As a wine writer and wine lover, I attend a variety of events and get to try a number of wines from all over the world as well as some pretty amazing food. For those reviews visit my website : https://michaelpinkuswinereview.com/ ...
Here I am now posting my video review of wines from both Ontario (where I live) and from around the world.
Feel free to leave comments about the wines you find interesting.
This wine is a total delight, but watch out, I have one warning about it
Bocale 2018 Montefalco Rosso
>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<
Wow ... Simply wow ... This Rosso is a beauty with its juicy red fruit, cassis, tobacco, lovely spice notes and good acidity to keep it fresh and lively on the palate. I kept sipping and sipping until I looked at the alcohol: 15%, then I slowed down. Still a beauty bottle for sipping or for dinner, just keep that alcohol in mind. (****+)
Iconic wines need little to no introduction, but tasting them is a totally different stor
Banfi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio alle Mura
>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<
The dark fruit is the first thing to show up (and stick around), it's rich and concentrated with a cherry, kirsch and smoky note on the finish. Meanwhile the acidity is a late arrival to the party (third / fourth sip), but once it shows it really makes its presence felt. (****)
but the vineyard has proven to be such a gold mine of great wine, that I had to tell you about it :
Bachelder 2019 Chardonnay, Bai Xu Vineyard
>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<
Where did this Bai Xu vineyard come from? It's like Thomas B was driving along, spied the vineyard and then stopped, parked, wander up to the door and asked a bunch of questions ... One of them was the draw dropping "how old are these?" Now it says it right there on the label, 1981. These old vines have the sense to bring us notes of pineapple, pear and apricots; there's a hint of vanilla here as well. The oaky notes manage to weave its way between the fruits, but never seems to get in the way. (****+)
I've mentioned Nizza before and I am going to do it again, with another beauty ...
What is Nizza? Watch and Listen :
Tenuta Garetto 2018 Fava - Nizza docg
>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<
Lovely freshness with its floral overtones and dark fruit undertones. Very drinkable with that dark fruit under belly, lush – “they” say the ultimate expression of Barbera comes from Nizza and you can feel it here: the finish rolls out cherry and blackberry kept fresh with good acid backbone. (****+)
Pecorino? The wine, not the cheese; but believe it or not, there is a connection :
Paride D'Angelo 2020 Pecorino Colline Pescaresi
>>> THE WRITTEN REVIEW <<<
This 100% Pecorino goes through wild fermentation then 6 months in stainless steel tanks ... It's nice and dry and crisp, seems to come across a little linear on the palate with its minerality and saltiness, but then incomes pineapple, green, apple, citrus, and good acidity mid-palate to finish. It’s that good acidic seam that keeps this wine fresh and lively with a really long appealing finish. (****)
Truly one of the most balanced and delightful Brunello I have tasted
from the fantastic 2016 vintage in Tuscany :
Le Potazzine 2016 Brunello di Montalcino
>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<
This wine just shows both a feminine and masculine side ... Which is a feat unto itself. It's well-rounded and full-bodied while still puffing out its chest and being bold and brazen. Lots of red fruit: currants and cherries with a slightly smoky elegance and floral charisma ... There's also some subtle rhubarb, brash tannins and yet also shows an earthy side - yet nothing overpowers, nothing overwhelms, everything has its place and is in its place. It has time on its side yet can easily find its way into a glass now. Absolutely lovely. (**** ½)
The year: 2019. The grape: Pinot Noir. The vineyard: Grand Clos.
The result, well watch the video to find out about :
Le Clos Jordanne 2019 Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir
<<< WRITTEN REVIEW >>>
What a pretty version of Pinot Noir this is - from the beautiful floral and cherry on the nose, to the follow-through in the mouth incorporating notes of strawberry plus black and red raspberry - there is a slight spiciness and the tannins start out "gritty”, but they manage to smooth out with some time in glass and create what might be the best Grand Clos of this iteration of the new Clos Jordanne. Rating: ****+
It's both and thank goodness, or we be missing out on this delightful 2018 Franc
Rockway Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Franc
THE WRITTEN REVIEW
I would not put 2018 into the pantheon of great Ontario vintages - but it proved to be adequate, and when it comes to Cabernet Franc sometimes that's all you need; which is why it has become a staple-grape in Ontario. This wine proves to be soft across the palate with nice black raspberry, blackberry, subtle tobacco, and herbal character, bordering on wet tobacco leaf - a hint of tannin bite and a little smokiness joins the fray for good measure. There's also a nice intensity on the finish. Rating: ****
Grapes come from Niagara, but Dan Sullivan makes this wine all his own
Rosehall Run 2019 UV - Nedelko Vineyard
... THE WRITTEN REVIEW ...
This Niagara-based Meritage blend comes from Niagara's Nedelko vineyard - and for 2019 it delivers so much more then I would have expected it to Cherry and sour cherry meet strawberry, but without being over the top, then there's mocha and pencil shavings with a juicy drink-ability that carries it right down the middle. It's quite a lovely bottle, proving Dan Sullivan can work with both Prince Edward County and Niagara fruit - but I think we've known that from his past endeavours. ( **** )
Such a cool wine made from a cool blend of grapes from a very special vineyard
own by a legendary winery:
Le Mortelle 2018 Poggio alle Nane
THE WRITTEN REVIEW ...
2018 Poggio all Nane - Le Mortelle
The "Le Mortelle" property was purchased in 1999, consisting of 170 acres and is home to three whites (Viognier / Vermentino / Ansomica) and three reds (Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc / Carmenere) - you read that last one correctly, the grape that Chile is attempting to make famous also resides in an Antinori vineyard in Maremma, Italy. This Cabernet Franc dominated blend has Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere in the mix, which was added for the first time in the 2016 vintage, after 5-to-6 years of research to see if the variety was viable in this location - obviously it was, and is. The first vintage of Poggio Alle Nane was in 2009 - but was certainly made better with the addition of Carmenere in 2016. It is age 16 months in barrique, of which ⅓ is new. This was my favorite wine of the tasting with a complexity that blew me away: mocha and black fruit on the nose with a palate that delivers dark fruit, pepper, tobacco and the promise of so much more to come. It's a wild wine from its make up to its aromas right down to the flavours. I walked out thinking "Carmenere in Italy, who 'da thunk it?" - well Antinori obviously. (**** ½)
It's one of those little known grapes, but this one has quite the following :
Malivoire 2021 Melon
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
Malivoire has been making, and selling out of, Melon for over 20 years; and now to alleviate those demands for more, they've planted more Melon de Bourgogne. This is 64% estate fruit and 36% from winemaker's Shiraz Mottiar's eponymously named vineyard. The aromas are a real winner and they match the palate: melon (perfect for this wine), pear, mineral-floral with fresh acidity that allows the wine to linger with a stony finish. Another winner Melon, and having just come back from the Loire, I can tell you this bottle is truly on-point. (****)
Proving how amazing Montepulciano D'Abruzzo can be
without having to break the bank to get it
Jasci & Marchesani 2018 Rudhir
... THE WRITTEN REVIEW ...
Jasci & Marchesani 2018 Rudhir
A Montepulciano that spends 18 months in 2-year-old barrels. In bottle it delivers on absolute yumminess ... Lovely spiced-cherry, smoked-plum and coffee bean accost the nose, with raspberry and strawberry joining in on the palate. It is a fruit / spice dominant bomb of a wine - with a lingering finish. Might need a little more time in the cellar to come fully comes together, but it drinks nicely right now. (****+)
Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Chardonnay, their first and it's really good
Honsberger NV Blanc de Blancs
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
After playing around with Riesling bubbles, Honsberger finally gets serious and puts the 2019 Schuele Chardonnay into bottle for 24 months on lees and creates a beauty of a traditional method white of whites. Great acidity is the hallmark followed by a nice toasty-biscuity-ness along with green apple and a touch of floral. Great first effort using Chardonnay looking forward to the future vintages of this wine – maybe even with a date on them. Rating: ****+
This Super Tuscan international blend is one of those unforgettable wines
Castello Banfi 2018 Summus
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
(watch the video above)
Castello Banfi 2018 Summus
Very perfumed and very fruit forward with dark plums and black cherry dominating both the nose and palate. Elegant and delicate with a good backbone of acidity that manages to push its way through all that fruit to show it whose boss - but ultimately helps carry the wine to its next sip. Deep dark fruit wins the day here. (****+)
Ever wonder if Flar Rock is going to make more than Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling?
The answer might surprise you
Flat Rock 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Explore Series
--- THE WRITTEN REVEW ---
A Sauvignon Blanc from Flat Rock Cellars? What gives? It’s a way to try out new varieties without having to plant their own, but plant they must, as there is a plot of landing waiting for a new idea to bloom. This Sauv Blanc is subtly sweet with nice white fruit at its core, add in apple, citrus and guava plus a long finish and you have yourself a beauty of a barrel fermented Savvy B; if this is the future of Flat Rock I’m definitely in.
A real bruiser of a wine that gets better the longer it is open :
Luigi Bosca 2018 Finca Los Nobles Field Blend
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
This is one of those wines that really grows on you ... the more you sip the more you’re gonna love it - it also develops over the course of a few hours into something “wow”. Starts out smooth, supple and subtle - it has a little of a lot, but not too much of anything: dark fruit, pepper, mocha, charcoal, floral with a blueberry-esque finish, reminiscent of Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Wild Blueberries ... And it just lingers and extra long time. Give it 5 years in the cellar before drinking or, if drinking now, decant. (**** ½)
I spoke about this wine in its first release, now here we are again, and this one might be even better:
Closson Chase 2019 Pinot Noir Stirling Barrique
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
This is the second iteration of this less than 100-mile wine ... Everything is not just Canadian (grapes, barrels, winemaker) but they are all within a short sip of the winery. This year the juice is 50% pressed and 50% free run and 100% from the Churchside vineyard. It spends 18 months in these barrels from Sterling Ontario - 3rd and 4th fill (two each) - so the fruit is what really shines here: violets, black cherry, smoke, sour cherry, cranberry with a nice tannin punch, while the acidity is on-point. And the finish goes on and on and on. This just might be even be better than the first time. (****+)
That can describe the wines from D'Abruzzo and this one fits the bill nicely
Novaripa 2020 Sotto il Cielo, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
Novaripa 2020 Sotto di Ciele. Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ...
Seems like a simple version of Montepulciano, but then you realize how much it is over delivering for a wine that's just kissed by oak. Look this is a drink now wine but it's got lots of dark fruit and spice with blackberry, black cherry and spiced plum. It's absolutely delicious and worth every penny. It's what you want your Montepulciano to be. (****)
This is not a single vineyard Barolo, nor a special selection Barolo, but it is a damn good Barolo
Gianni Gagliardo 2017 Barolo
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
A 30,000 bottle production where all crus contribute to the blend; it's a majority of La Morra, admits Stefano, and it is a wine released “ready to drink, but will age as well.” Lovely red and black fruit notes with strawberry, cherry, floral and menthol aromas ... Palate is all about freshness; but also with dark and red fruit, subtle pepper and other spices - shows more elegance than power and it's incredibly drinkable the moment the cork is popped. The finish has a lovely linger with balsamic and herbs. (****+)
But in the right hands it can be made into some beautiful wines - like this
Leaning Post 2017 Merlot
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
Combine Ontario's miracle vintage with a grape that miraculously survived certain death at the hands of a popular movie, and you've got yourself something special. This Merlot saw 18 months in a mix of American and French (new) oak barrels with 20% going into neutral barrels. Surprisingly the nose is shy, but the palate more than makes up for it: blackberry, cassis, smoke, spice and even some vanilla notes give the palate a nice warm hug as the black cherry and black raspberry lingering on the finish. A super expressive, super complex wine that shows what Merlot, done well, can be in Ontario. Rating: ****+
Brunello is a special wine unto itself, add in a single plot or single vineyard and you just up the ante
Fattoria Barbi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna del Fiore
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
The first vintage of this single vineyard offering was in 1981 - it's a southeast facing vineyard that sits at 250 meters above sea level and the oldest vines within the vineyard are between 20 to 25 years old. The wine spends one year in older barriques of three to five years of age; then another two years in 500-liter Slavonian oak (aka tonneau) ... Only 5,000 bottles are produced - so quite a small lot. Nice concentration and depth, yet subtle in so many ways ... Red fruit: cherry, red currant, strawberries and that oak is hidden so well behind a wall of spice and red fruit; there's even a floral aspect to this wine. It totally delivers on what single vineyard wines should be. (**** ½)
Once again Montes puts another delicious Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon into the bottle :
Montes Alpha 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
--- The Written Review ---
A real beauty with its mint and smoke on the nose; on the palate there’s a real depth with lots of lush dark fruit, this one hits all the right notes: black cherry, blackberry, vanilla and smoke - I reiterate, it’s a beauty. (****+)
Another new wine from the folks at Le Clos, still Pinot Noir, but from a different kind of location
Le Clos Jordanne 2019 Jordan Village Pinot Noir
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
This new line from Le Clos is a vineyard blend they’ve labeled “Jordan Village”: fruit comes from Talon and Claystone vineyards and celebrates the village closest to these vineyards. This Pinot is a juicy number with a lovely fruit core plus notes of floral, black raspberry and cranberry plus a bite of peppery-spice on the finish; but there’s also a silkiness here that makes it a pleasure to sip on. (****+)
Today wine is a Cotes-du-Rhone wine that delivers both on taste and price, ya gotta love CdR wines
Chateau D'Aigueville 2017 Cotes-du-Rhone Villages
--- WRITTEN REVIEW ---
A red blend of Grenach, Syrah and Carignan, plus a few other grapes unlisted. Nose is pretty simple with white pepper and dark berry fruit. Taste is layered with smoky, dark berry, spice, blackberry, cassis, plus nice tannin backbone and a peppery-coffee finish. (****)
Single vineyard Pinot Noir is all the rage, but Malivoire has been doing it for years
Malivoire 2019 Mottiar Vineyard Pinot Noir
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
The man's name is Shiraz (winemaker of Malivoire), but he seems pretty adept with more Burgundian and Beaujolais grapes like Pinot Noir and Gamay. Here he sources Pinot from his own eponymously named Vineyard and creates a real pleasant version: kicking off with light and earthy notes plus cranberry and sour cherry; add in some violets and subtle peppery nuances, good acid punch and a long finish, and you got one of Shiraz's tastier Pinots to date. (****+)
To kick off Women's History Month, here's a winery run by a very impressive woman from Tuscany, Italy who wears many hats
Le Potazzine 2019 Pottazzine Sangiovese
--- WRITTEN REVIEW ---
2019 Potazzine Sangiovese
This no oak Sangiovese is a very fresh and fruit-forward with the red fruit showing on its sleeve in the form of cherry with a little floral backing - the acidity is totally on point making this a delightful everyday drinker ... Which will have the added benefit of making everyday seem a little more special ... It's just that good. (****)
A modern take on an old wine, this is a lovely reserva that shows how this style can be modernized
Bodegas Valoria 2014 Rioja Reserva
--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---
Bodegas Valoria 2014 Rioja Reserva
A winery that began in 1860 but one that also seems to be moving with the times. This is an elegant, Rioja Reserva that saw 30 months in American oak barrels, then spends another six in bottle before release to the public. Soft yet with a smokey edge; there's also a toasty note and some vanilla (especially on the finish - totally expected based on that US oak); but still fruit comes through with baked black cherry and strawberry notes coming into the mix. The oak does not overwhelm. In fact, it's well integrated, making more of a seasoning statement than an intrusive part of the wine. (****)
Did you know Inniskillin makes Gamay? I did not, but I was pleasantly surprised to fnd out they did
Inniskillin 2020 Gamay Noir, Discovery Series
THE WRITTEN REVIEW ...
(check out the video above)
Inniskillin 2020 Gamay Noir, Discovery Series
The more I dove (drank) into this wine, the more I really liked it ... Now I do have a positive biased towards Gamay - but when one is made well it's hard not to have that bias. This one is pretty with cherry, raspberry and floral both on the nose and on the palate. It’s highly drinkable with great depth and it's a solid Gamay, deep and delicious – which reminds me, it probably would match well with a simple pizza too. Rating: ****+
I love these labels, but labels mean nothing if the wine inside isn't good, with Zonte's both come together
Zonte's Footstep 2018 Baron von Nemesis Shiraz
--- The Written Review ---
Zonte's Footstep 2018 Baron von Nemesis, Limited Release Shiraz
Super juicy black fruit, namely cassis and blackberry with some vanilla notes - loads of licorice and blackberry flavor with a touch of floral and white pepper - especially on the finish ... This screams Australia and don't let me forget about the cherry-plum finish that raises the bar to the next level. Rating: ****+
It's a familiar name with a new face, today I's looking at the
Flat Rock Cellars 2020 Chardonnay, Foundation Series
The Written Review ...
Flat Rock Cellars 2020 Chardonnay, Foundation Series
It’s a new look for an old favourite. Flat Rock has updated their labels to better reflect what their wines represent. This is the base-model Chardonnay, one of the wines that Flat Rock was founded on; and because it’s from 2020 it's got something special about it: it’s a rich version of Chardonnay from a very ripe vintage ... ripe pear, peach, apricot, there’s even some notes of pineapple and vanilla cream, plus there's a touch of something tropical on the finish. You’re gonna love this one. (****)
What happens when there's a "difficult season" in Barbaresco, this :
Gaja 2018 Barbaresco
The Written Review
Gaja 2018 Barbaresco
Barbaresco may be the most misunderstood wine of the Piedmont region, especially when compared to the more popular and more known Barolo. It is still made with the Nebbiolo grape, grown at a maximum of 8 tons per hectare, it spends less time in wood and is therefore released 1 year before Barolo. As for the 2018 vintage in the area, it was one of challenges: "crazy vintage" was the phrase used to describe it - rain in the beginning, then hail damage … so many problems that the 2018 single vineyard offerings were "lost" and went into this straight Barbaresco; but the single vineyard loss makes for a more upscale base-model Barbaresco: lovely and fruit forward with both red and black fruit taking a turn on the palate - vibrant acidity with notes of both earthy and floral adding complexity offset by gentle tannins - light, fruit forward, incredibly aromatic and well balanced. It's a beauty for a “crazy vintage”. (****+)
First time Pearl has been on the video series, and what a great wine to introduce yourself
(in case you don't know, or haven't heard about these wines)
Pearl Morissette 2020 Racines du Ciel Cabernet Franc
The Written Review ... check out the video review above
When it comes to Pearl Morrissette wines this one seems to be very standard in the way it came together. Take a great vintage (2020), pull fruit from your home vineyard, age it in neutral barrels for a mere 12 months (shorter than usual) - all while using whole cluster and indigenous yeasts (the usual stuff you do) … and you get this beauty. Nose is all about tobacco, raspberry and blackberry with a hint of blueberry; while the palate has lots of upfront fruit, of the dark and smoky variety - following the nose (almost) to a tee - plus there are notes of clove, spice and even some leather on the finish. Very interesting, very inviting, and a great representation of Ontario Cabernet Franc from the 2020 vintage. Price: $32.00 - Rating: ****+
I'm a fan of Barbera, but I became a bigger fan when I learned about Nizza
Bersano 2018 Nizza DOCG Cremosina
The Written Review ...
Bersano 2018 Nizza DOCG - Cremosina This Nizza Barbera comes from the oldest vines of Barbera owned by Bersano (55 plus years) was aged the prerequisite 12 months in big oak casks and achieved 14.5% alcohol. Not only is the color of the wine dark, but it has a dark soul as well: mocha, spice, blackberry, cassis with good acidity and a lovely smokiness ... On the palate it's smooth, silky and dare I say sexy with a beauty mocha, black cherry finish. This was my second Nizza and I was already falling in love with these wines. (****+)
Kicking off the 2022 series with a fun video for a wine from Rockway, you'll see what I mean
Rockway 2017 Cabernet Franc, Small Lot
($27.00 - available at the winery and online)
The Written Review ...
A very palate friendly Cabernet Franc endeavour that opens up nicely and delivers from the nose to the palate: aromas of raspberry, cherry, mocha and tobacco with a subtle woodiness ... On the palate there's a plethora of fun including black cherry, tobacco leaf, mocha, and white pepper with a good tannin structure on the finish. It's pretty much a ready to drink wine, but still has the potential for another 3-plus years of cellaring. Price: $27.00 - Rating: ****
Gagliardo's "La Morra" Barolo is a real gem in the crown of this wineries portfolio
Gagliardo 2016 Barolo "La Morra"
available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)
The Written Review ...
Gianni Gagliardo 2016 Barolo - La Morra
This is their “village” Barolo that encompasses two parcels in the final blend. This very aromatic offering shows notes of cherry, blackberry and floral ... On the palate it's soft and gentle with a medium length finish. Key notes here are cherry blossoms, blackberry, spiced plum, and gentle tannins - such a pretty and elegant wine that, like so many of these wines, is so very drinkable right now. (****+)
We've seen wines from Westcott before and we will see them again - no doubt
Westcott 2020 Estate Chardonnay
($29.99 - available at the winery and online)
The Written Review ...
Oh snap! This is another well-made Chardonnay from Westcott, it has everything one wants in their Chardonnay: starting with some buttery - butterscotch notes and a good spicy nuance on the finish. Mid-palate we have the complexity of Mac Apple, pear, peach with a few other summer fruits emerging. Complex, and rich with a long finish and good acid punch to keep it from being weighed down. Price: $29.99 - Rating: ****+
Syrah? From Croatia? Yup, and here is a wonderful example to show it's a viability in Croatia
Badel 1862 - Korlat 2016 Syrah
available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).
The Written Review ...
Croatian Syrah, yep that's a thing - from vines planted between 2005 / 2006 from seeds acquired in France - because of the rocky terrain at 300 m above sea level. This is extreme vineyard growing and what makes these plants struggle is what makes them so interesting and the grapes so much better. The resulting pressed juice goes into barrique for " no less than 2 years " - 70% of it does at least - the wine produced is most definitely Syrah in character: blueberry, raspberry, cassis and pepper with good spice, great mouthfeel and a long finish. Croatian Syrah! Yeah I can go for that. (****+) (****+)
