When I think about wines with charm, this one certainly springs to mind.
Expect aromas of pristine fruit - pineapple, white peach and pears, spring blossoms and a whiff of honey. It has just a faint prickle or vivace on the tongue and nice layers of sweet fruit, toasted spice and citrus peel. Creamy in the mouth with lovely weight and a long, smooth finish.
Very good!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2010

A compilation of leather and fresh cherry aromas with violets and cigarbox. The palate is juicy and lively with layers of red berry and cherries, tobacco and fine spices. Lovely acidity and fine tannins make for a perfect (and affordable) dinner wine. Pair with pastas, slow cooked meats or creamy taleggio cheese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 6th, 2010

This rustic, organic Chianti (a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino Toscany) will pair well with tomato based pastas or a platter of salami and antipasto.
Cherries, raspberry and black pepper aromas are layered with saddle leather, spice and dried herbs. Similar juicy red fruit appears on the palate with cocoa, earthy flavours and savoury spices. The texture is dusty, fine, granular tannins linger from start to finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 18th, 2010

An utterly charming red wine made from Sicily's indigenous Nero d'Avola grape.
It is a wine brimming with sweet cherry and grapey aromas, crushed violets and plums with hints of cedar and vanilla. The palate echoes those juicy berry tones with spiced cocoa, dark earth and espresso flavours. It is quite potent and chewy, but very tasty and it will pair nicely with rich meats, hard cheeses or hearty, rustic Sicilian caponata.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 17th, 2010

This small Osoyoos based winery has been pushing the boundaries of varieties grown in British Columbia. In addition to Tempranillo, Chris and Beata Tolly make a pretty decent Tannat and a variety of blends using Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.
This delicious Tempranillo has strawberry compote and red cherry aromas, cigarbox and spice with a savoury core and plenty of rustic dusty/earthy notes. The palate is sweet and ripe - layers of berry, sasparilla/rootbeer and sweet spice. It has very nice acidity and a lingering, smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 4th, 2010

A simple, rustic wine from Sicily's most important red grape, Nero d'Avola. It expresses earthy and savoury aromas of black fruit, leather and tobacco with a core of char-grill and smoked meat. The palate echoes the aromas, it has spicy fruit, tobacco and dry earthy flavours with loads of acidity and fine firm tannins on the finish.
A wine made for dense pastas, salami and firm cheese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2010

The Rosso delle Venezie IGT is made from Corvina, Croatina and Merlot grapes that have been partially dried prior to fermentation - this gives more intensity to the grape as the water evaporates.
It is an earthy wine presenting scorched earth, intense fruit, patchouli and spice aromas. The palate is smooth and concentrated layered with sweet berries, chocolate and earthy flavours. It has balanced acidity and a long finish trailing toasted spice flavours.
Pair with robust tomato-based dishes, hard cheeses and roasted meats.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2010

Widely available, this very affordable Chianti is great for tomato based pastas, cheese and salami.
Expect aromas of smoked cherries, saddle leather and spice, hints of iodine and sunbaked earth. The palate is nicely rounded with juicy cherry, cigarbox and spice flavours. A simple and plesant everyday table red with a slightly powdery texture.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 27th, 2010

I really enjoy this great value wine and its unique qualities.
Made from the native southern Italian white grape variety called Fiano it is a fragrant wine that expresses aromas of peach stone, honeysuckle, exotic flowers and energetic citrus notes. The palate is slick in texture and echoes appealing melon, peach, mineral, honeycomb and sweet citrus flavours - the finish is crisp and mouth-watering with a hint of spiciness. A crowd pleaser that will pair well with fresh spicy pasta and richer fish dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2010

NEW
From Feudo di Santa Tresa, this organic wine made from Sicily's indigenous red grape Nero d'Avola, is also very eco friendly. The label is made from 100% recycled paper, uses 100% vegetable ink to print and uses 100% recycled cardboard for shipping. Plus, Purato claims bragging rights to using 85% recycled glass in its bottles...
The wine is simply charming. Expect aromas of sunwarmed berries, vanilla and warm spice, hints of cedar and peppery notes. The palate has nice supple berry fruit, it is juicy and slightly rustic with a powdery texture and firm youthful finish.
A great everyday dinner wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2010

This lovely spumante (lightly bubbly) rose is made from Prosecco and the light and fruity, red Marzimino grape (classic to the region of Trentino, in Northern Italy). It has the powdery pink colour of cherry blossoms and pretty aromas of berries and cream, peach, citrus and rose petals. It is juicy and has a kiss of sweetness in the mouth with a nice creamy edge - expect bright flavours of pink grapefruit, tart berries and orchard fruits to linger. Perfectly refreshing as a summer sipper or an aperitif any time of the year.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 14th, 2010

You can never go wrong with the familiar Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris, it is as charming the first time as the last you've had it.
Exprect aromas of pear compote and ripe peaches with layers of exotic flowers, vanilla, citrus and honey. On the palate the same pleasing fruit, vanilla and citrus reappear bound in a creamy texture with brisk acidity.
Pair with creamy mushroom dishes or seafood.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 14th, 2010

A fresh, light Pinot Grigio perfect for fish, salads and light antipasti.
Typical fragrant tree fruit aromas, mineral and citrus layers with just a hint of herbs. The palate is crisp but with a pleasing roundness, the fruit is lifted by lively acidity and the finish is clean.
A perfectly pleasing everyday dinner or sipping wine!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 14th, 2010

This unique bottle may or may not appeal visually to you, but its interesting ergonomic bottle design makes this wine weirdly easy to pour...
It is a crisp light-bodied white with floral, tree fruit and honey aromas with just a hint of bitter almond. The palate is bright and light too but it has a creamy edge with almond, apple, citrus and honey flavours. Fun and very easy quaffing, this wine will also pair well with seafood salads and mild cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

A wonderful version of this grape variety that you'll see on more labels in BC than almost anywhere, save France, Germany and parts of Eastern Europe. You'll be tempted to chill this wine a little too much in the summer months but try to refrain from keeping it on ice and you'll be rewarded.
It is both pristine and quite intense at the same time - orchard fruit aromas of apricot, pear and apple with orangeblossoms and vanilla and a mineral core. The palate is snappy and crisp with nice concentration - layers of creamy fruits, citrus peel and mineral flavours are followed by a long, clean finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

A consistent producer and a consistent Pinot Gris, this Tinhorn Creek white presents aromas of fresh orchard fruits, honey, citrus and hints of summer flowers. Similar tree fruit and honey flavours reappear on the palate with a layer of grapefruit zest. Expect nice bright acidity throughout and a clean snappy finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 30th, 2010

One full litre of value, this rustic food wine from the DOC Villetri provides aromas of cherries and leather, cedar, spicebox and earth with an undertone of tar. There is plenty of juicy cherry flavours on the palate with the same spicebox and leather that echo the nose.
Made from Cesanese, Montepulciano and Sangiovese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 28th, 2010

Another easy-sipping white from [yellow tail] this fragrant Pinot Grigio smells of fresh pears and honey, orchard blossoms and a hint of talc. The palate is creamy but very lively with ripe orchard fruit and citrus flavours.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2010

I simply adore this wine (and the rare Lacrima grape) for its unique combination of simplicity and intrigue.
The Orgiolo offers affluent aromas of black raspberry and cherry, violets and pepper with layers of licorice, cedar and coffee liqueur. The ripe berry/cherry fruit, peppery spice, licorice and cigarbox reappear on the palate, it is supple and honest, simple but exotic and lingers with plush berry and chocolate flavours...
A rare variety of mysterious origins, the production of this Lacrima (translates to tears) is limited in DOC production to Morro d'Alba, in the seaside province of Ancona in Marche.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2010

From the ancient Roman winemaking town of Velletri comes this red is a blend of Cesanese, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Merlot.
Already having aged and softened somewhat in the bottle it presents aromas of sweet cherries, cocoa and raisin with undertones of saddle leather, herbs, spicebox and earth. The palate is bright yet velvety, rich and earthy - warm sweet fruit, tobacco and spice flavours lead to a long smooth finish.
Pair with rich red pastas topped with plenty of Parmagiano.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2010

A fresh, everyday sipper that will pair well with creamy mushroom pasta or a chicken salad sandwich.
Expect bright tree fruit and floral notes with citrus the palate is crisp with lively acidity, sweet fruit and citrus flavours and a gently creamy texture.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 8th, 2010

From Italy's east-central coast, this fantastic blend of Marche's traditional Montepulciano with Sangiovese also has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure. You can expect alluring kirsch and licorice aromas, vanilla, chocolate and warm, sweet spices. It is stunning on the palate, full-bodied and dense with ripe berry/cherry flavours, chocolate and espresso flavours. This is a supple, weighty wine with lovely acidity and a long smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 8th, 2010

This B.C red blend has very pleasing high-toned fruit aromas. It offers cherry and berry with a splash of sweet vanilla and licorice and pleasing undertones of earth. The palate is also bright, the fruit is sweet and supple and tastes of red berries, warm spice and cocoa with a hint of tobacco - the finish is smooth. The juiciness of this wine would pair nicely with rich, tomato-based sauces on meat, pasta or roasted veg.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 6th, 2010

A red partner to the chicly packaged Voga Pinot Grigio, it is four variety (Quattro) blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
A simple, supple red with plenty of cherries, violets and leather with ripe berries, chocolate and warm spice. It a smoothly textured wine and very easy drinking!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 23rd, 2010

Typically rustic, this inviting Nebbiolo will pair well with hard/aged cheeses or rich meat and tomato sauces.
Expect aromas of cherries and leather, sweet spice, sunbaked earth and cedar notes with a whiff of violets. The palate is creamy with a powdery texture - sweet spice and cedarbox reappear on the palate layered with cocoa. Very nice acidity, medium-bodied with nice intensity and fine, firm tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 21st, 2010

A fantastic, exotic version of Verdicchio the Luzano features ripe, honeyed aromas - stone fruits and melon with hints of sweet herbs and creamy lemon. The palate is rich, weighty and quite luscious with plenty of orchard fruits and honeycomb flavours, bright citrus, mineral and almond with fine spice lingering on the finish. Very nice complexity and intensity, this is a wine that will pair well with seafod, but also with mildly spicy Asian dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2010

Fun!
Here is a perfect summer sipper that will also pair well with Proscuitto di Parma and Parmagiano or a nice mixed antipasti platter.
This historical wine from Modena is a simple grape-y berry flavoured red frizzante (slightly bubbly) with an off-dry but balanced palate, nice weight and just a suggestion of tannin.
Chill it down and enjoy it all summer, the 8% alcohol is a blessing on hot summer days and the price makes it an easy buy-by-the-case wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 18th, 2010

Impressively fresh, this Italian Cabernet Franc will win you over with aromas of sweet young berries, bright herbal notes and hint of cocoa. Expect a wine that is smooth and juicy on the palate with pristine berry fruit and mineral flavours. It is medium-full bodied with a long finish and smooth tannins.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 14th, 2010

Cannonau (you may know it as Grenache or Garnacha) is easily one of my favorite grape varieties.
The Le Bombarde never seems to disappoint with juicy raspberry and crushed floral notes, exotic spice and anise with a hint of herbs. The palate is rich and ripe with supple red fruit, spiced mocha and a hint of tobacco. The finish has a silky linger.
One to impress your guests with - trust me buy more than one.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 14th, 2010

This charming blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano presents aromas of sunwarmed cherries and fine spices, saddle leather and rich earth with hints of espresso, violets and vanilla. The palate is supple and echoes warm cherry and berry flavours, sunbaked earth, roasted coffee and dark cocoa. It has nice flavour-lifting acidity and a smooth finish.
A great everyday pasta wine!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 12th, 2010

Part of the Robert Oatley Vineyards collection, this delicious Pinot Gris hails the beautiful, cooler-climate Adelaide Hills wine region in South Australia.
James Oatley was Robert Oatley's great, great grandfather, a clockmaker in England who was sent to Sydney as a convict but later pardoned and continued to produce highly prized clocks. Tic Tok is Robert's tribute.
It features crisp green pear and citrus aromas, delicate floral and mineral notes. The palate is fresh and nicely rounded - plenty of bright citrus and tree fruits a long, clean gently spiced finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 3rd, 2010

The Voga always gets a second look due to its appearance but it is also a nice, everyday crowd-pleasing white.
It is a fragrant wine - aromas of honeysuckle and pear, almond oil and talc. On the palate expect creamy white fruit and honey roasted nut flavours, bright citrus and a hint of spice.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 30th, 2010

This affordable and organic red (a classic grape variety to Sicily) presents upfront aromas of ripe berries and vanilla, sweet spice and mocha with a hint of tobacco. The palate is supple and shows juicy berries, spice,chocolate and hazelnut flavours wrapped in powdery tannins and bright acidity.
A nice weekday pasta wine!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 29th, 2010

NEW!
Arriving on shelves in May 2010, this charming red blend will impress you with upfront sweet berry and cherry aromas supported by crushed purple flowers, leather, rich dark earth and fine spice. The palate is fresh with plenty of juicy fruit and spice. Very nice acidity and plenty of flavour from start to finish.
A simple, smooth everyday dinner wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 29th, 2010

NEW!
Arriving on private wine store shelves in May 2010, this nicely aged Tempranillo provides aromas of cherries and red berry, dried herbs and dried flowers, leather and earth. A fresh wine with plenty of bright acidity and flavours of rich, sweet berries, cocoa, tobacco and coffee, leather and spice flavours carry through on the finish.
Pair with firm cheeses and roasted meats or rich tomato sauces.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2010

A nice addition to the Italian sparkling category this fragrant sparkling Pinot Grigio presents creamy peach and pear aromas, sweet citrus and pretty spring blossoms. It has a soft mousse with delicate bubbles and creamy fruit and citrus flavours. It has a kiss of sweetness with a tangy finish making this a refreshing sipper or pair it with antipasti.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 19th, 2010

This traditional white Sicilian variety is made from organically grown Cataratto grapes. It has a golden colour with aromas of honey, pineapple and melon notes, lemon peel and toffee with hints of toasted oak. It is lush on the palate with plenty of toasted spice, ripe tropical fruit and lemony flavours. The finish is long and warm hilighted by sweet fruit and citrus peel.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 18th, 2010

This recognizable, organic Prosecco with its old fashioned closure is a fantastic value!
It has nice complexity (especially for the price) toasty, leesy aromas with plenty of crsip vibrant citrus, talc and apple blossoms with hints of pear. The palate is suitably creamy with tree fruit, juicy citric and mineral flavours. A nice, rich mousse and slightly toasty finish rounds out this fresh bubbly - you'll want to enjoy a glass every day!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 12th, 2010

Buy it by the case!
When I poured this wine into a glass and gave it a sniff, the first words out of my mouth were wow! Effusive aromas that will lure you back again and again. It has a faint peachy tone that matches its fragrance - pretty star fruit, spring blossoms and peach stone, tangerine peel and talc with a hint of anise. The palate is snappy and crisp with a slightly slick texture. Peach stone and flavours return on the palate, it has an impression of sweetness and bitter almond flavours lingering on the finish.
Fantastic value!
A blend of Gargenega, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 12th, 2010

I have reviewed this wine many times over the past three years and it always impresses me.
Passo Doble means two-step in Spanish - its also a very seductive, dramatic dance that emulates the movements of a bullfighter. From Italian producer Masi, comes this Passo Doble blend of Corvina (partially dried - as used in making Amarone) and Malbec from their Tupungato estate in Cuyo.
The aromas are rich and concentrated - sweet fruitcake, berries, dried plum and pepper, chocolate and warm spice. The palate is dense and weighty, loads of supple purple fruit and espresso powder, chocolate and spice. Thick, almost chewy on the palate with a powdery texture and smooth tannins.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 9th, 2010

It is recognized that Bertani (which originated in 1870) was the first to produce this style of Valpolicella by refermenting the juice with the leftover lees and skins from making Amarone - I'm just thrilled someone discovered it.
This Valpolicella is a wonderful blend of traditional Corvina and Rondinella grapes. Sweet bright cherry aromas dominate followed by warm spice and fragrant crushed violets, warm chocolate notes, pepper and coffee. It is delicious, warm in the mouth, supple, sweet and savoury all at once. Bright acidity lifts the fruit while flavours of cocoa and espresso grounds, wild herbs and spice give it support. Excellent balance, weight and length.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 8th, 2010

A succulent Amarone, the Accordini is thick with aromas - cherry and dried fruit, molten chocolate and sweet spice with roasted hazelnut, toffee, a hint of banana and a dense, earthy core. Expect loads of spice, cocoa and rich berry flavours, it is full on the palate with nice acidity to brighten it up. It is dark and decadent - savoury flavours of herbs, roasted espresso beans and smoked, meaty tones hang on the finish. Nice depth, a pleasing chewiness with supple tannins on the finish.
Pair it with rich meat dishes or with hard aged cheeses, after the meal.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 18th, 2010

Here is your Monday-Thursday pasta wine - a Montepulciano D'Abruzzo with rich warm aromas of cherries and espresso, a hint of iodine, leather and sunbaked earth and a core of chocolate shavings and dried herbs. The palate reflects the aromas - chocolate and savoury spices, plum and cherry flavours, just a suggestion of dried fruit with char, cigarbox and spice lingering on the finish.
A simple, juicy and smooth weekday dinner wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 9th, 2010

I visited this winery in Scansano in Tuscany on a blistering hot June day in the summer of 2008. In fact there was no winery, it had yet to be built. But I did tour the vineyards and sat to taste some wines made from grapes of the sourrounding vineyards. Needless to say I was happy to see a wine from Poggio Morino being imported locally.
This is a simple but delicious pasta wine made from Sangiovese, Syrah and a bit of Alicante. Expect aromas of cherries, leather and earth, cigarbox, fine spice and hints of dried flowers. The palate is smooth, fresh cherry/red berry flavours are supported by mocha, spicebox and sunbaked earthy tones. The finish lingers with flavours of toasted oak and spice.
Good value!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 5th, 2010

A very tasty Chianti made from organically produced grapes the Natio is oozing ripe cherries, violets and chocolate aromas with sweet vanilla, sandlewood and leathery undertones. Layers of juicy berries, cedar and spicebox flavours light up your palate. This medium-bodied red has bright acidity, powdery tannins and lingering spice that will play well with pasta, cheese or pizza!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 27th, 2010

Still bright and supple this 2003 Amarone packs aromas ripe berries and cherries, hints of dried fruits, saddle leather, warm spice and mocha. The palate is dense and earthy and at the same time juicy - layers of vibrant fruit, espresso and chocolate, spice box and molasses - fine firm tannins linger.
Perfect paired with crumbly, aged cheeses.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 21st, 2010

A lovely, feminine-style Amarone with pretty blueberry, dried cherry and crushed floral aromas laced with spice and coffee liqueur tones for support. Earthy with dark chocolate, leather, dried cherries and spice lingering on the palate. An Amarone that will seduce you with elegance, not pound its chest...
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 27th, 2009

This Toscano Rosso Super Tuscan red blends Sangiovese with 40% Merlot.
It presents juicy aromas - sweet smoked cherries and strawberry, cedar and crushed violets with hints of leather. The palate has plenty of cherry and bittersweet chocolate, leather and roasted espresso flavours. It is fresh and supple food wine with balanced acidity and fine firm tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 21st, 2010

This very pretty frizzante sparkling wine is made from nearly equal quantities of Prosecco and Vespaiolo grapes - that are classic to this region.
Expect bright, fragrant aromas of creamy pear and peach, wild honey and rose petals with a spritz of sweet lemon. The light frizzante bubbles tickle your palate and bring plenty of sweet, juicy fruit and lemon peel flavours.
It is a delicate and refreshing sparkler, perfect as an aperitif or paired with light appetizers.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 19th, 2010

This is a crisp, light sipper perfect for summer salads, fish or antipasti.
This new Emotivo label contains a very affordable trio which includes a Montepulciano and a Pinot Grigio rose.
It presents aromas of pears and honey, spring blossoms and flinty/mineral notes with a hint of wild herbs. Citrus and mineral flavours lead the palate - it is a fresh, delicate wine with a bright finish.
Simple and very pleasant!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 19th, 2010

If you are looking for a bit more complexity in your Prosecco this is your bubbly.
This vintage Prosecco presents aromas of spring blossoms, crisp pear and apple with minerals and vague herbal notes. The palate is crisp with a creamy edge, it has a soft mousse and flavours of white fruit and citrus peel. There is the expected kiss of sweetness and and a long fruity finish which clings to your palate.
Great with light appetizers, quiche, olives, salami or soft cheeses...
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 15th, 2009

I call this a swoon-worthy baby Amarone.
It seduces you with intense aromas of kirsch, prunes, luscious chocolate and espresso with undertones of leather and baking spices. It's rich and densely weighted on the palate and has impressive concentration of sweet cherry, dried fruits, cocoa and coffee flavours with lingering warm spice on the finish. Very well balanced with a supple, elongated finish.
Excellent value.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 2nd, 2009

This is a wine that says harmony, it is united in both aroma and flavour. Rustic in a completely good way, expect aromas of red cherry, saddle leahter, cigarbox, violets and a hint of dried herbs. It is both satisfying and simple - smooth on the palate, balanced and juicy with flavours of red berries, sunbaked earth and leather with fine spice. The tannins are completely integrated making this an easy wine to sip, but it's even better with homemade thin-crust pizza.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 27th, 2009

There is 15% Cabernet Sauvignon blended into this Tuscan Sangiovese...
It is what you desire in a simple Tuscan wine - cherries and leather, sweet cedar and crushed floral aromas with tar and fine spice notes. Subtle and juicy red fruits, cigarbox, wild herbs and leather with fennel seed and cedar flavours lingering on the finish.
Simply suitable and simply delicious.
Pair with pasta soups, light meat dishes, hard cheese or tomato based dishes.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

This well priced Italian cousin of Zinfandel has loads of red fruits - cherries and plums - with smoked hints, saddle leather and iodine with chocolate and espresso undertones.The palate is simple and rustic but satisfying with layered flavours of pomegranate, red currents, fine cedarbox spices and tobacco lingering on the finish. It's a smooth wine with nice balance.
Good value!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

A delight of honey, apple peel, stone fruit, fragrant floral, straw and mineral with a hint of almonds. It has fantastic acidity, fine bubbles and impressive complexity for the price. It also has a creamy mousse and leesy flavours with a zesty citrus linger.
This is a wine produced for, and served in Joseph Bastianich and Mario Batali's restaurants in the U.S. This is the first time it has been sold in Canada!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 3rd, 2009

A new Prosecco, the Luna Argenta is pale straw in colour with tiny bubbles and aromas of delicate flowers, talc, bee pollen and fleur de sel with a whiff of berries. A crisp palate with plenty of flavours of nectarine and apple peel flavours, honeysuckle and citrus. It has lovely acidity and a creamy honey and mineral flavoured finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 25th, 2009

This unique varietal, classic to Friuli, is oozing aromas of figs, wild honey, quince and peach stone with plenty of minerality, a hint of white blossoms and straw notes. The palate has a pleasing oily texture, expect mineral, herbal and marmalade flavours on the palate and a crisp, lingering finish.
Fantastic.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 20th, 2009

This more elegant version of a BC Merlot has plenty of red fruit aromas with hints of floral, wild herbs and cocoa. Expect a lovely supple palate texture and flavours that echo the aromas. Integrated tannins, fresh, high-toned fruit and herbs with hints of cedar on the finish.
Cassini suggests red pastas, beef, pork and cheese to pair with this wine.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 11th, 2009

A Super-Tuscan blend of Sangiovese with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Dogajolo (dog-a-yolo) is a fragrant combination of cedar chips, cherries and crushed floral aromas with sweet spices and undertones of green olives and wild herbs. The entry is smooth and flavours of cherry, leather and spice box cross your palate, the finish is very dry with powdery tannins.
Pair with hearty meat and tomato stews or Italian cold cuts.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 14th, 2009

From the Grossetto region in the Maremma (by the sea) of Tuscany this warm, ripe red provides gobs of sweet ripe cherry and chocolate, crushed flowers and undertones of woodsy notes and tobacco. It's full and supple on the palate with flavours of spiced cherries, leather, cigarbox and coffee and a long spicy finish.
This wine hails from one of the properties owned by celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich, her son Joseph and Mario Batali.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 14th, 2009