Wine Review – 2018 Two Sisters Riesling

The 2018 edition of the Two Sisters’ Riesling is perfect for the patio and for spicy pizzas… Name: Riesling Vintage: 2018 Producer: Two Sisters Vineyards Region/Country: Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Riesling Alcohol Level: 10% abv. Consumed: At home Recommended By: Received as a gift but available at the LCBO (local liquor board) Cost: … Read more

Wine Review – 2018 Redstone Limestone Vineyard South Riesling

The 2018 Redstone Riesling is a fantastic Riesling, showcasing one of Niagara’s best varietals (in our humble opinion, at least)… Name: Redstone Limestone Vineyard South Riesling Vintage: 2018 Producer: Redstone Winery Region/Country: Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Riesling Alcohol Level: 10% abv. Consumed: At home Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf … Read more

Wine Review – 2016 Vineland Estate Winery Elevation Cabernet

The 2016 edition of Vineland’s Elevation Cabernet is another classic Cabernet blend from one of our favourite wineries in Niagara… Name: Elevation Cabernet Bo-Teek Vineyard Vintage: 2016 Producer: Vineland Estates Winery Region/Country: Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc (77%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) Alcohol Level: 14% abv. Consumed: At home Recommended By: Purchased … Read more

Wine Review – 2012 Cave Spring La Penna

This Appassimento method red wine impressed us on day one, and it continued to shine 5 days later! Name: La Penna Vintage: 2012 Producer: Cave Spring Vineyard Region/Country: Beamsville Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc Alcohol Level: 17% (at this alcohol level, La Penna approaches some fortified wines) Consumed: At home Recommended By: … Read more

Wine Review – 2012 Kew Heritage

Another very good red from one of Niagara’s hidden gems… Made in Appassimento style, this bold red blend from Kew Vineyards in Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Heritage, has plenty to offer. Blueberries, leather, anise, grilled meat, and a hint of green cedar round out the aromatic bouquet. In the mouth, we enjoyed a complex array of … Read more

Wine Review – 2013 Kew Pinot Noir

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

Wine Review – 2012 Stratus Red

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

Wine Review – Cave Spring Chardonnay Musqué 2013

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

Wine Review – Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2014

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

Wine Review – Henry of Pelham Rosé 2016

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