Category Archives: RED

Lopez de Haro, Tempranillo, Crianza, Rioja DOC, Spain, 2010, 13.5% abv.

Meh.  I expected more from this wine. A 90% Tempranillo with 7% Garnacha and the remainder Graciano for perfume and colour, this is a Crianza version from a hillside at the village of San Vicente de La Sonsierra in Rioja, Spain. … Continue reading

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Ruché, Caresana, Castagnole Monferrato DOCG, Italia, 2013, 15% abv, C$30 (BCLB)

There isn’t very much of this Italian grape around – only about 40 ha of vines exist in Piedmont.  A DOCG since 2010, opinion is divided as to whether or not this is an indigenous Italian varietal or one that came from … Continue reading

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Podere Brizio, Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italia, 2006, 14.5% abv, C$120

This 100% Sangiovese is made by Roberto Bellini and Patrizia Mazzi.  They had originally owned a lot of land in Montalcino (the larger Pieve di Santa Restituta estate) and then sold all of it except for 9 ha to Angelo Gaja … Continue reading

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Bodegas Valgrande, Rincón de Navas, Riserva, Rioja Alta, Rioja DOC, Spain, 1995, 12% abv.

This Rioja classic is connected to the Valduero family who also own bodegas in Ribero del Duero and Toro. The cork was perfect – a happy surprise to find on a 20 year old wine.  The Rincón has a translucent shade of ruby red … Continue reading

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Les Sentius, Celler Joan Simó, Porrera, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2009, 15.5% abv, 11 Euros

This version of the Priorat comes from the Porrera celler of Joan Simó (the celler complete with wall-mounted sundial is left), but was given to me by a UK wine buyer who was at Hotel-Hostal Sport in Falset when we ate … Continue reading

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El Casot, La Colección, Trio Infernal, Combier, Fischer and Gerin, Torroja, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2012, 13.5% abv.

This version of the Priorat comes from the celler of three French winemakers who migrated to Catalunya and set up shop in the tiny hamlet of Torroja del Priorat.  They’ve been making wines together here since 2002. You can read … Continue reading

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Viatge al Priorat, Celler Joan Simó, Porrera, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 14.5% abv, 15 Euros

This youthful version of the Priorat comes from the Porrera celler of Joan Simó, but was given to me by a UK wine buyer who was at Hotel-Hostal Sport in Falset when we ate dinner there. As he was leaving, … Continue reading

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Syrah, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2011, 13.5% abv, US$19

This Washington state Syrah punches far above its weight in terms of quality for money. It’s a bright, deep garnet with a ruby rim and thick legs.  On the nose it has pronounced intensity with aromas of deeply ripe blackberry, Damson … Continue reading

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Porrera vi de Vila, Vall Llach, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 15.5% abv, 44.50 Euros

The drive from Falset to Porrera in southern Catalunya is not exactly for the faint of heart. We were told the tortuously narrow, winding roads are a huge improvement upon what used to be there.  At least they were paved – and it didn’t … Continue reading

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Jacquesson, Cuvée No. 736, Extra Brut, Champagne, France, 12% abv, C$75 @ Marquis

A celebrated Champagne house in operation since 1798, Jacquesson has been owned since 1974 by the Chiquet family and is located in Dizy, just north of Epernay. The family owns 31 ha of vineyards throughout Aÿ, Avize and Oiry, all Grand Crus, … Continue reading

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