A Niagara red Bordeaux blend that rivals, if not surpasses, many of its French counterparts… This bold, juicy red blend from Stratus Winery in Niagara offers plenty of complexity and balance in an Old-World style. Dark jammy fruit, black pepper, leather, and savoury spice dominate the nose, although we enjoyed the semi-sweet chocolate notes and … Read more
An indigenous Italian varietal from Kellerei Meran, and one well worth a look, if not two… We received this wine as a gift from one of our esteemed Austrian-Italian-German colleagues, who billed it as his favourite red. Based on this trusted source, we couldn’t wait to give it a try after allowing it to settle … Read more
A bold, juicy Cabernet Sauvignon from Joel Gott Wines… If you enjoy big, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon, look no further than this offering from Joel Gott Wines in Napa Valley, California. Well-balanced, complex, and well-made, this new world red offers plenty of aromas, most notably vanilla and cooked fruit, as well as an array of flavours, … Read more
A dry-to-off-dry Pinot Noir, with plenty of fruit and spice… This Pinot Noir from Francis Ford Coppola Winery left an impression through its vibrant red fruit, mostly raspberries and plums, and plentiful spice, largely allspice and cloves. Made in a new world style, this wine might not appeal to Pinot Noir purists. Saying that, we … Read more
A surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, good Cabernet blend from the well-known Amarone and Ripasso producer, Zenato… We thoroughly enjoyed this Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend, weighted on the Cabernet Sauvignon side, from Sansonina, the second label of the well-known Northern Italian producer, Zenato. A well-balanced, complex offering, and the tannins, although drying, did not … Read more
A vibrant, complex Syrah from Walla Walla Valley in Washington State… This Syrah from Waterbrook Winery in Walla Walla Valley, a region located to the south of the Columbia Valley in Washington State, impressed us with its combination of vibrancy and structure. It offered an aromatic bouquet of dark currants, red currants, vanilla, and cedar … Read more
A bright, balanced, and enticing Barolo from Poderi Colla in Piedmont, Italy… This Dardi Le Rose Bussia Barolo from Poderi Colla in Piedmont, Italy offered an enticing mix of balance, complexity, and structure. Red cherries, savoury spices, uncooked red meat, and tomato sauce in nose combined with tart, red cherries, white pepper, savoury spice, and … Read more
A smooth, complex red blend from Côtes du Rhône Villages at a tremendous price… This Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend, Plan de Dieu from Domaine Le Grand Retour in Côtes du Rhône Villages offered plenty of complexity in both the nose and mouth. Ostensibly part of God’s plan—hence the name—we appreciated the smoothness of this wine, … Read more
A balanced, easy-drinking Soave from Northern Italy… This 2014 Suavia from Soave in Italy, made from 100% Garganega, offered plenty of citrus flavours to complement almond, mineral, and white pepper notes. We particularly enjoyed the hints of spearmint and ginger in the nose, although we found the bitterness in the finish a little off-putting. Light-to-medium … Read more
A fruity, fragrant, and intense Gewϋrztraminer from Alsace… This Gewϋrztraminer from Maison Pierre Sparr Successeurs in Alsace, France, a full-bodied, nicely balanced white, offered a concentrated bouquet of tropical and floral notes on the nose and an intense mix of sweet, ripe fruit, honey, lemon rind, as well as a hint of spice in the … Read more