It's only wine but I like it

Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2015, Docg

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.

Leeuwenkuil Shiraz 2016, Swartland

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.

Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2015, Pdo Naoussa, Macedonia

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.

Feudo Maccari Noto Nero D'avola 2015, Sicilia

Bright, fresh, vibrant, this Nero d'Avola is a cut above. Brisk acidity, with crisp red cherry/cranberry fruit, backed by smoke and spice. Oak is all but invisible and tannin is soft and approachable. Stellar value from Sicily! Tasted Sep 2018.

Baracchi O'lillo 2015, Igt Toscana

Medium bodied, with bright crisp red fruit and noted acidity would have me believe more Sangiovese than the 1/4 actually present. A bit lean and tart with an average finish. Certainly needs food (think tomato-based pasta or pizza). Decent enough but not especially impressive. I wonder if a couple of years in the bottle might improve this. Tasted Oct 2018.

Coltibuono Cetamura Chianti 2015

A fresh lively Chianti, mostly Sangiovese with no oak (I can't taste any and Coltibuono's website seems to imply no oak in this non-Classico Chianti). Sour cherry, fine acidity and more depth than I would have expected in a $16 wine from Tuscany. Delicious and exactly what I look for in an inexpensive Chianti. For drinking now through end of 2019. Tasted July 2018.

Lua Cheia Old Vines Red 2015, Doc Douro

Not quite up to the '14, this is still a solid Douro red. Appealing dark fruit, youthful, and very drinkable. Light tannin and some lemony acidity on the medium finish. Not sure this will age very long, but fine for drinking over the next couple of years. Nice value. Tasted Feb 2018.

Vale Do Bomfim 2015, Doc Douro

A bit floral on the nose. Dark fruit and spice dominant the flavours along with some medicinal notes (I find common to Douro reds - not a fault) and turning a bit sour on the finish. Hard to go wrong at the price. Tasted March 2018.

Charles Tort Old Vines 2015, Cotes Du Rhone

No thing of grace, this is still a solid red with good south Rhone character. Very ripe, with notes of local herbs and pepper. A bit rough and ready, and finishes with some heat. Agree with Steve, chill this just a bit. Being discontinued at the LCBO, this is on sale for just over $11 - a deal at that price. Tasted May 2019.

Ramirez De La Piscina Crianza 2013, Doca Rioja

re-tasted Nov 2018. Consistent notes,

Quite a rich, ripe Rioja here. Seems well evolved with a fairly hefty dose of oak. The wood is not overdone, just a bit heavy for my tastes. Tasted June 2018.