Cono Sur 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon - No. 18 Suelo de Piedras (Chile)

Cabernet and Chile go hand-in-hand, don't believe me? Then you need to get a taste of this one

Cono Sur 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Single Vineyard - No. 18 Suelo de Piedras

 

WRITTEN REVIEW

Super cherry-mocha and spiced-red plum start, and it just keeps getting better from there as it opens up in steps: subtle oak, cinnamon, more spiced plum, this time it's of the darker variety and some strawberry – cherry finishes it all off and lingers a long time. This fine bottle of Chilean Cab hits all the right notes, all that's missing is the mint, maybe it just needs time.  (****+)

Vineland 2020 Cabernet Franc (Ontario Wine)

Consistency is key to this value priced Franc, but some years it just elevates to another level

Vineland Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Vineland Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc
Not since the 2016 has the basic Cabernet Franc from Vineland been this good ... Once again it feels like you're stealing from them at this price, so buy a bunch. Juicy with some rugged tannins that will make this one age a decade or more especially under screwcap. There's also some mocha, tobacco, chocolate-cherry and even some bittersweet chocolate on the finish. The fruit really is the signature here, but when that chocolate kicks in it takes it to the next level.  Rating: ****+

Domaine Merceron-(Martin) 2019 Gamay Parcelles (Loire, France)

Gamay in the Loire Valley? It's a thing, and it's a good thing : 

Domaine Merceron (Martin) 2019 Gamay Parcelles

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Domaine Merceron Martin 2019 Parcelles Rouge
100% Gamay … Lovely red berry fruit, lively acidity, subtle shake of pepper, black and boysenberry finish - 1 week carbonic (any longer and you take away the fruitiness and risk bitterness) - needs 2-3 years to meld and come together.  (****+)

 

Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Merlot (Ontario Wine)

Ontario Merlot may not be your cup of ... 

well, I think you'll change your mind after your second sip of this : 

Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Merlot

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Probably would not expect a Merlot that sat in 75% new oak to be this fruit-driven, especially from Prince Edward County- but Holy Moses, would you be wrong to underestimate this one. Fruit hit 24.9 bricks in the South Bay Vineyard, now owned by Lighthall, and achieved an intense ripeness, then aged in cognac-style barrels with a high toast. The result is a rich and black-fruited wine with loads of cassis and blackberry. There's a slight smoky note that adds another layer. Never have I had a Merlot like this from Prince Edward County, proving once again that 2020 was a very special year. (**** ½)

 

Masi 2018 Campofiorin (Veneto, Italy)

They don't always give themselves a 5-star vintage, but this one they did : 

Masi 2018 Campofiorin

 

>>> THE WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Rated as a five-star vintage by Masi themselves, probably one of the toughest ratings to get – judging yourself is never easy – they then proudly display this rating above the vintage date for all to see. The good news is, this wine does not disappoint. Lots of plum and black cherry lead things off as the aromas and palate are very fruit-forward and the balance is there, as the wine is listed at 13%. There's subtle herbal and great spice notes - and the acidity is totally on point. Will only get better with age, but is drinking very well right now.  (**** ½)

Carpineto 2016 Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon (Tuscany, Italy)

Fantastic vintages make for fantastic wines - and this fits the bill perfectly

Carpineto 2016 Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon

 

>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<

 This beauty in the Farnito-line is from the "perfect" 2016 vintage. It's pure elegance in the glass, with notes of leather, chocolate, cherry, blackberry and even a hint of strawberry. The combination proves magical in the mouth.  (**** ½)

Closson Chase 2019 Chardonnay, Churchside Vineyard (Ontario Wine)

Been a bit since we've seen a wine from Closson, 

so let's check in on a Chardonnay and why I'm liking this one : 

Closson Chase 2019 Chardonnay, Churchside Vineyard 

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

There's a slight smokiness here that plays well with the white peach and green apple; there's a subtle, spicy apricot note on the finish that helps to it elevate this Chardonnay out of the realm of merely typical into one of delicious. (****)

Domaine des Galloires 2021 Les Chailloux (Loire, France)

This was an absolute delight of a wine I tasted in the Loire Valley, right at the winery

Domaine des Galloires 2021 Les Chailloux

 

 

Domaine Des Galloires 2021 Les Chailloux
Fresh, lively, good acidity, lemon/lime, bright, hint of melon - stony/salty quality, perfect with oysters.  (****)

Querceto di Castellina 2018 SEI Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione (Italy)

High elevation vines? It's a thing, right? 

Sure, but it wasn't always this way. Let me explain and also tell you about this gorgeous wine

Querceto di Castellina 2018 SEI Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

high altitude fruit makes this a real winner with a delightful hit of acidty that keeps things fresh and lively, full of sour cherry and cranberry with a light touch of cherry cough drop, firm tannins, the wine is very approachable now, but has good aging potential ... **** 1/2

Zonte's Footstep 2018 Hills Are Alive Shiraz (Australia)

Zonte is a super-cool project created to "show off" different expressions 

of Shiraz from different regions throughout Australia - this is one of those stories

Zonte's Footstep 2018 Hills Are Alive Shiraz

De Simone 2019 Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

Not usually a fan of Vincenzo's version/style of Chardonnay, until now

De Simone 2019 Chardonnay

 

Boscarelli 2018 Vino Nobile Riserva DOCG (Tuscany, Italy)

Filmed on a noisy Florence balcony - you see none of the city - 

but you sense the beauty in this bottle of wine

Boscarelli 2018 Vino Nobile di montepulciano Riserva DOCG

 

> WRITTEN REVIEW <

Nice hints of floral on the nose lead to a palate with good concentration of dark fruits, by the third sip the acidity has come alive creating a lively finish.  (**** 1/2) - video does it better 😉

Bocale 2018 Montefalco Rosso

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.  (****+)

read more at  

https://michaelpinkuswinereview.com/ 

 

Banfi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio alle Mura (Tuscany, Italy)

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.  (****)

 

Bachelder 2019 Chardonnay, Bai Xu Vineyard (Ontario Wine)

This might be another of those sold out wines, 

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.  (****+)