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Wine Type
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Vintage
Name
Variety
Locale
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Date
Posted
Score
Helpful
Comments
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Red
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2011 Heitlinger Black Tie
Baden
Red Blend more
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2011 Weingut Heitlinger Black Tie is complex, earthy and delicately spiced. The developing Baden Blaufränkisch blend in clear and medium garnet in colour with traces of fine sediments. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and black pepper are accompanied by earth, leather and tobacco leaf.
On the palate, it is dry and verging full-bodied, matched with medium levels of balanced acidity and integrated tannin. Flavours of raspberry, plum sauce and cigar smoke transition to truffle and mocha persisted in a long, spiced finish. The Blaufränkisch blend exceeds my expectation by a wide margin. I also had great experience with the Pinot Noir from Heitlinger. The 13.5% alcohol is well-concealed. The empty bottle weighs 900 grams.
The blend is composed of 80% Blaufränkisch, 10% Pinot Noir and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is raised for eighteen to twenty four months in new oak barrels.
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White
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2018 Domaine Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Lieu-dit Verlieu
Viognier more
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2018 Domaine Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Lieu-dit Verlieu is rich and profoundly perfumed, yet maintaining freshness and precision. Sealed under a cork-taint-free DIAM-30 cork, the youthful Viognier is clear and pale gold in colour without any sediments. Expressive aromas of jasmine, orange blossom and nectarine are followed by white pepper and lactic notes of cream and yogurt.
The full-bodied mouthfeel is matched by a dash of spices and a medium level of acidity. Flavours of apricot, pineapple and honeysuckle morph into yakult and citrus peel in a long, mineral-laced finish. The 14.5% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 594 grams.
The vines are cultivated on a steep southeastern-facing slope on well-drained granite soils. The wine is raised for 12 months on fine lees in 228-litre Burgundy barrels and 3000-litre wooden barrels in equal parts.
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Red
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2014 Château Lafite Rothschild
Pauillac
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2014 Château Lafite Rothschild is nuanced and has a regal concentration of black fruits. From a half-bottle, the developing Pauillac is deep ruby in colour with a trace of fine sediments. The wine is aerated for six hours before service. Graceful aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and black plum are accompanied by mint, ceder and tilted soil. Notes of cocoa, liquorice and a hint of rust-alike funkiness gradually unfold in the glass.
The mouthfeel is dry and verging full-bodied, with medium-high levels of acidity and finely grained tannin. A sense of stony minerals morphs into cassis, mocha, grilled mushroom and cigar smoke in a long, remarkable finish. I adore its unforced depth and elegant package. The empty half-bottle weighs 321 grams. The alcohol level is quite civilised at 12.5%.
The blend is composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The wine is raised in 100% new oak barrels.
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Red
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2020 Kellerei Cantina Andrian Lagrein Tor di Lupo Riserva
Alto Adige - Südtirol
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2020 Kellerei Andrian Tor di Lupo Riserva is complex yet precise. The youthful Lagrein is clear and deep ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. The wine is aerated in-bottle for three hours before service. Compact aromas of blackberry, black plum, dark chocolate and violet are followed by earth, smoke and tobacco.
The dry and full-bodied texture is framed by relatively high levels of acidity and velvety tannin. Intense flavours of forest berries, truffle chocolate and grilled mushroom transition to cigar and Pu'et black tea in a long, mineral-driven finish. The 14% alcohol is well-concealed. The empty bottle weighs 553 grams. It was for sure a top-quality Lagrein, on the same level as Bozen Prestige in my opinion.
Only brief viticulture information is provided on the winery website. The vines on free draining gravel soil, at 250 meters above sea level. The wine is raised in new French oak barrels.
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Red
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2018 Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Réserve du Domaine
Niagara Peninsula VQA
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2018 Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Réserve du Domaine tastes more evolved than what I expect for a five-year-old wine. The developing Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir is clear and pale garnet in colour without any sediments. Its colour is surprisingly tawny for its age, indicating prolonged barrel maturation or oxidative winemaking methods. Varietal characters of red cherry, dried raspberry, rose and earth are followed by leather, liquorice and milk chocolate.
On the palate, it is dry and medium-bodied, with a relatively low level of easygoing tannin and a high level of tart acidity. There are consistent flavours of dried berries, raisin, mushroom and baking spices in a medium finish. The alcohol level is 13%. The empty bottle weighs 598 grams. I feel that the intensity and the extraction do not support the extensive barrel maturation. I'd probably prefer a fruity Niagara Pinot that tastes like tart cranberry juice.
The vines are cultivated on limestone-rich glacial soil in Niagara. The wine is raised in 20% to 25% new oak barrels for sixteen to eighteen months.
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Red
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2020 Cantina Terlan Merlot Riserva Siebeneich
Alto Adige - Südtirol
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2020 Kellerei Terlan Siebeneich Merlot Riserva masterfully combines precision and complexity. The youthful Südtirol Merlot is clear and medium ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. Charming aromatics of blueberry, cranberry, red plum and lilac jumped out of the glass. It is accompanied by tilted soil, cocoa, mint and a hint of blood.
The dry and verging full-bodied mouthfeel is matched with a medium level of acidity and a rather high level of polished tannin. Flavours of bramble, blackberry and Oriental spices transition to ferrous minerals and dark chocolate in a long, mineral-driven finish. The 14% alcohol level is well-concealed. The empty bottle weighs 636 grams.
Compared to Kellerei Bozen Merlot from the same vineyard, Terlan's expression is more fruity and elegant. The high intensity of bloody iron-like minerals of Bozen's counterpart could be somewhat off-putting to the uninitiated. Its aromatic profile reminds me of Craggy Range Sophia, though Terlan Siebeneich Merlot feels more delicate and mineral-driven on the palate. While it may not have the intensity and richness of the most lauded expression of Merlot, its complexity is certainly up there.
The Merlot vines are cultivated on a gentle south-to-southwest-facing slope, on well-drained sand and quartz soil, interspersed with volcanic rocks. The wine is raised in a combination of barriques (50%) and large wooden barrels (50%).
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White
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2022 Cantina Terlan Terlano Terlaner Cuvée
White Blend more
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2022 Kellerei Terlan Cuvée Terlaner is perfumed, precise and mineral-driven. The youthful Südtirol white blend is clear and pale lemon in colour. Expressive aromatics of pear, green apple and grapefruit are followed by elderflower and white pepper. Underneath are complexities of white bread, almond, basil and sage herbs.
The dry and medium-bodied mouthfeel is matched with a high level of natural acidity and an intense core of salty minerals. There are consistent flavours of pear drop, citrus fruits, complex herbs and white blossom in a long finish with a slight phenolic grip. The 13.5% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 650 grams.
The blend is composed of 60% Pinot Blanc, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. The vines are cultivated on well-draining, light sandy loam soil, on a quartz porphyry bedrock of volcanic origin. The wine is raised in a combination of inert steel tanks (80%) and and large wooden barrels (20%).
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Red
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2019 Kellerei Bozen / Cantina Bolzano Lagrein Alto Adige - Südtirol Grieser Riserva
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2019 Kellerei Bozen Geiser Lagrein Riserva is complex, smoky and full-bodied. Sealed under a TCA-free DIAM-5 cork, the developing Südtirol red wine is clear and medium ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. It requires two hours of in-bottle aeration to open up charming aromas of ripe red plum, red cherry and blueberry. It is accompanied with notes of violet, cocoa, tobacco and tilted soil.
The dry and full-bodied mouthfeel is matched with a medium level of balancing acidity and a rather high level of polished tannin. Sophisticated flavours of ripe berries and chocolate cake transition to graphite, grilled mushroom, clove and anise spices in a long, mineral-laced finish. The 13.5% alcohol is admirable for its concentration and rich texture. The empty bottle weighs 590 grams.
It is my first experience with Lagrein. The full-bodied palate, plush tannin texture, and notes of plum and tobacco are quite reminiscent of Merlot. Lovers of Right Bank Bordeaux will also find Lagrein from Südtirol appealing.
The vines are cultivated on sandy alluvial soil, on a steep south-facing slope, in Grives near Bolzano. The wine is raised in a combination of French barriques and large wooden casks.
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Red
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2019 Kellerei Bozen / Cantina Bolzano Merlot Riserva Siebeneich
Alto Adige - Südtirol
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2019 Kellerei Bozen Siebeneich Merlot is aromatically complex, stylish and mineral-driven. The developing Südtirol Merlot is clear and medium ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. It requires two hours of in-bottle aeration to open up sophisticated aromas of ripe red plum, fresh herbs, dark chocolate, blood and tobacco leaf. With five hours, notes of spring flowers, liquorice and anise spices emerge.
The mouthfeel is dry and full-bodied, with a medium level of balanced acidity and a medium-high level of polished tannin. On the mid-palate is a lucrative sense of blood or ferrous minerality. Flavours of blueberry, vanilla, truffle chocolate and fine spices persist in a long, mineral-driven finish. The 14.5% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 595 grams. The quality and mineral impact of Siebeneich Merlot can rival some traditionally well-regarded Merlot regions. It is definitely a surprise of my trip to Südtirol.
The Merlot vines are cultivated on reddish quartz porphyry soil in Siebeneich, which is a few kilometers west of Bolzano. The grapes benefit from the large diurnal temperature difference, developing phenolic ripeness while retaining its vibrancy. The wine is raised in a combination of French oak barrels and large wooden vats for about one year.
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Red
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2019 Kellerei Bozen / Cantina Bolzano Lagrein Alto Adige - Südtirol Riserva Prestige
more
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2019 Kellerei Bozen Geiser Lagrein Riserva is complex, smoky and full-bodied. Sealed under a TCA-free DIAM-5 cork, the developing Südtirol red wine is clear and medium ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. It requires two hours of in-bottle aeration to open up charming aromas of ripe red plum, red cherry and blueberry. It is accompanied with notes of violet, cocoa, tobacco sbd tilted soil.
The dry and full-bodied mouthfeel is matched with a medium level of balancing acidity and a rather high level of polished tannin. Sophisticated flavours of ripe berries and chocolate cake transition to graphite, grilled mushroom, clove and anise spices in a long, mineral-laced finish. The 13.5% alcohol is admirable for its concentration and rich textute. The empty bottle weighs 590 grams.
It is my first experience with Lagrein. The full-bodied palate, plush tannin texture, and notes of plum and tobacco are quite reminiscent of Merlot. Lovers of Right Bank Bordeaux will also find Lagrein from Südtirol appealing.
The vines are cultivated on sandy alluvial soil, on a steep south-facing slope, in Grives near Bolzano. The wine is raised in a combination of French barriques and large wooden casks.
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White
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2019 Bachelder Chardonnay "Ouest" Vineyard Wismer-Wingfield Vineyard
Twenty Mile Bench VQA
more
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2019 Bachelder Wismer-Wingfield Vineyard "Ouest" Chardonnay masterfully combines ripeness of fruits and freshness acidity. The youthful Niagara Chardonnay is clear and pale lemon in colour. The initial reductive, smoky notes dissipate over a couple of hours of in-bottle aeration. Aromas of baby corn, quince, pineapple and lemon are followed by vanilla and custard.
The dry and verging full-bodied mouthfeel was matched by a rather high level of rounded acidity. Flavours of ripe red apple, Japanese honeydew melon and nectarine morph into lemon meringue, saline minerals and subtle spices in a long, zesty finish. The 14% alcohol is consistent with the abundance of tropical and stone fruit flavours. The empty bottle weighs 609 grams.
The fruitiness and sweet tones reminiscent of corn, serve as unmistakable indicators of a New World Chardonnay. However, what distinguishes this wine is its pristine acidity and the judicious use of oak, elevating it above its counterparts.
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White
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2017 Lackner-Tinnacher Morillon Erste Lage STK Flamberg
Südsteiermark
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2017 Lackner Tinnacher Ried Flamberg Morillon had an immense aromatic depth and an intense mineral backbone. Bottled under a glass stopper, the youthful Austrian Morillon (aka Chardonnay) was clear and pale gold in colour with crystalline sediments. On the first day, the nose was dominated by reductive notes of smoke and gunflint, with a touch lemon zest underneath. I had a glass and returned the rest of the bottle to the fridge.
The wine underwent a mind-blowing transformation overnight. Aromas of tangerine oil, white peach and jasmine were accompanied by white bread, cardamom and spearmint. The dry and full-bodied mouthfeel was accentuated by an intense vein of saline minerals and a medium level of balanced acidity. Complex flavours of apricot, honeysuckle and citrus oil transitioned to almond and pastry in a long, satisfying finish. The great complexity and intensity are wrapped in an elegant package with a modest 13.0% alcohol content. The empty bottle weighs 539 grams.
The vines are grown on limestone soil, in a single-vineyard site, named Flamberg, in Sudsteiermark, Austria. The 400-metre high elevation prolongs the growing seasons, promoting phenolic ripeness while retaining freshness. The juice is fermented in large oak barrels, ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 litres. The wine subsequent raised in oak barrels for 18 months.
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Red
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2019 Mayer Pinot Noir Dr. Mayer
Yarra Valley
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2019 Dr. Mayer was expressive, sweet-scented and nuanced. The Aussie Yarra Valley Pinot Noir was bottled under yellow wax and a TCA-free DIAM cork. The youthful wine was clear light ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. Popped and poured, the wine was quite reticent with notes of raspberry, cranberry, barnyard and discreet spices. It truly blossomed with five hours of in-bottle aeration, showcasing captivating aromas of crushed lilac and lavender, followed by bramble and ripe black cherry.
The dry and verging full-bodied mouthfeel was matched by a medium-high level of fresh acidity and medium level of polished tannin. Flavours of blueberry and cherry jam, transitioned to rose and violet flowers, liquorice and oolong tea in a long, charming finish. The 13.5% alcohol was well-integrated. The empty bottle weighed 602 grams. The grapes were fermented in whole bunches. The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.
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Red
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2012 Maison Leroy Chorey-les-Beaune
Pinot Noir more
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2012 Maison Leroy Chorey-les-Beaune combined delicate perfume and intriguing spices. I was quite nervous, as it was my first Leroy experience. The cork was soaked all the way through, requiring an ah-so to remove in one piece. The developing Pinot Noir is clear and pale ruby with a trace of fine sediments. Expressive aromatics of wild strawberry, sour red cherry and hawthorn were accompanied by rose, leather and tilted soil. There was a slight TCA taint, like wet cardboard, but the aromatics still shined through.
The mouthfeel was dry and medium-bodied, with a medium-high level of vivacious acidity and a medium level of gripping yet refined tannin. There were consistent flavours of forest berries, tobacco, liquorice and Oriental spices in a medium, tart finish. It was an interesting village wine for sure, but lacks the weight and complexity of virtually all other Burgundy reds at the same price point. The alcohol level is at 13%. The empty bottle weighs 597 grams.
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Red
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2016 Château Magondeau Cuvée Passion
Fronsac
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2016 Château Magondeau Cuvée Passion is a remarkable wine that embodies full-bodied richness, earthy tones, and a well-structured profile. The developing Fronsac Merlot has a deep ruby hue with some fine sediments. The initial aromas offer a delightful blend of ripe red plum, spring flowers, freshly tiled soil and dark chocolate. After three hours of aeration, the wine further unfolds its complexities, revealing notes of tobacco, liquorice and Oriental spices.
On the palate, this wine presents a dry and full-bodied mouthfeel, complemented by a medium level of acidity and a high level of velvety tannin. It showcases the signature iron-like minerality associated with quality Merlot grown in clay soils, akin to a lucrative sense of blood, accentuated by a delicate spice undertone. Consistent flavors of ripe plum, graphite, cigar smoke, and earthy mushroom persist throughout a long, sensational finish. Its 14% alcohol content is well-concealed. The empty bottle weighs 550 grams.
The Fronsac Merlot delivers hedonistic drinking pleasure, a phrase frequently employed by Parker. In a homogeneous, outstanding vintage like 2016, a special cuvée from a lesser-known producer can be a dark horse to be recognised.
This wine is made from Merlot grapes cultivated in Fronsac, on clay and limestone soil. The vines have an average age of 45 years. About 7,000 bottles are produced. The wine is raised in two-third new French oak barrels for seventeen months.
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Red
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2013 R. López de Heredia Rioja Crianza Viña Cubillo
Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo more
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2013 R. López de Heredia Viña Cubillo is perfumed and elegant. The developing Rioja Crianza is clear and medim ruby in colour without any sediments. Sweet-scented aromas of lilac, bramble and blueberry jam are followed by vanilla, black pepper and baking spices. The perfume seems to dissipate quickly within minutes in glass. It is advisable to serve in small pours.
The dry and medium-bodied mouthfeel is matched with medium levels of balanced acidity and integrated tannin. There are consistent flavours of mixed berries, liquorice and a hint of tobacco in an enjoyable finish of medium length. The 13.5% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 507 grams.
The wine is made from estate-grown grapes, composed of 65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho and the balance of Mazuelo and Graciano. The wine is raised 225-litre American oak barrels for three years.
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Red
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2016 Bodegas Burgo Viejo Rioja Licenciado Reserva
Tempranillo more
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2016 Bodegas Burgo Viejo Rioja Licenciado Reserva combines generous ripe fruits and oak spices. The developing Rioja is medium ruby without any sediments. It opens up considerably on the second day. Aromas of black cherry, ripe redcurrant, thyme and black pepper are followed by butterscotch and earth.
The dry and verging full-bodied mouthfeel is matched with a medium level of acidity and a medium-high level of powdery tannin. There are flavours of blackcurrant, graphite, vanilla, dill and lavender herbs in a medium lively finish. It tastes more robust than the stated 13.5% alcohol, probably because of the abundance of ripe fruits and spices. The empty bottle weighs 614 grams.
The vines are cultivated in the sub-region Rioja Oriental, the eastern, warmer, low-elevation part of the wider Rioja region. The cuvée is 100% Tempranillo, raised in a combination of French and American oak barrels for eighteen months.
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Red
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2017 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay
Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo more
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2017 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay has a great balance of ripe fruits and smokiness. The developing Rioja is clear and medium ruby without any noticeable sediments. It requires a couple of hours of aeration to unfold notes of ripe raspberry, red plum, bramble and violets, followed by liquorice and tobacco.
The dry and verging full-bodied mouthfeel is matched by medium-high levels of potent acidity and sinewy tannin. Consistent flavours of black cherry, grilled portobello mushroom, graphite and smoky mocha accompany a medium suave finish. The 14.5% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 518 grams.
The vines are cultivated on calcareous-clay soils at a high altitude from 320 to 485 meters. The blend is composed of 83% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 6% Mazuelo and 2% Garnacha. The wine is raised in 225-litre American oak barrels for 20 months.
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Red
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2018 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva
Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo more
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2018 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva required a load of aeration to reveal its elegant and expressive inner beauty. The developing Rioja Alavesa wine is clear and medium ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. Popped and poured, the wine emanates over-the-top aromas of American oak artefacts of dill, vanilla and liquorice. I returned the bottle to the fridge. On the second day, it acquired a more balanced aroma profile with ripe strawberry, black cherry, earth and tobacco.
On the palate, it was dry and medium-bodied, complemented with a medium level of polished tannin and a medium-high level of sleek acidity. There were consistent flavours of ripe raspberry, black pepper, cocoa and grilled mushroom in a medium finish. The 14.3% alcohol was well-concealed. The empty bottle weighed 475 grams.
The vines are cultivated on clay and limestone in the cool, high-altitude region of Rioja Alavesa. The blend is predominantly composed of Tempranillo, complemented with a dash (< 10%) of Graciano. The wine spends about two tears in American oak barrels, and another one year in the bottle.
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Red
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2015 Sacred Hill Syrah Deerstalkers
Hawke's Bay
more
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2015 Sacred Hill Deerstalker Syrah is smoky, complex, well-structured. The developing Hawke's Bay Syrah is deep purple in colour with traces of fine sediments. Varietal aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, black pepper and crushed violet are followed by dry tea leaves and grilled mushroom on a campfire. It opens up considerably on the second day, with complexities of Oriental spices, bay leaves, lavender and thyme herbs.
The mouthfeel is dry and full-bodied, with a medium level of integrated acidity and a high level of softening tannin. Flavours of ripe blackberry and black plum transition to tobacco, mocha complex spices, crushed rock minerals in a long, smoky finish. The 13% alcohol is admirable for its flavour concentration and complexity. I'd appreciate an opportunity to taste other vintages of this remarkable New Zealand Syrah.
The vines are cultivated on gravel-rich, complex clay and sand soil in Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke's Bay. The Syrah grapes are fermented with 20% whole cluster on indigenous yeasts, with twenty to thirty days of maceration. The wine is raised in 35% new French oak barrels and puncheons for 16 months. 283 cases are produced in the 2015 vintage. The winery suggests eight to twelve years of cellar ageing, so it is technically in the early recommended drinking window.
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White
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2017 Bosman Family Vineyards Adama White
Wellington
White Blend more
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2017 Bosman Family Vineyards Adama White is evolving and savoury. The developing South African white blend is clear and medium gold in colour. Aromas of red apples, melon and dried white flowers are accompanied by touches of cream and butter. The dry and verging full-bodied mouthfeel is matched with a sense of waxiness and a medium level of acidity. There are flavours of apple cider, grapefruit, apricot and dried mushroom in a medium, slightly bitter finish. The alcohol content is 13.5%. The empty bottle weighs 747 grams.
The innovative white blend consists of 55% Chenin Blanc, 15% Chardonnay, 13% Grenache Blanc, 7% Pinot Gris and the balance of Semillon, Roussanne and Viognier. The family winery boasts a hermitage dating back to 1798. Currently led by Petrus Bosman, the eighth generation winemaker, the winery is committed to organic farming practices.
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Red
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2016 Craggy Range Sophia
Gimblett Gravels
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2016 Craggy Range Sophia nails a precise balance of floral perfume and earthiness. The developing Gimblett Gravels Merlot blend is clear and deep ruby with traces of fine sediments. Aromas of violet, blackberry and black plum are followed by mint and dark chocolate. On the second day, complex notes of earth and pencil shavings emerge.
On the palate, it is dry and verging full-bodied, with a medium level of balanced acidity and a medium-high level of plush tannin. Pleasant flavours of ripe black plum and bramble transition to graphite, tobacco, mocha and Pu'er black tea in a long, smoky finish. The 13.5% alcohol is admirable for a Merlot-based wine in the warming globe. The empty bottle weighs 994 grams. The winery representatives say the more recent vintages are bottled with lighter bottles, which are more logistically and environmentally friendly.
It has definitely gained tertiary complexities compared to the previous tasting three years ago, while having the potential to further develop over the decade. Though I have tasted different vintages of this cuvée multiple times, its elegance and precision as a Merlot-blend still amaze me.
The blend is composed of 58% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fully hand-harvested at a relatively low yield of 34 hectoliters per hectare, the grapes are completely destemmed. The wine is aged in 45% new French oak barriques for 18 months.
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Red
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2019 Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve
Short Hills Bench VQA
more
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2019 Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir was spiced and luxuriously oaked. Sealed under a TCA-free DIAM-5 cork, the youthful Niagara Pinot was clear and pale ruby in colour without any noticeable sediments. The nose was dominated by vanilla, nutmeg and oak spices on the first day, and it was swiftly recorked and returned to the fridge. On the second day, the wine had more palatable aromas of ripe raspberry, red plum, and bramble berry. Hints of tobacco and milk chocolate followed.
The mouthfeel was dry and medium-bodied, with a rather high level of fresh acidity and a medium level of powdery tannin. Flavours of cranberry and redcurrant were engulfed in caramel, cinnamon and liquorice spices in a medium finish. The alcohol level was 13.0%. The empty bottle weighed 594 grams.
The oak was still evident, and somewhat overpowered the fruits on the second day. I guess more new oak does not necessarily make better wines, particularly with a delicate variety like Pinot Noir. Its structure and length could not convince me about its potential ageing capacity until the time when the oak is naturally integrated.
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White
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2018 Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard
Vinemount Ridge VQA
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2018 Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling is sleek and mineral-laced. The youthful Niagara Riesling is clear and pale lemon in colour without any noticeable sediments. A whiff of petrol precedes perfume of ripe red apples, candied lemon peel and white pepper. On the second day, it opens up more exotic notes of mango and white peach.
The mouthfeel is off-dry and light-bodied, framed by a high level of racy acidity. There is a lucrative sense of salinity on the mid-palate, which leads to lemon candy, marmalade and discreet spices in a rather long, elegant finish. It is a great example of Niagara Riesling in the Kabinett style. The 11.2% alcohol is well-integrated. The empty bottle weighs 444 grams.
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Red
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2015 Château de Merande Vin de Savoie Arbin La Noire
Mondeuse more
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2015 Château de Merande La Noire has an immense aromatic depth and a compact mineral structure. The Savoie Mondeuse is clear and medium ruby in colour with some fine sediments. The wine is popped and poured. Lifted aromatics of lilac, crushed violet, blueberry, tart red cherry and mint jump out of the glass. Complexities of black pepper, anise, preserved meat and black olives are lurking underneath.
The mouthfeel is dry and verging full-bodied. The medium-high levels of finely chiselled tannin and lively acidity provide a sleek and sinewy texture atypical of Savoie rouge. A compact mineral backbone and complex spices add another layer of sophistication. Flavours of bramble, cranberry and sweet-scented spring flowers lead to smoked meat and ferrous minerals in a long, gently spiced finish.
The 12% alcohol level is unbelievable given its flavour concentration and complexity. Unlike the majority of easy-drinking Savoie Mondeuse, this wine has the structure to develop for another decade to say the least. The wine is certified biodynamic by Ecocert. The empty bottle weighs 662 grams.
From the information on the winery website, the Mondeuse vines are cultivated on glacial moraine covered with calcareous schists. The grapes are harvested and fermented in whole bunches. The wine is raised in new, 500-litre oak barrels on fine lees.
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