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
Chateau Labarrade Malbec 2016, Cahors
Southwest, France$13.95
The fact that a wine from Cahors is using "Malbec" on the label indicates that these producers are trying to capture some of the consumers of Argentine Malbec. To my taste, this still firmly leans to the model of Cahors from the past. Lean, savoury, and much less fruit than Argentine Malbec. A bit tannic and finishing with tart acidity. Not alot of joy here on its own, but works well with food. Tasted June 2019.
3.5 Stars
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Rede Reserva 2011, Doc Douro
Douro, Portugal$14.95
Good value in Douro red made with the Touriga amigos (Roriz, Nacional, Franca). Mostly black fruits, with a solid kick of spice and coconut from the oak. Hanging in well for a 2011. Tasted May 2019.
3.5 Stars
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Clos Du Calvaire Châteauneuf Du Pape 2006
Rhône, France$34.95
A soft, approachable Chateauneuf, with typical notes of blackberries, herbs and spice. I also picked up a slight raisiny note of the finish. A good wine to be sure, but I think that there are other Gigondas or Vacqueras than can be had for $12-15 less than are superior wines. Drink now.
3.0 Stars
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Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2004
Douro, Portugal$19.95
Dark berry fruit, with notes of vanilla and coconut from the American-oak ageing. Finishes with a pleasant note of tartness. A very well made wine though I must admit I wish that they had use French oak as the flavours from the American oak distract from the fruit, in my opinion. Drinking well now.
3.0 Stars
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Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2006, Tuscany
Italy$24.95
Slighty sour red cherry along with earthy notes and bright acidity. Some firm tannin and quite a long finish. Perhaps a bit "old school" for some, but I really like the authenticity, especially in this age of homogeneity. Very nicely done. Drink now through to 2015, perhaps longer.
3.0 Stars
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ètim Selección 2006, Do Monsant
Spain$15.00
Full-bodied and mouth-filling, yet not at all over-the-top. Lots of fruit, with notes of smoke, and herbs. Decent structure to allo ageing up to about 5 years or so, but why wait? At $15, just a great value. Niagara producers should try this before trying to sell inferior reds at double the price.
3.0 Stars
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Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas 2007, Doc Douro
Portugal$14.75
What a great introduction to Portuguese reds. Thankfully, the oak is well in the background (the wine is partially aged in stainless steel), allowing the uniqueness of the indigenous varieties (Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional) to shine through. Pure flavours, good complexity and good length.May not appeal to those who drink internationalized corporate Merlots and Cabs, but I loved it. And at just $16, a great deal.
3.0 Stars
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Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir 2007, VQA Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$29.95
Tasted at the winery shortly after release, I found that this wine was giving little. Certainly some gritty tannin, and nicely ripened fruit, but seemed a bit muted, perhaps closed. Difficult to evaluate. I passed at the price, though I will re-taste in the future to see if is opening up a bit/
3.0 Stars
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Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$30.00
Notes of red cherries, with noted smoke-vanilla from the French oak. Quite silky on the palate but seems overall to be a bit shy of fruit. A good pinot but I expected more. A bit overpriced @ $25. Drink now.
3.0 Stars
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Les Vignerons Du Castelas Vieilles Vignes Signargues Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$16.95
Ripe red fruits, with touches of smoke and black pepper. I don't find that the tannins are that prominant, but has enough structure to keep short term (though no need to do so, IMO). Quite a good Cotes du Rhone Villages, but I would say that this does not represent particularly great value....in the $14-15 range would be more appropriate.
3.0 Stars
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