March 5 – 2012 Henry of Pelham Family Tree White – 2011 Ridgepoint Ripasso Merlot

2012 Henry of Pelham Family Tree White – Vintages 251116 – $17.95 – **** – (Tasted Feb 19, 2016) The nose is soft with Vanilla and Passion Fruit. The flavours of this wine are complex and delicious Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Peach, Pear, and Apples with a wonderful texture on the finish. It has been about 6 months since I last tasted this wine and it is holding onto everything that makes it great. While this may seem an unconventional blend of grapes and flavours this will make a worthy addition to your cellar as it should evolve nicely over the next 5-7 years. Do not pair this wine with food as it is great on its own.

2011 Ridgepoint Ripasso Merlot – Vintages 270488 – $19.95 – ****1/2 – Wow! The concentrated nose on this wine is something I was not expecting. Raisin, Currant and Plum on the nose with hints of smoke. This is a very rich, juicy wine. The dried fruit on the nose make way to very ripe Strawberry, Cherry, Raspberry, and Blackberry. The finish on this wine is smooth with firm tannin. This will need some time in a decanter if you decide to open it right now. It will do better with 3-7 years in a cellar.