Wine Review July 1, 2012 – Canada Day! – 2011 Pelee Island Chardonnay – 2009 Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir

Happy Canada Day!  What better way to celebrate our nation than with a Red and a White.

2011 Pelee Island Chardonnay – LCBO 136044 – $10.95 – When I am looking for something new at the LCBO I generally give myself a $15 benchmark.  If you give me fifteen dollars, I’ll turn it into a great Ontario Wine.  It is rare that I find something that falls below that fifteen dollar mark.  When I opened this Chardonnay I was surprised at how good, clean, crisp and easy drinking it is.  My favorite thing about this wine was that I shared it with some friends who, admittedly, are Chardonnay fans.  But this is a group of friends who last week were not crazy for some of the other more premium Chardonnay’s I have recommended over the past few weeks.  Needless to say this wine is a crowd pleaser, and would be a great addition to your Canada day festivities. 

2009 Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir – VINTAGES 79228 – $21.95 – For the price this is a wine that could change your view of Pinot Noir.  This is another wine that Vintage after Vintage is consistently great.  Pinot Noir is one of my preferred summer wines.  Lighter than Cabernet or Baco this makes it easier to pair with whatever you’ve decided to serve.  It also is great to enjoy if you put it in the fridge just long enough to drop it a bit below room temperature.  Strawberry and Black Cherry are loaded on the palette with this wine.  It has a silky smooth finish and just a hint of earthiness as it rolls off the back to the tongue