2014 The Tragically Hip Ahead By A Century Chardonnay – Vintages 483875 – $19.95 – **** – The story of this wine is one of balance – barrel, fruit and acidity all seem to be in harmony with this bottle. There is a hint of baking spice on the nose layered over gala apple and oranges. The flavours match the nose and this wine starts to finish large with a nice creaminess on the mid palate, but the crisp acidity to the finish of this wine keeps the palate clean. I’m skeptical of celebrity endorsed wines, but this is solid wine. If you’re a fan of the Hip check this wine out, if you’re a fan of Chardonnay check this wine out.
2013 Rosewood Select Merlot – Vintages 211896 – $19.95 – Rosewood is one winery that seems to do well with Merlot regardless of vintage. The fruit is perfectly ripe on the nose and on the palate. The nose is ripe red cherry with a hint of smoke and a slight chalk dust to it. The flavours on this wine move a little darker than the nose. Flavours of blackberry, dark cherry and plum reveal themselves with this slight whisper of smoke that seems to work it’s way into all parts of this wine. This is drinking great right now with nice smooth tannin. This isn’t a wine I would sit on for more than 2-4 years, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Enjoy this wine young with roast beef or lamb.
