2014 Chateau des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir – ****+ – $35.00 – The last time this wine was produced was in 2010. This is definitely something very special in the bottle. I know my own impressions when I first took my sip was to do a gustatory double-take. Pinot from CdC is delicious, but usually a little rough around the edges. The Paul Bosc Estate Pinot is anything but rough … this is liquid velvet. There is a perfect balance in flavour with Ripe Cherry, Damp Mossy Forest floor and Violets. This wine brings a little bit of everything that is right with Ontario Pinot Noir. The problem with Pinot like this is that it presents a dilemma when you get the bottle home … it’s approachable and gulpable immediately after opening… SO, do you keep this in the cellar for a few years, or do you open it immediately? I’ll leave the dilemma up to you, but regardless of when you drink it, make sure you get a chance to taste this wine.
2013 Chateau des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Chardonnay – **** – $22.95 – Creamy vanilla and baking spice climb their way out of the glass. Once you get past these aromas you will find the orchard with pears, peaches and orange. While there is a lot going on in this glass it still walks on tip-toes with all kinds of delicacy. The barrel flavours are perfectly integrated and the acidity on the finish of this wine is nice and balanced. The acidity leaves the palate clean and keeps the finish from lingering for too long as the wine leaves your mouth with a flourish of baking spice and citrus. This finish and the nice acid backbone to this wine will make it very food friendly with creamy pasta or poultry dishes making their way out of the oven throughout the fall and winter.
