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.

Masi 2008 Costasera Amarone Classico (Italy)

23 Aug 2016

(January 15, 2016) ... This Masi showed off a lot of leathery, smoky, dried cherry and licorice notes on the nose; palate showed similarity with black cherry, cassis, dry leathery, red cherry and smoky flavours ... There was also a long sultry finish with a touch of chalk-like tannins and acidity.

On a sad note: This was the wine we drank to celebrate my father's life hours after his passing earlier this very day - we needed a drink and this really was an exceptional wine for what it was used for.

Nepenthe 2004 Gum Bank Merlot (Australia)

10 Aug 2016

(December 30, 2015) ... As the year came to a close I reached back a little deeper in to the cellar and found an Australian Merlot from Nepenthe (I seem to be clearing my cellar of their wines, and really enjoying them).  The nose if very giving right from the get-go, but there is an odd bit of a bitter menthol that comes in on the palate .... things start to mellow with time in glass adding cassis and cedar all the while toning down that menthol (or at least the bitter element) ... palate remains a little tight but starts to show off raspberry, dried cherry and strawberry after about 45 minutes ... a decent bottle of wine for one that's just over 10 years old.

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