2013 Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer – Vintages 302059 – $17.95 – **** – Gewurz in time for summer is something interesting. You will read tons of notes on how these wines pair well with spicy asian cuisine – Thai or Japanese. I love having something that pairs well with grilled sausages. The fact that Gewurz from Ontario is a little lighter than its european counterparts makes it a little more food friendly but the weighty texture on the mid palate does work in tandem with the fat in bratwurst or smokies. This wine is a little off-dry so the sweetness helps cut through the salty flavours of the sausages as well. The aromas are exactly what you would expect with perfumed rose layered over lychee. The flavours match the nose and the finish is long but still balanced with nice acidity.
2015 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc – Vintages 275958 – $21.95 – **** – The nose offers a nice ripe cherry note layered over blackberry. There is a bit of Merlot making up 15% of the blend here which may explain why the savory note that is signature in Niagara Cabernet Franc is buried deep. The flavours match the nose revealing layers of red fruit – cherry, raspberry, strawberry – and they move to black fruit with blackberry and plum holding the spotlight. I plan on enjoying this wine in its youth but it should hold on remain vibrant in your cellar if you decide to keep a few bottles on hand for 3-5 years.
