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
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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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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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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Domaine De Beaurenard Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$43.95
When you say Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you normally think of red wine but there are some great whites to be had! This is one of them. Loved it. Damn you Châteauneuf! Damn you for being so delicious. This white is made from a blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Rousanne. My wine buying is getting out of control. :)
3.5 Stars
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Duckhorn Merlot 2008, Napa Valley
California, Usa$59.95
I am NOT drinking any Merlot! Ah the famous line from Sideways. I enjoyed this Merlot. :) I attempted to go to this winery when I was in Napa but got there too late - they had closed for the day.
You can feel the heat of the alcohol, but it's not overpowering. Great fruit with decent length. Wines from Duckhorn don't come cheap but they are often enjoyable.
3.5 Stars
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La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma County
California, Usa$45.95
Lots of red berry fruit and wonderful, lingering spice. It's not that typical overly fruity style that is sometimes associated with California pinots. I enjoyed it.
3.5 Stars
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Beringer Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley
California, Usa$22.95
I had this wine at the recent Wine Align Beringer tasting at Sassafraz. I had it both at the reception before the event then again during the structured tasting. I enjoyed it more at the reception only because I had it in a larger wine glass. I could swirl it around a lot more and really get my nose in it. :) I know those ISO glasses are standard for tasting, but the larger glasses are way more fun. There's some oak, but not too much. Good fruit with a hint of spice. It's a perfect wine to enjoy on a patio this summer. It's a nice California chard.
3.5 Stars
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Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2009, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$35.20
A wonderful example of how well the Riesling grape variety can thrive here in Ontario. With lively, dancing acidity, it shows beautiful notes of green apple, citrus, mineral and hints of petrol. I'll take another glass please...fill it up!
3.5 Stars
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2009, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$17.95
A soft and charming Gewurtzraminer. If I were to try this blind, I would have guessed that this wine came from Alsace. With classic aromas and flavours associated with the grape variety, this wine is finely balanced. tt has some spice and finishes nice. An off-dry, good-value example of what New Zealand has to offer.
3.5 Stars
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Allende 2006, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$29.95
Smooth, a little juicy, a little smoky - a great value for all that this wine from Rioja has to offer. With soft, integrated tannins, I'm sure it will please most. I had to buy a bottle for myself!
3.5 Stars
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