Another hidden gem from Southern Ontario, a classic Pinot Noir from the Beamsville Bench (Niagara) VQA… This classic, elegant red from Kew Vineyards Estate Winery in Beamsville Bench, Ontario, offers exactly what you’d expect in a Pinot Noir. It’s also another fantastic offering from Philip Dowell, an award-winning winemaker. The red fruit and forest floor … Read more
A Niagara red Bordeaux blend that rivals, if not surpasses, many of its French counterparts… This bold, juicy red blend from Stratus Winery in Niagara offers plenty of complexity and balance in an Old-World style. Dark jammy fruit, black pepper, leather, and savoury spice dominate the nose, although we enjoyed the semi-sweet chocolate notes and … Read more
A very good Bordeaux-blend with a twist… This Bordeaux-style blend, produced in British Columbia by Le Vieux Pin, impressed us in terms of complexity, ease of drinkability, and value. Similar to many blends produced on the Right Bank in Bordeaux, where Merlot dominates Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the twist of Petit Rouge comes in … Read more
The View’s 2016 Pinotage Rosé combines a deliciously sweet nose with a crisp, tart mouth… We adored the vibrant crispness of this Canadian Pinotage Rosé made, interestingly, from a South African varietal. Contrary to what we have experienced with many wines, the label accurately described this offering, but we didn’t notice any cotton candy. Though … Read more
An off-dry, yet surprisingly salty Viognier from our friends at La Frenz… We have long enjoyed Okanagan wines and came across this La Frenz Viognier at one of our favourite wine shops in Vancouver. We appreciated the balance of this wine, despite the relatively high alcohol rating (14.7%). At the same time, we found the … Read more
A well-balanced, unoaked Chardonnay from Cave Spring to tickle your palate… Name: Chardonnay Musqué Vintage: 2013 Producer: Cave Spring Region/Country: VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Chardonnay Musqué Consumed: At home Recommended By: Purchased it from the winery after a wonderful tasting with Tom Pennachetti, Vice President, Marketing and Sales for Cave Spring. … Read more
An excellent Cabernet Franc from Pillitteri that was well worth the wait… Name: Cabernet Franc Family Reserve Vintage: 2002 Producer: Pillitteri Region/Country: VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc Consumed: At home as part of a birthday celebration (not saying which one). Recommended By: Received it as a gift from a beloved source. Cost: … Read more
What a great Icewine should be… Name: Riesling Icewine Vintage: 2014 Producer: Henry of Pelham Region/Country: VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Riesling Consumed: At home on a cool early summer evening Recommended By: Purchased it from the winery after an engaging, informative tasting led by Paul Speck Cost: $34.95 CAD Bottle Presentation: … Read more
A vibrant, beautifully-made Ontario Rosé… Name: Rosé Vintage: 2016 Producer: Henry of Pelham Region/Country: Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Zweigelt, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (percentages unknown) Consumed: At home on a gorgeous (finally!) summer evening Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO Cost: $13.75 CAD Bottle Presentation: Distinctive … Read more
Not your typical Cabernet Franc, but still a fantastic offering from Hester Creek… Name: Hester Creek Cabernet Franc Reserve Block 3 Vintage: 2009 Producer: Hester Creek Region/Country: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc Consumed: At home Recommended By: A gift from a trusted source Cost: $28.99 CAD Bottle Presentation: Distinctive, classy label, … Read more