It's only wine but I like it
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Following (3)
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Reviews (1266)
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Reviews
Honoro Vera Monastrell 2015, Dop Jumilla
Murcia, Spain$13.95
Very ripe, fruity Monastrell (aka Mourvedre). Blueberry fruit, almost jammy (but not quite over the top) dominates with some light tannin and welcome acidity on the finish. Wood is a minor player here. Superb value and a very nice rec by David and Michael. Tasted Feb 2017.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Santa Julia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Mendoza, Argentina$9.95
A bit lean and herbal, much like some Niagara reds. Little cabernet character at all and a fairly abrupt finish. Reminds me why I ante up the extra few bucks for superior wines. ON sale for $11.95 and not worth a penny more than that. tasted May 2017.
3.0 Stars
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Château D'or Et De Gueules Les Cimels 2013, Ac Costières De Nîmes
Rhône, France$15.95
While no model of refinement, this is a tasty south French red. The syrah really takes front stage for me, with plenty of spice/pepper-infused black fruit. A bit lean and just medium bodied, very fresh and lively. A bit rough and rustic, but all the more charming for it. Easy purchase. Tasted March 2017.
3.0 Stars
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Château Des Demoiselles 2014, Ac Castillon Côtes De Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France$17.95
A cool climate, slightly lean Merlot-based right bank for the good 2014 vintage. Herbal notes mixed in with tart fruit, and a bit of green pepper. Reminds me of a Niagara red but enough ripeness a complexity to raise this above most similarly price Niagara reds. A clear step up from the '11, though I'd like to see a bit more ripeness. Tasted July 2019.
3.0 Stars
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Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc 2015, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$13.95
A fresh, light-medium bodied cab franc with herbal-tinged red fruits, low tannin and a relatively short-finish. The decent '15 vintage has helped keep the nasty vegetal side of this variety at bay. Straightforward red that is reasonably priced and better than most in Niagara at the price. Nice warm day sipper. Chill a bit before serving. Tasted June 2017.
3.0 Stars
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Domaine Jaume Vinsobres Altitude 420 2014, Vinsobres
Rhône, France$12.75
A solid example from the Vinsobres AC, with good depth and plenty of regional character. The fairly high % of syrah (40%) shows in the peppery notes. The main detraction here is some noted bitterness on the finish. Perhaps the vintage, which was good if not great? in any case, an enjoyable enough bbq wine for sure. Tasted June 2017,
3.0 Stars
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Crasto 2015, Doc Douro
Douro, Portugal$17.95
It's been a few years since this Crasto bottling has been on the LCBO shelves. This used to be a go-to quality value wine. Now, it's up $2 in prices since we last saw it and the product, while still good, certainly is not up to the 2011. The '15, while still with some pleasant darker berry fruit, is lighter and leaner than prior vintages and finishes with a bit of sharp acidity. Still, a good wine, but not the compelling value it once was. Tasted May 2018.
3.0 Stars
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Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2015
Piedmont, Italy$7.25
(note of the 2016 vintage) A straightforward Piedmont red here, with bright red cherry fruit, low tannin, crisp acidity...just as I would expect from barbera. Very smooth and little oak. Nothing complex, but I would not have expected such in a sub $12 wine. Apparently, that is the discounted price for a wine being discontinued. A shame, that - this is a fine pizza/pasta wine for little $. Tasted Sep 2018.
3.0 Stars
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Jean Luc Colombo Les Forots Côtes Du Rhône 2015, Ac
Rhône, France$18.25
What a harmonious CdR this is. Medium bodied, with pepper and spice inflected dark fruits, firm tannin and noted (though not our of balance) acidity. Pure, long and delicious. Nearly equal blend of Grenache and Syrah. $18 on sale is a steal (alas, no more available). Tasted Aug 2018.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Rocca Delle Macìe Chianti Riserva 2014
Tuscany, Italy$13.95
A simple, no nonsense Chianti, made from non-Classico region grapes. 24 months in large oak are what earn this wine its Riserva label. Seems that Rocca Della Macie have dialed back the oak influence since I last had this wine several vintages ago. This allows the modest, but pleasant herbal-tinged red sour cherry fruit to take center stage. A wine for the table with simple tomato based fare. Reasonably priced at $15.95 (this was purchased sale for $13.95). Tasted Sept 2017.
3.0 Stars
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