Kevin Donato
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Following (1)
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Reviews (125)
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Reviews
Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2008, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$35.20
A brilliant yellow with an intense nose of cooked brown pear and pineapple. The oak aged nuances were of caramel, toast and biscuit. There was a hint of a toasted nut that added a certain earthen profile, almost sulfurous, that married quite well. The heavyweight palate had the cooked fruits at the forefront, but balanced by an acidity that kept the wine well-structured. Great length with a more earthen-type finish. Enjoy now, but will hold. (Jan 12, 2011)
4.0 Stars
Closson Chase Chardonnay 2009, VQA Prince Edward County, Closson Chase Vineyard, Unfiltered
Ontario, Canada$27.95
A smoky, crisp and mineral-rich style of expression. Granny smith apple, fresh peach puree and just a touch of butter make for a pleasing mixture. Great length.
Jan 2013
4.0 Stars
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Eyrie Pinot Gris 2009, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley
Oregon, Usa$21.95
An elegant example of pinot gris. Honey, apricots, brown pear, sweet spices and wet slate. Dry, creamy, full-bodied texture with balanced acidity. Great length. Oct 2012
4.0 Stars
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Ferngrove Shiraz 2007, Frankland River, Western Australia
Australia$19.95
The fruit profile is bordering between red and black, rather than the intense black fruit profile of shiraz grown in hotter climates. Think strawberry jam, ripe black cherry, and black plum. Has elements of cocoa bean and a touch of smooth cigarbox from the oak. The palate is plush with an acidic and soft tannic backbone which keeps the wine structured. A nice length. Ready now but will likely hold for another year. (Jan 12, 2011)
4.0 Stars
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Séguinot Bordet Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2010, Ac
Burgundy, France$29.95
More intense than ordinary Chablis. Notes of lemon rind and crisp green apple, wet stone and smoky flint. The palate is medium-light bodied with refreshing acidity. Briny undertones and nice length. Oysters anyone? Great value. Nov 2012
4.0 Stars
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Bodegas Lan Reserva 2007, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$21.95
Medium ruby colour with a jammy strawberry, sundried olive and earthy nose. Medium-full body with a good acidic structure and soft tannin. The fruit translates through and there is a touch of mincemeat. Great length and well balanced. Sept 2012
3.5 Stars
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Dante Rivetti Bricco Riserva Barbaresco 2004, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$38.35
Garnet in colour with tawnied rim. Generous nose of dried fruits, strawberry, caramel, with sweet cinnamon and nutmeg spices. The palate is medium-bodied and has grippy tannins (especially sensed in the finish). Dried fruits, toffee, cinnamon, pecan flavours. Generous length. Lay it down a while or serve with some protein to mop up the tannins. Feb 2011.
3.5 Stars
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Disznókö Late Harvest Furmint 2008, Tokaji
Hungary$21.95
This deeply golden, late-harvest wine had a developing nose of stonefruits, orange marmalade and orange pekoe tea. It also had an interesting wooded-like scent that reminded me of an antique shop. The palate is medium-sweet with balancing acidity and generous body. Think dried apricot, marmalade and a cup of tea (with two lumps). Excellent length. (Feb 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2010, Mendoza
Argentina$11.95
2011 vintage
Medium-deep ruby colour with an intense youthful nose of black currant, blackberry, pencil lead and a touch of roots.
The palate has a balanced acidity and soft tannin for its medium-full weight and a juicy, fruit-forward character.
Feb 2013
3.5 Stars
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Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2010, Marlborough
New Zealand$19.95
Medium ruby colour. Nose of red cherry, wildberry bush and leaves. The palate has a pleasing tart cherry with cranberry. Medium body, good acidic structure, the tannins are on the firmer side but the overall mouthfeel is pleasing. Nice length. (Oct 2012)
3.5 Stars
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