It's only wine but I like it

Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do Ut Des 2011, Igt Toscana

Rich, but impeccably balanced Tuscan blend. Ripe red fruits, with amazing concentration and refreshing acidity on the finish. Complex, with perfectly integrated barrel ageing. Still quite youthful and with a long, long finish. For me, the best wine I have yet tasted in 2017, perhaps the best in the last few years. Stellar wine here, and picked up on sale for about $30. Should keep several more years with no concern. Tasted August 2017.

Trapiche Reserve Syrah 2013, Mendoza

A straightforward, no nonsense wine. Ripe blackberry fruit, along with hints or herbeceousness and a bit of black pepper. Relatively low tannin and a hint of sweetness (9g/L), which is no surprise at the price point. Quite fairly price at $12. Crowd-pleaser for sure. tasted May 2015.

Lafage Côté Sud 2012, Igp Côtes Catalanes

Authentically southern France. Ripe dark berry fruit, along with the notes of local herbs I find so attractive in these wines. Sufficient tannin to stand up to most meats. Thankfully, the ripeness and alcohol does not go over the top. Wish I had tasted it earlier as this is a cracking value and looks like there is very little left on LCBO shelves for me to buy more. tasted May 2015.

Trapiche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

A simple Cab from the Mendoza, but a bit odd. On one hand, it has ripe fruit, yet it still has a notable herbaceous note (high yields no doubt) - reminds me a bit on cool climate Cab Franc. Anyway, balance is ok and its decent with food. Nothing special though. Drink now. Tasted May 2015.

Casa Castillo El Molar 2011, Do Jumilla

big, soft, ripe and cuddly. easy to like, with lots of alcohol.

Aubert Visan Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2013, Ac

Well, the label claims 75% Grenache/25% Syrah. Certainly, the Syrah component makes its presence felt, with noted black pepper and spice along side the ripe red fruit. A hint of bug spray (which I get sometimes from syrah)detracts a bit - became more apparent on night 2. Tasted March 2016.

Meandro Do Vale Meão 2012, Doc Douro

Re-tasted Aug 2017: A couple of years of bottle age have made a big difference - lovely now and will keep. upgraded 1 pt.

Original note: A bit brooding and intense at the moment, certainly not giving all it can. Behind the tannin is plenty of ripe fruit, cedar, hints of vanilla, and fine length. Complexity and charm will come with age. To my taste, this is not ready for full enjoyment, but has fine potential. Hold until 2018, should keep into the '20s without concern. Tasted May 2015.

Maçanita Red 2012, Doc Douro

Agree with David and JS, this is well made, ripe Douro with some good backbone. Not the complexity or finish of top examples of the region, but representing good value. Tasted April 2017.

Lento Lamezia Riserva 2010, Doc

Re-tasted nearly a year after my first tasting, this is still a superb red. Perhaps the tannin has softened a bit but fresh and going strong. Drink now or hold a few more years.
Original note:
What a classic southern Italian wine. A very complex mix of dried fruits, herbs, ripe red fruit. To me, the tannin still seem quite powerful, though did not detract at all. Love this now, but I think even better in 18-24 months. Glad I bought a second bottle. A steal on sale at $15.75.

Quinta Do Mondego 2009, Doc Dão

A nicely balanced, complex red from the Dao. Firm, with ripe fruit and vibrant acidity. Yet, somehow it was just slightly underwhelming for $20. It just seemed a bit plodding and never really soared. Still, a well made wine..perhaps just needs a year or two. Tasted March 2015.