Last year was the first time I had a chance to attend the Cuvée Grand Tasting Gala and I decided then and there it was something worth marking the calendar for. After a format change last year where the event went from an award ceremony to each winery bringing their “favorite” wine to pour at the event it has swelled from 40 wineries in 2013 to more than 50 in 2014! It is physically impossible to taste every wine being poured at the event.
What stood out about the evening were wineries that used Cuvée as an opportunity to introduce themselves to public. Domaine Queylus is a winery that was pouring Pinot Noir made by Thomas Bachelder (who is clearly not busy enough making wine in three different time zones as it is). On the opposite side of the room Wescott was pouring Chardonnay that was just fantastic. Both of these wineries will be worth keeping an eye on. Westcott will be hosting their grand opening in late May.
Syrah being poured by Kacaba and Lailey. Kacaba was pouring their 2011 Terrace Vineyard Syrah which, in spite of a cool vintage, is very ripe and loaded with juicy red fruit flavours. If you were lucky enough to pick up a bottle at the winery they were selling it on the weekend for $19.95 and have decided to seal it back into the vault. Derek Barnett from Lailey was pouring his 2012 Syrah. A great balance of fruit and spice on this one. In spite of the cold winter we have been having these are worth buying and putting aside for when we can finally fire up the BBQ’s for that first taste of spring.
Sauvignon Blanc is being made very well in Ontario. The Wismer Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($19.95) and Showcase Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Hillebrand ($32.00) may be two of the best ever made! Great balance with strong herbacious notes, grilled green vegetable with lime and lemon punching through and palate cleansing acidity. These wines are fresh, crisp and begging to be paired with Mussels, Oysters or even Fish and Chips.
I was lucky enough to bring my Dad from Saskatchewan to Cuvée. I feel it’s worth mentioning that his favorite wine of the evening was poured by the Foreign Affair. The 2012 Conspiracy gives you a lot of full bodied flavours without a big price tag. This wine does need some time in a decanter to unlock it’s full potential but it is really good. This is the sort of wine the sip by the fire and enjoy during a never-ending winter.
Even though the weekend has already come and gone I think it’s safe to say that I am eagerly looking forward to next year.
