A good Pinot Noir from Pelee Island… Our interest in Pinot Noir continues to grow and this reserve offering from Pelee Island Winery reminds us why. The initial bouquet gave us grilled meat, lots of spices, and alcohol, anything but what one would expect from the varietal. With some time to breathe, however, we enjoyed … Read more
A tantalizing, award-winning red blend from Veneto… This enticing, red blend, an IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) from Zenato, a highly reputable producer in Italy’s Veneto region, situated near the shore of Lake Garda, offers plenty of fruit while maintaining a beautifully-balanced structure. The nose, an aromatic bouquet, served up raspberries and dark cherries, as well … Read more
Another excellent offering from the Beamsville Bench… We purchased this Pinot Noir Estate following an incredible wine tasting hosted by Cave Spring’s Marketing and Sales Vice-President, Tom Pennachetti. We have long been fans of the winery and this particular red reminds us why. We enjoyed the fragrant bouquet, a combination of raspberry, leather, cigar box, … Read more
A juicy, red Portuguese blend at an outstanding price-point… A blend of five varietals, this juicy red from the Dão region in Portugal has plenty to offer in both the nose and the mouth. The layered bouquet offered notes of dark plums, leather, vanilla, charred wood, and, dare we say it, dirty laundry. In the … Read more
A powerful Greek wine in a Janus-like way… This 100% Xinomavro offering from the Boutari/Naoussa Winery feels Greek to the core, at least in terms of the god Janus. Both the outside and inside of the wine appeared to have two sides. On the outside, the label had a dramatic, masculine appearance, with gold-on-black lettering … Read more
A classic Pinot Noir from Brella in Willamette Valley, Oregon… We enjoyed Brella’s Pinot Noir, a very good representation of the varietal. It offered classic red fruit and mushroom notes, as well as nice degrees of balance and complexity. It shined on its own, but also paired nicely with a creamy, camembert-like cheese from Quebec, … Read more
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
An outstanding, robust red blend from Pauillac, and one worthy of the Barons de Rothschild name… This wine lived up to its name, Légende, offering a complex, balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Merlot (30%). As one would expect from the Pauillac region in Bordeaux, dark, ripe fruit, including plums, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries … Read more
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