Wine Review August 26, 2012 – 2009 Calamus Cabernet Sauvignon – 2011 Sandbanks Dunes Vidal

2009 Calamus Cabernet Sauvignon – VINTAGES 285809 – $19.95 – I had a chance to visit Calamus earlier this summer and I knew this was coming out.  Calamus never ceases to surprise how a small winery can make such great wine.  This is another fruit forward wine with a nice balance of smoky flavours.  What is very interesting is the quality of how great the Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc from this part of the province has been from the 2008 and 2009 vintage.  This wine is definitely undervalued and another one that I particularly enjoy on it’s own without any food.

2011 Sandbanks Dunes Vidal – LCBO 110031 – $12.95 – Vidal is a tricky wine to turn into great table wine.  I find that many Vidal’s will have an abundance of rich flavours leaning towards floral and honey and no acidity to balance out these flavours that can invade the mouth.  Not so with the Dunes Vidal, Sandbanks has created a blend with Riesling and it really gives this wine some legs to stand on.  The aroma on this wine makes it worth the price of purchase with a depth of Honey/Wildflower/Vanilla.  A fun fact about this wine, on her last visit the Queen had a chance to try this wine, no tasting notes from her majesty however.