Michael Valaitis

Michael Valaitis
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La Maison Du Crémant Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Ac, Burgundy, France Bottle
La Maison Du Crémant Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Ac, Burgundy, France
Burgundy, France
$17.95

Lots of activity in the glass, with energetic tiny bubbles. Fairly mild on the nose, not too much jumping out of the glass. Some lemony and mild toasty aromas. Very fresh and clean on the palate. I'm not sure what the blend % is, but I would guess Pinot is in the lead because of the cherry and slightly earthy tones on the finish. Great sparkler for the value, nothing too complex but nice clean flavours and texture. Would be great with Tobiko topped sushi rolls. Tasted Sept '11

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Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau Di Sardegna 2008, Doc Bottle
Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau Di Sardegna 2008, Doc
Sardinia, Italy
$17.95

Old world in style and solid example of bret that is not faulted. Deep ruby colour, Earthy horse saddle, cherry, band-aid and leather on the nose. Bright raspberry, medium tannins, black tea, basil and band-aid rubber on the finish. Clean and medium finish with persistent tannins that would match with white or red meats, or tomato sauce based dishes. Drink now till 2014, tasted Feb 2012.

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Ciù Ciù Merlettaie Pecorino Offida 2011, Docg Bottle
Ciù Ciù Merlettaie Pecorino Offida 2011, Docg
Marche, Italy
$16.95

Well made, great structure and good length. The nose not as interesting as I was hoping for, but some pear, melon and yellow apple. The palate is full in body, dry with pleasant fruit extract and well layered acidity. More ripe yellow apple, honey and apricot flavours replay in the mouth with a warm (slightly alcoholic) finish. Easy to drink with food, though not overly complex. Enjoy with white meats or oily fish. Drink now. Tasted Oct '13

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Hardys Bankside Shiraz 2008, South Australia Bottle
Hardys Bankside Shiraz 2008, South Australia
Australia
$14.65

Velvet maroon and purple-ruby colour in the glass. Notes of blackberry, healthy damp soil, tar, and dark cherry licorice hit the nose. Full in the mouth at first with a savoury fruity minced meat pie, Fruit at first then earthy tar like flavours with a herby jammy finish. Not a fruit bomby vanilla joint like others in the same category, this wine has some sense of place. Smooth and satisfying. Of course the 14.5% will knock you over, but pair with bbq saucy ribs or lamb with mint pesto. Tasted April '11

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Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Doc Bottle
Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Doc
Veneto, Italy
$50.95

Massive, massive wine. Approach this as you would a port. Deep, black and viscous in the glass. The nose opens up to a range of stewed dark berry, prune, date, chocolate and liquorice. A bit lacking in that old skool Italian funk that I was hoping for, the aromas are all quite clean. The mouth tells of rich, dried grape liqueur, dates and chocolate. Dark, bitter chocolate and roasted nuts must be on hand for this brooding wine. No sign of fading in the next for the next 5 years. Tasted Oct 13'.

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Beni Di Batasiolo Riserva Barolo 2005, Doc Bottle
Beni Di Batasiolo Riserva Barolo 2005, Doc
Piedmont, Italy
$39.95

A true Barolo through and through, showing pure Nebbiolo and traditional regional character. Finding the wine not as harmonious as would hope, for it is the alcohol and and still grappling tannins that linger on the medium finish. The nose reveals mushroom, pencil lead, leather and slight nail polish. Palate is medium body, tart red fruit and broad tannin. Opens and becomes perfumed with an hour of aeration. Sharp cheese or duck breast. Don't think will improve with age so drink now. Tasted Sept '13

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Closson Chase South Clos Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, VQA Prince Edward County Bottle
Closson Chase South Clos Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada
$39.95

This toasty, buttery Chardonnay is warming me up nicely on a -30 winters night on the prairie. Much debate and lots to talk about regarding Closson's wines and wine making style. Oxidative-yes. A bit of VA-yes. But, I'm licking my glass, wishing it was a magnum instead. Baked apple, tinned mandarin oranges that are creamed then bruleed, creamed corn, toasted almonds and a huge minerally lemon finish. At this point, for experienced Chard lovers only. Drink by 2015. Tasted Jan '14

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Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, Docg Bottle
Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006, Docg
Tuscany, Italy
$32.95

Feb '11. Ruby with some garnet coming through. A savoury earthy note first appears. then hints of oak. After opening up, licorice and chicory are easy to find. Some structured tannins come on the attack, but are soft on the finish. Cola and dark cherry find way on the palate. A solid chianti, I would let gently breath for 1 hour, then enjoy with bolognese or rabbit in tomato sauce.

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Alvaro Castro Red 2009, Doc Dão Bottle
Alvaro Castro Red 2009, Doc Dão
Dão, Portugal
$17.95

Over delivers for price. Love the balance of fresh and dried, red and black fruits, richness and freshness, earthy dustiness and purity of region. Deep ruby with plum purple rim. Nose is complex and evolves with purple flowers, plums, currents, cherries and peppercorns all ground in a granite mortar and pestle. Palate is ripe, full, yet well cut with melting tannin and berry like acidity. Dusty cocoa and spice with soft fruit on lengthy finish. Decant or lay down for 3 years. Braised or tender meats with spice or rich sauces. Tasted Sept '13

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Château Le Castelot 2006, Ac St émilion Grand Cru Bottle
Château Le Castelot 2006, Ac St émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France
$28.90

A very fine Bordeaux for old world/Bordeaux lovers. Funky-ass fruit (bret) like leathered cherries, blackberries and clove spiced currents on the nose. The palate shows firm tannins and firm acid for a 6 yr old wine. Lots of dried raspberry and blueberry notes with leathery mushroom and turned earth. Can still age for nicely for at least 4 yrs or drink tonite with the roast lamb or venison steak. Tasted Sept '12.

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