2015 Hidden Bench Riesling – Vintages 183491 – $23.95 – **** – There’s something about Riesling and this time of year. I just enjoy putting it on the table next to roast chicken, paprikash, even Coq au Vin can get a nice counterpoint to it. This is bone dry with...
Everyone these days seems to be enamoured with Prince Edward County. There is some fantastic, gritty winemaking taking place to the east of Toronto. There are a lot of reasons to pay attention to the County. But there is a renaissance taking place in Niagara. It started when Two Sisters...
2016 Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling – Vintages 67587 – $18.95 – **** – There is nice balance to this riesling. There is a kiss of sweetness on the finish, and it’s met with nice acidity. The sweetness is enough to really let macintosh and golden delicious apple soar on the mid...
2014 Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling – Vintages 241182 – $35.20 – ****+ – I love it when my Riesling has a hint of sugar. But sweetness needs balance and this is perfectly balanced. The sweetness brings some golden delicious apple to lemon drop. The mineral note adds even more...
2012 Henry of Pelham Carte Blanche – Vintages 315200 – $44.95 – ****½ – Cuvée Catherine Sparkling from Henry of Pelham is a benchmark for Sparkling wine in the province. It would seem the Speck brothers aren’t content with setting the bar without exceeding it themselves. The nose offers a...
2016 Rosewood Sussreserve Riesling – Vintages 258806 – $15.95 – **** – Well this is something different – a little more serious – a little more complex. I have long used the Sussreserve as a go-to when talking about Ontario Riesling, it was straight-forward and easy drinking. It would seem...
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut Sparkling – Vintages 206326 – $30.95 – **** – This is the second visit to vintages for 2017 and I’m excited to see this hitting the shelf heading into fall. The price has crept up by a couple dollars but this is still outstanding value....
2015 Trius Red – Vintages 303800 – $24.95 – **** – This continues to be a benchmark for Bordeaux varietals in Ontario. It offers fantastic value and continues to be a staple to build a cellar. The nose on this bottle offers up raspberry, blackberry and a nice cocoa note....
Here’s a look at some new wines from Huff. I am constantly amazed at the quality of the Merlot found 2016 Huff Pinot Gris – $22.00 – **** – This is made with a blend of Niagara and Prince Edward County fruit. The nose on this wine is all apple,...
2016 Chateau des Charmes Aligoté – LCBO 296848 – $15.95 – **** – There is something a little floral and very mineral on the nose of this wine. Refreshing with apple and peach flavours on the mid palate with nice intensity. The mineral note goes through from start to finish...
2016 2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard Fox Croft Block Riesling – Vintages 225490 – $22.95 – ****½ – The wines from 2027 Cellars are something to anticipate. The virtual winery doesn’t have a retail shop to visit so we should covet these wines when they make it to the shelf. I...
This pair of wines from the general list of the LCBO are a nice reminder that delicious Ontario wine doesn’t need to be expensive. 2016 13th Street White Burger Blend (Pinot Grigio/Riesling) – LCBO 469304 – $14.95 – ***1/2+ – Simply put, the definition of a patio sipper. This is...
