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 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
A delightful, balanced, and complex rosé from Hidden Bench… Name: Locust Lane Rosé Vintage: 2015 Producer: Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery Region/Country: Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Unknown Consumed: At home Recommended By: Harald Thiel, Proprietor and Vigneron Cost: $19.75 (from the winery) Bottle Presentation: Simple, recognizable label. Appearance: Pale salmon, although you could … Read more
For once, we were delighted by a pink slip… Name: Pink Slip Vintage: 2015 Producer: Megalomaniac Region/Country: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon Consumed: At home Recommended By: Pick randomly off the Rosé shelf at the LCBO. Cost: $19.95 CAD Bottle Presentation: Distinctive, recognizable label, which fits with the philosophy of … Read more
13th Street Cellar Door Club members rejoice with this great, exclusive Cabernet Franc… Name: Cellar Door Cabernet Franc, Members’ Selection Vintage: 2013 Producer: 13th Street Winery Region/Country: Creek Shores, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc Consumed: March 25th 2017 at home Recommended By: Jean-Pierre Colas, the winemaker Cost: Gift Bottle Presentation: Distinct, with a somewhat … 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
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