From the Cellar

Just because I started a website called OntarioWineReview.com doesn't mean it's All-Ontario-All-the-Time. When I kick back at night my mood (and sometimes my curiosity) decides my wine of choice. And the title should read, "Uncorked and Un-Screwed Tonight" ... but that just sounds wrong.

Mitolo and Breca (Australia / Spain)

04 Jan 2022

 

(February 5, 2021) ... A double does of reds from fairly hot regions.

Mitolo JesterMitolo 2008 Jester Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale - This turns out to be a well-balanced bottle of entry-level Cabernet from Australia, I will admit it is under screwcap, so I rarely worry about these wines being oxidized or tainted in any way (I've had one that was off but it was a cap that was poorly "installed"). It starts off with notes of eucalyptus and dark fruit; with time it becomes spicy-cherry with some blackberry notes. As it stays open notes of sweet strawberry jam begin to emerge. Smooth and silky plus a little balsamic and just enough acidity to keep it from being too jammy and over-the-top. Pretty impressed with this wine.

 

BrecaBreca 2010 - This one takes a little longer to resolve itself: starts oaky and smoky with coffee bean notes and then there's a smoked-vanilla bean component that keeps showing up. There is also plenty of oak throughout with a long finish that really is just like drinking liquid cedar and oak ... but as it opens it gathers some momentum and more character and it ends up being a deep mocha flavoured wine. Look, this one is not horrible, because I kept going back to the glass for another taste - so it's got something going for it - it's just not my favourite on this night.

 

 

Joel Gott 2015 Washington Red (Washington)

03 Jan 2022

Gott Washington

 

(February 2, 2021) ... A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon / 36% Merlot / 9% Syrah and 6% Malbec - Gott makes some nice, easy drinking, drink-now California wines, but this is the first time I have seen the word "Washington" adorning his labels. Cassis, mocha, black cherry, and earthy notes kick this one off, then it opens to smoky-oaky, herbal and licorice. It's just on the cusp of blah - and when I put some of the wine into a decanter it totally killed the wine ... sadly this is just an old red wine that died before its time - to me 6 years from vintage date is still pretty young.

 

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