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
Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Clos Landry 1er Cru 2008, Ac, Château De Beaune
Burgundy, France$24.90
Delicious. A very well made Chardonnay from Burgundy. Noticeable length on the finish with some notes of lemon. Slightly oaked to make it ever so delicate. 89-90 for sure.
3.5 Stars
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Cave De Turckheim Brand Riesling 2008, Ac Alsace Grand Cru
Alsace, France$24.95
An elegant wine from Alsace. Lots of minerality and citrus with a lingering softness on the finish. Dry with lively acidity that dazzle the palate. I certainly enjoyed this!
3.5 Stars
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Ramón Bilbao Tempranillo Gran Reserva 2004, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$27.95
I knew I'd love this the moment I nosed it. Wow. Excellent wine with lots to enjoy. It has ceder, spice and everything nice. Great body with soft black fruits. The tannins were very nicely integrated. If you need to pick up a holiday gift for a wine lover, I'm sure they would love this. I would too (hint hint). :)
3.5 Stars
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Benmarco Expresivo 2008, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$25.95
Lots of chocolate and dark fruit. Interesting blend with the Tannat in there.A mouthful of spice with a great finish. I really enjoyed this fine blend from Argentina. A great way to kick off the holidays!
3.5 Stars
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Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
California, Usa$24.95
This Vintages LCBO release featured California Cabs. This wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot with some Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. This wine showed ripe blueberry, chocolate, plum and violet. It's dry with soft, integrated tannins. It's a bit hot on the finish but other than that, it's well-balanced. At this price point, there is a lot to enjoy!
3.5 Stars
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Finca Nueva Reserva 2004, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$18.95
I'm in love! This wine will surely lure you into the boudoir this Valentine's day with it's silky sultry smoothness. It's typical Rioja. Wonderful nose with vanilla, chocolate and sweet ripe fruit. It's medium bodied so don't expect a macho-macho wine.
3.5 Stars
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Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago
Central Otago, New Zealand$24.95
Ripe red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and strawberry all mixed in together. This pinot is fruit driven but it's not too fruity as one might see in some new-world styles. A hint of spice added in for fun with very good length. I love to eat rabbit...err...I like to drink them too now. :)
3.5 Stars
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Château Saint Roch Chimères 2009, Ac Côtes Du Roussillon Villages
Languedoc, France$19.95
Lots to enjoy with this under $20 wine.
Main grape variety is Grenache with Syrah and Carignan supporting. This wine has lots of sweet, ripe fruit with aromas of "garrige" (think herbs de provence). It has a moderate length with slight heat to it. I savoured this wine with steak and a French film! Oui!
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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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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