Our wine reviews
A strong, balanced Amarone from Tommasi, just as one would expect… Name: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vintage: 2011 Producer: Tommasi Region/Country: Valpolicella Classico, Verona, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta Consumed: On a cold Canadian Saturday evening Recommended By: It was a gift Cost: It was a gift (apparently $49.95 at the LCBO) Bottle … Read more
This series of reviews stems from a blind tasting of three white wines, all of which were touted as typical representations of their respective terroir/location. Our journey began in Burgundy, France, and ended in Alto Adige, Italy, via Marlborough, New Zealand. For our pick of the lot, read on… Wine 1: Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé Vintage: … Read more
A well-balanced Viognier, with a burst of flavours to entertain your palate… Name: 13th Street Viognier Vintage: 2015 Producer: 13th Street Winery Region/Country: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Viognier Consumed: At home Recommended By: The affable, self-assured 13th Street winemaker, Jean-Pierre Colas Cost: $19.95 Bottle Presentation: Clean, classy, and easy to read. Appearance: Pale … Read more
The following reviews were part of blind tasting focusing on Pinot Noir. The three wines included, touted as typical representations of their terroir/location, took us to the Bourgogne region of France, the South Island of New Zealand, and the state of Oregon in the United States. The tasting proved eye-opening, revealing how this varietal can … Read more
Still searching for a point of comparison… Name: Versant Rouge Vintage: 2015 Producer: Vignoble et Cidrerie Coteau Rougemont Region/Country: Québec, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Frontenac Noir and Marquette (proportions unknown) Consumed: On a weekend getaway in Montreal Recommended By: Filled a display case at the SAQ in Montreal. Cost: $15.20 Bottle Presentation: A clean, distinctive look, … Read more
Would definitely try another Pinot Noir from the Baden region in Germany… Name: Lovely Lilly Pinot Noir Vintage: 2014 Producer: Shelter Winery Region/Country: Baden, Germany (Qualitätswein) Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: On a weekend getaway in Montreal Recommended By: Last chance bin at the LCBO (a place we seem to have good success with). Cost: … Read more
A good example of a Niagara (Ontario) Pinot Noir… Name: Pinot Noir Felseck Vineyard Vintage: 2012 Producer: Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery Region/Country: Beamsville Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: At home on a cool autumn evening Recommended By: Harald Thiel, proprietor and vigneron Cost: $38 Bottle Presentation: Distinctive, easy on the … Read more
Still our house red… Name: Baco Noir Réserve Vintage: 2011 Producer: Henry of Pelham Region/Country: Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Baco Noir Consumed: Over a beef tenderloin holiday dinner with family Recommended By: Paul Speck, President, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Cost: $25 Bottle Presentation: Distinctive dark blue Henry of Pelham label, although we know … Read more
Expected a lot more from this highly reputable Saint-Émilion Grand Cru… Name: No. 3 Angelus Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Vintage: 2013 Producer: Château Angélus Region/Country: Saint-Émilion, France Grape Varietal(s): 85-90% Merlot (according to the Château Angélus website) Consumed: At the Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Montréal, Québec, Canada Recommended By: The sommelier at the Vieux-Port Steakhouse Cost: $102 CAD … Read more
A well-balanced, good example of a Niagara Riesling… Name: Riesling Felseck Vineyard Vintage: 2013 Producer: Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery Region/Country: Beamsville Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Riesling Consumed: At home Recommended By: Harald Thiel, proprietor and vigneron Cost: $28 CAD Bottle Presentation: Distinctive and easy to read. The fonts hold well together. Although … Read more