November 28 – 2011 Feathersone Joy Cuvée Sparkling – 2012 Karlo Gilmour Corazon

2011 Featherstone Joy Premium Cuvée Sparkling – Vintages 310334 – $34.95 – ****1/2 –  Joy is a perfect name for a sparkling wine. Try to open a bottle and not smile, I dare you. Made purely from Chardonnay and sealed with a crown cap this is one of my favorite sparkling wines in the province. The nose is rising bread with vanilla, lemon and lime the flavours match. There is a nice creamy texture on the mid palate that sits there only for an instant before it is washed away by the bubbles.

2012 Karlo Gilmour Corazon Cabernet Sauvigon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc – Vintages 440594 – $22.95 – ****+ – Wines that outdeliver their pricepoint are something that I love finding in the vintages releases. Very ripe on the nose with Blackberry, Plum hints of Cedar and Smoke. Corazon walks a tightrope between big and bold while at the same time being elegant. The flavours add even more to what you found on the nose with a nice hint of roasted herb on the finish and cocoa notes. This wine was made in partnership with Toronto Maple Leaf legend Doug Gilmour.