Monika Janek
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Followers (5)
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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
Château Des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2008, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$13.75
A beautiful Riesling. I took it to a party and drank most of it. Oops. Off-dry with long finish. It's a great expression of how well this grape performs here in Ontario!
3.5 Stars
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Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
California, Usa$29.95
Soft tannins and sweet red fruit with a slight cinnamon spice. This pinot noir comes to us from the beautiful cooler Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara California. Balanced, approachable and enjoyable. Tasted September 2012.
3.5 Stars
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E. Guigal Gigondas 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$36.95
Blackberry, blueberry, herbal notes, spice and those garrigue notes coming from the Grenache (although not as strong). This wine is packed with flavour. Dense is a great word to describe it. Fruit and soft tannins are integrated beautifully. E. Guigal is a reliable producer and this Gigondas is one such example.
3.5 Stars
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Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley
California, Usa$83.95
Chocolate and vanilla notes with plenty of fruit to be enjoyed. Smooth tannins. Slight heat on the finish but not distracting. Tasted September 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Wo Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa$28.95
Exhibiting a nose of bell pepper, cedar with hints of tar. Fresh herbs are supported by dark berry fruit. At 15% alcohol, it's quite balanced with sound acidity. Tasted October 2012.
3.5 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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Majella Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
South Australia, Australia$33.95
A delicious example coming from Coonawarra. A juicy wine yet not dense or cloying. Tannins that are well integrated with mild acidity. Flavours of cloves, mocha, blueberry, cassis, eucalyptus, and lots of cool herbs such as mint dance both on the nose and palate. Although the mint definitely takes center stage. This wine has an excellent succulent finish. Tasted 2013.
3.5 Stars
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Calera Chardonnay 2011, Central Coast
California, Usa$24.95
A well-balanced combination between fruit and oak. The length is very good with a hint of warmth on the finish. Good value. Tasted March 2013.
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Fouassier Les Grands Groux Sancerre 2010
Loire, France$24.95
A mineral-driven sauvignon blanc from vines tended with organic and biodynamic methods. Fermented with wild yeast and work in the cellar based on the lunar calendar. A wonderful assortment of zesty citrus, pineapple, ripe pear, dense mineral, and dried herbs to inspire the nose and palate.
3.5 Stars
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La Maison Du Crémant Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Ac, Burgundy, France
Burgundy, France$17.95
This yummy sparkler is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (the usual grapes coming from Burgundy). For the money, you won't be disappointed. It's an affordable and enjoyable alternative to a more costly Champagne.
3.5 Stars
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