2013 Fielding White Conception – Vintages 203737 – $18.95 – **** – This is a wine that is perfect for the patio, or a large family gathering. This drinks very easy, flavours are subtle and it is very food friendly. This is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Viognier. It gets muted characteristics from each grape in the bottle. There are flavours of apple and melon with a nice soft floral quality to this. This is light on the palate but the pinot gris does give it a little bit of an oily texture. I think my favorite thing about this wine is the mineral note on the finish. The finish is clean with just a hint of the white floral notes that linger. Enjoy this with Chicken or Fish off the grill or on its own with warm weather.
2012 Chateau des Charmes St Davids Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc – $27.95 – ****1/2 – If you’re looking for a bottle of Ontario wine to add to the cellar look no further. Very well priced coming in under the thirty dollar price mark, this is a serious bottle. The nose offers up dark chocolate, raspberry, black currant and smoke. The tannin is still firm and grippy but it will soften with 30-60 minutes in a decanter. In spite of the tannin there is so much fruit once the wine is in your mouth. Black Currant, Blackberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Dark Cherry, Plum and just hints of herbaciousness. This is drinking great now, but it will last in the cellar for 5-7 years easily and gracefully. Serve this with steak or roast beef.
