I love Pelee Island wines. As much as I love reviewing and tasting the new released from the Vintages section as they come out, I do remember that for most people the regular list is where they do most of their shopping. Quality VQA products are essential in the regular list. The wines from Peller, Trius, Chateau des Charmes and Pelee Island are essentially the flag bearers for Ontario wine. Just because these wines come in at the lower end of the price range doesn’t mean they should be over looked.
2013 Cabernet Franc – LCBO 433714 – $11.95 – ***1/2 – This is one of my go to red wines for cooking. It is very typically Cabernet Franc with lots of red fruit and just a slight savory edge. The extra heat from the southernmost wine region in Canada really comes through in the Franc with the very ripe flavour coming through in this wine. The fruitiness of this wine will make it seem like there is some sweetness but it is very dry with almost no residual sugar. I enjoy using this wine for tomato sauces, au jus with roast beer, or using it in stews. No need to cellar this bottle enjoy it right now until the next vintage comes out.
The new label design from Pelee Island really pops on the shelf. I have admitted before that I am a sucker for a snazzy label. But when push comes to shove the wine still has to be good.
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon – LCBO 214957 – $14.95 – ***1/2 – The theme from Pelee Island is a lot of fruit in the bottle. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a lot of Raspberry, Blackberry and Plum with hints of smoke and mocha on the finish. Just like the Cabernet Franc this will make a welcome addition to your table anywhere red meat can be found whether it’s burgers, steaks or lamb.
2013 Pinot Noir Reserve – LCBO 458500 – $15.95 – ***1/2+ – Affordable Pinot Noir (I hesitate to use the word cheap) that tastes like Pinot Noir can be a challenge in Ontario. Loads of cherry with nice earthiness on the finish and great acidity make this a very food friendly Pinot.
2012 Vinedressers Chardonnay – 700400 – **** – This Chardonnay definitely benefits from the longer growing season on Pelee Island. This is a big, buttery Chardonnay with ripe Orange and Pineapple flavours with vanilla and some spice on the finish. This is a big Chardonnay but still has nice acidity on the finish to keep the wine balanced. This will make a great match to creamy pasta dishes, fish and chips, or on its own. Make sure you don’t serve this too cold or the Oak flavours in the wine may overpower.
2010 Vinedressers Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot – 530000 – **** – While the Cabernet Franc and the Cabernet Sauvignon are unpretentious and easy drinking right out of the bottle this is a nice Bordeaux style blend. The tannin is just starting to soften in the bottle but there is still some life left in this bottle if you were looking for something that would age for another 5 years or so. That being said you There is lots of Blackberry, Black Currant, and Blueberry with nice bit of spice on the finish. This will pair well with roast beef, or a nice steak. Pelee was pouring the 2012 version of this wine at Cuvée this year.
