Da Ne

Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Over the top, lacks purity and balance. Secondary aromas masked by fruit and oak

Le Serre Nuove Dell’ornellaia 2014, Bolgheri

Still quite tight, cracked pepper, ripe fruit and green/herbal notes (the herbaciousness of the petit verdot stands out quite a bit more than the cab's). Good length, oak, concerntrated, but in no way a value

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling 2014

Solid riesling. Dry with good weight, bright orchard and a hint of citrus fruit as well as mineral focus. It has a slight lactic character reminiscent of chenin blanc from the loire. Really good stuff, youthful, not super complex, but delicious.

Poggio Verrano Chance 2007, Igt Maremma Toscana

Evolved character, but has bright fruit and youthful acidity. The aromatics are superb; menthol, ripe fruit, fresh red fruit, dead leaves, tabacco and a hint of lead pencil. It retains the 15% alcohol well, but although I am particular fond of high-acid wine, the acidity is almost too high at times (perhaps with rare meats). Although the structure does not live up the nose, it is a very good wine and a decent value. (first rated higher)

Malagousia Tetramythos 2014, Pgi Achaia

Loads of citrus, good viscosity, a tad mineral, decent balance. Not the best value found thus far in greece but overall quite good.

Domaine De La Borde Arbois Pupillin Terre Du Lias 2014

I am not sure why these are not selling out at the SAQ (cote de caillot chardonnay and foudre a canon savagnin are grown on three seperate parcels of the same vinyard resulting in three distinct, but equally top shelf wines). They bring far more to the table than you will get in this price range from burgundy or anywhere else for that matter.

Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Nice nose, heavy on the overripe tropical fruit peel, pepper, burnt flint, and cat pee. On the palate it is off balance and finishes thin and awkward.

Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko Athiri 2015, Santorini

Planeta Cerasuolo Di Vittoria 2014, Cerasuolo Di Vittoria

From the only DOCG in Sicily. Fantastic aromas of sweet cranberry, spice, mineral, floral and cured meat (much like homemade capicollo)on the nose, reminiscent of that classic Italian 'cantina' smell (those of you who spent time in nonno/nonna's basement workshops will undoubtedly relate!). On the palate, it is juicy and vibrant and remains true to the olfactory characteristics. However it is showing some rather intense bitterness on the finish which is throwing off a style of wine that is typically right up my alley.

Tetramythos Kalavryta 2014

This has been a repeat purchase on my end, which is rare. Savoury, leathery, cherry and berry flavours integrate beautifully in this wine. Purity and balance, and a price point that gets me overly excited. Makes me think of a trousseau /gamay/pinot/sangiovese blend...if that makes any sense. kind of reminiscent of Jura reds... Definitely worth a shot..interesting and delicious with good backbone. In my books this is one of the top contenders for top spot under 20 at the SAQ