Monika Janek
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Following (2)
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Reviews (175)
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A lover of everything related to wine!
IT professional in the software/film industry, pianist, DJ, electronic music producer, figure skater...all these activities keep Monika busy. Her real love, however, is wine. She has completed the Advanced level with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) but has now decided to study wine making through the distance program at UC Davis California starting in January 2012. She also has a blog where she shares her adventures to various wine regions and events. Yummy wine made from yummy grapes!
www.theyummygrape.com
Reviews
The Paring Red 2007, California
California, Usa$30.25
This big red consists mostly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a few other varietals thrown into the mix. It has a cool herbal, savory note on the nose. With hints of mocha, dense blackberry and cassis fruit, this Cali wine gives back to the community. It does have some heat due to it's elevated alcohol level but it's not the focus. A delicious, smooth wine overall. An interesting note, Pairing is the smaller sibling to the famed Jonata winery. Tasted September 2012.
4.0 Stars
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Domaine Latour Giraud Les Narvaux Meursault 2008, Ac
Burgundy, France$45.95
Delicious. Lots of flavour of peachy buttery goodness. I loved the stone aromas. Great acidity. A lovely Burgundian wine. The finish was quite long.
4.0 Stars
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Freeman Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast
California, Usa$35.70
In celebration of the rapture on this fine May 21, I headed to the tasting bar! The Freeman was on the menu. Good fruit, but not overly fruity as in some California Pinots. Very soft and smooth. Good Pinot Noir from Sonoma. I don't know if I'd pay $44.95 for it though. It's a bit too expensive for this Pinot.
4.0 Stars
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Antica Chardonnay 2010, Napa Valley
California, Usa$26.75
As theToronto International Film Festival descends upon the city for ten days of glitz and glamour, why not celebrate the star-studded week with a wine from California's most famous region - Napa Valley. The Anitca 2010 Chardonnay goes against the often stereotypical role of big, buttery and brutish. It resembles a classy Hollywood star from the 40s: smooth and elegant with considerable length. Displaying flavours of lemon and pear with hints of spice, the mineral notes shine through. The oak takes a step back from the limelight.
4.0 Stars
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Domaine De Fontavin Terre D'ancêtres Châteauneuf Du Pape 2010, Ac
Rhône, France$28.25
A stylish and structured wine. Blackberries, spice, hints of mocha and garrigue. Firm tannins. All parts working together in harmony. Excellent finish. Tasted February 2013.
4.0 Stars
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La Bastide Saint Dominique Châteauneuf Du Pape 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$42.95
I wandered into my local hangout spot - the Summerhill tasting bar. Yeah, I'll admit to it. I went in this time because I knew this bottle was up for tasting. I loved it. I would drink this now and enjoy it, I would put it away and still enjoy it. I think I spent about 10 minutes just smelling it. So much going on with the nose - bright red fruit and spice . Lots on the palate as well. It brought me back to the times I spent wandering the narrow roads of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I'm definitely going to pick this up for my collection. I'm sure it won't last long in my house.
4.0 Stars
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Bonnaire Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs Vintage Brut Champagne 2004
Champagne, France$44.75
Recently introduced to this house, I'm quite impressed. This bubbly has finesse. Aromas of apple, pear, and hazelnuts entice while the palate showcases a creaminess balanced by that supporting acidity. Lemon pulp notes round off the finish with a lasting and refreshing length. Great value for what you will undoubtedly enjoy in the glass. Tasted February 2013.
3.5 Stars
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Rocca Delle Macìe Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$21.75
A lovely Tuscan wine for just under $25. Spice, earth, leather, fruit...it has it all there in good balance.
3.5 Stars
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Stratus Gewurztraminer 2009, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$24.25
A beautiful expression of this grape variety. I'm impressed. It's so well balanced and leaves you with a lingering finish. Wonderful flavour with enough acidity to hold it's own. A slight spice at the end. Delicious.
3.5 Stars
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Lallier Grande Réserve Grand Cru Brut Champagne
Champagne, France$48.95
Wonderful Champagne. Great balance of fruit, mineral and biscuit flavours. Everything is just so well integrated and the finish is long.
3.5 Stars
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