Coming from the killer 2012 vintage this trio of reserve wines from Reif are all worth picking up. These are the kinds of wines that need a good hour or two in a decanter or a few years on the wine rack to really unlock the awesomeness in the bottles.
2012 Reif Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – $29.95 – Rich, delicious and very fruit driven. This needs to be paired with very strong meats or cheeses to help power through the intensity of this cab sauv. The fruit is raspberry, black currant and blackberry. There is smoke and cocoa on the long finish with firm tannin that will soften with a few years on its side.
2012 Reif Merlot Reserve – $25.95 – Very ripe red fruit in this bottle that has me eagerly revisiting Ontario Merlot. If you’re picking up the trio this is the wine that is drinking the best right now. Tannin in this wine is still firm but softens quickly in a wide bowled glass. Make sure to decant this for an hour before serving.
2012 Reif Meritage Reserve – $35.00 – Fruit driven and mainly Cab Sauv and Merlot. This wine has great aging potential! You can enjoy it now after a couple of hours in a decanter to soften the tannin but the best way to enjoy this wine is to pick up several bottles and enjoy one every year or two. This will pair well with roast beef, steak and lamb.
2013 Sauvignon Blanc – LCBO 391300 – $14.95 – I love the Sauvignon Blanc from Chateau des Charmes. Flavours lean towards lemon and lime on both the nose and palate with just a slight hint of herbaciousness on the finish. Bright and Citrus this very easy drinking crisp wine will make a perfect match to freshly shucked oysters, creamy based pasta, or grilled trout.
