2017 Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling – Vintages 80234 – $16.95 – ****+ – This continues to be benchmark for quality of Riesling from Ontario. Even though 2017 was by most accounts a challenging vintage, you certainly wouldn’t be able to guess by the flavours in this bottle. In your glass you’ll find lime, pink grapefruit, and peach. There is a hint of sweetness that is trying to poke it’s way through, but the acidity is bright, and crisp. This is perfectly balanced with the acidity and the crisp, clean finish leaves your mouth salivating for the next sip.
2017 Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc – Vintages 89011 – $17.95 – **** – Sauvignon Blanc can be found in my house next to fried fish, grilled chicken, and it’s a staple when I’m making mussels. The bright citrus and slight grassy aromas and flavours are something I can only be described as bottled sunshine. Everything is ripe and delicious in this bottle, and another reason to go out of your way to seek Sauvignon Blanc from the province.
2016 Featherstone Cabernet Franc – Vintages 64618 – $19.95 – ****+ – The tannin is soft, and smooth – This wine is ready to drink right now without spending any time in a cellar. While it might be interesting to pick up a few bottles of this to see how it might evolve over three to five years, this is a pleasant reminder that not all wines are meant to spend time in a cellar. That’s not a bad thing, and it’s not to say that this wine isn’t complex, and frankly, just pleasant to drink. It’s just a beautiful expression of Cabernet Franc from an outstanding vintage. The aromas are rich raspberry, cherry, and plum with flavours to match. A hint of cocoa and smoke and a bit of roasted herb make an appearance on the finish.
