It's only wine but I like it
|
Followers (11)
|
|
|
Following (3)
|
Reviews (1260)
|
Reviews
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
(0)V
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
(0)V
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
(0)G
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
(0)V
Pessoa Terroir Reserva Touriga Nacional 2015
Douro, Portugal$11.80
Well-balanced, medium-bodied Douro red from Pessoa. Fruit is nicely ripened with good acidity and fine tannin. Not sure if this wine is aged in oak, but little sign of wood in the flavours, which allows the toriga flavours to shine through. Holding another year or two isn't a bad idea. Nice value. Tasted Sept 2017.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
R De Romaneira 2014, Doc Douro
Douro, Portugal$15.95
Indeed, this is an easy-drinking, fruity Douro from Romaneira. Tannin is quite mild and the focus is on the fruit, derived from mostly from the usual local Portuguese varieties plus a bit of syrah. Easy to like, and fine to sip on any time. Tasted Nov 2017.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2015, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$23.95
A fresh, lively CC from Brolio, riding on the telltale Sangiovese acidity. Fruit is mostly in the red spectrum, with cherry and especially sour cherry flavours and virtually no oak in sight (or in taste). Tuscan, and more specifically, Chianti Classico through to the bone. A perfect match for lasagna and a fine way to end a dry January. Drinking nicely now but I suspect this should hold a few more years. Tasted Feb 1,2021.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Leeuwenkuil Shiraz 2016, Swartland
Swartland, South Africa$11.25
A ripe, balance Shiraz from Swartland. This is all about the fruit and terroir since the wine sees zero oak. Herbs and black pepper add support to the dark (but not over ripe) fruit and there is crisp acidity on the finish. While not overly complex, this is still very satisfying. Sharp value here! Tasted March 2018.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2015, Pdo Naoussa, Macedonia
Naoussa, Greece$12.75
Light-bodied, a bit lean with flavours of sour cherries, herbs, dried fruit and hints of leather. High in acidity and finishing with quite firm tannin. I love the style, though it is a bit less approachable than prior vintages. I'd suggest a decant or holding for another year or two. Still a fine bargain at $14....will buy another bottle to re-visit in 2 years. Tasted March 2018.
3.0 Stars
(0)V