An interesting Lalande-de-Pomerol given its strong flavours yet light body… Name: Château Vieux Chevrol Lalande-de-Pomerol Vintage: 2010 Producer: Château Vieux Chevrol Region/Country: Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France Grape Varietal(s): 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Consumed: Brought with us to the Hotel Nelligan in Montreal to celebrate someone’s 40th birthday. Recommended By: Found at the … Read more
A layered offering from Montemercurio in the tradition of the Montepulciano region… Name: Messaggero Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vintage: 2008 Producer: Montemercurio Region/Country: Montepulciano, Siena, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese Consumed: On a Friday, after a long week. Recommended By: LCBO Cost: $29.95 Bottle Presentation: Very classic Italian, reminiscent of Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel. Appearance: … Read more
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
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 very good example of a classic Pinot Noir… Name: Fox by John Belsham 2014 Pinot Noir Vintage: 2014 Producer: Foxes Island Wines Region/Country: Marlborough, New Zealand Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: At home Recommended By: End of the bin at the LCBO Cost: $27.95 Bottle Presentation: Simple, clean label, with a subtle texture Appearance: … Read more