). The alcohol is well-carried and no sense of a cloying finiish. The only slight deteaction is a bit of astringency on the finish. Not sure if a year or two in the cellar would help, but its only a minor quibble to an otherwise well-made LBV. However, I do have to give the nod to Grahams as being the superior LBV (based on my tasting of the '06 and '07, I haven't tried the Grahams '08 LBV yet). Tasted Dec 2013.
3.5 Stars
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Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Aconcagua Valley, Chile$19.05
Certaintly good concentration of ripe ripe fruit and some decent structure as well. But overwhelming it all is pronounced notes of mocha/vanilla and even coconut. I suppose that this style of wine has its fans but I just can't get past the dominance of the oak in the wine. Corporate commercial wine to my tastes. On sale at $15.95, not a purchase for me again though. Tasted Nov 2013.
3.5 Stars
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M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila Haut Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2012, Ac
Languedoc, France$15.95
A very solid, well made Roussillon. Dark fruits, hints of local herbs, pepper, and black olives. Tannin seems nicely integrated, providing just the right amount of structure. In short, all one could hope for in a modestly-priced southern French wine. Tasted April 2015 and re-tasted July 2016 with consistent notes - a lovely value.
3.5 Stars
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Castelgreve Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$19.95
I wanted to like this wine - a Chianti Classico Riserva for $20, sounds great, no? But I never quite warmed up to it. The flavours hint at Sangiovese but seem a touch muddled and not all together cohesive. Has some firm tannin and high acidity (not out of place in Chiants, of course). A good wine, just left me a bit cold. Tasted March 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Gemma Ruja Nebbiolo 2010, Doc Langhe
Piedmont, Italy$15.25
A bargain-price nebbiolo. Medium bodied, with characteristic notes of red fruits, sour cherries and finishing with fine tannin and acidity. HAs a bit of sweet fruit in the mid palate. Not overly complex, but I really enjoyed the authenticity of this wine. Great value at about $15 (I think on sale). Tasted April 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Jean Michel Dupré Vignes De 1918 Régnié 2011
Beaujolais, France$14.75
A pleasant little Beaujolais, with bright red fruits, bright acidity and little tannin. Quite light-bodied and fresh. A decent wine to have chilled a bit on a warm summer day when a big Cotes du Rhone simply won't do. Tasted June 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Foncalieu St. Gervais Réserve Du Crouzau Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2011, Ac
Rhône, France$16.95
Very solid CdR, immediately identifiable as a south Rhone character. Black pepper, meaty notes, dark fruit, with a solid structure and balancing acidity. Everything one could want in a decently priced red. Tasted Sep 2014.
3.5 Stars
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Chåteau D'anglés Grand Vin 2008, Ac Languedoc La Clape
Languedoc, France$20.95
As JS notes, this wine really picks up on the character of the syrah, exhibiting notes of black pepper, dried meat, black pepper and dark berry fruit. Adding some complexity are notes of local herbs and smoke. As with the '07, this wine really punches a level or two above most other wines in the region and, while more expensive than the norm in the south, this is a bargain given the quality. A wine true to its southern France roots. Lovely stuff here. Tasted July 2014.
3.5 Stars
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