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 depth and complexity to a wine that brings a lot to your glass. Enjoy now or have it spend time in your cellar for 10-15 years.
2013 Stratus Red – Vintages 131037 – $48.20 – ****+ – Stratus is definitely one of the wineries that sets the bar when it comes to consistency and quality in Ontario winemaking. That being said it’s a tough act opening up the bottle that follows the monster 2012 vintage. With winemaker J-L Groux at the helm there is not even one moment you need to be concerned. This wine is dramatically different than the 2012 and speaks to the cooler more typical Niagara summer. This is a little softer and more elegant and approachable immediately. That being said I wouldn’t worry about keeping a few bottles in my cellar for 5-7 years.
