2014 16 Mile Rebel Pinot Noir – Vintages 520783 – $22.95 – ****+ – The short note on this wine is that it’s the new benchmark for value Pinot Noir in the province. Everything in this wine is just harmonious from ripe fruit and earth to nice acidity on the finish. The aromas offer ripe cherry with some violet that tries to poke through some of the fruit. On the palate this opens up with nice weight and texture – the floral note from the nose moves to centre stage and is joined with a subtle vanilla note. A damp earthy note starts to make an appearance on the finish but before it can take attention away from the fruit and flowers it is met with nice acidity. The tannin is smooth and this wine is dangerously easy to drink. There is some cellaring potential here if you have more patience or restraint than I, you can keep some bottles around for 3-6 years.
2016 Seriously Cool Chardonnay – LCBO 457481 – $14.95 – **** – Bright and crisp with a nice mouthfeel. Unoaked Chardonnay of this calibre is anything but boring. The aromas speak of peaches and apples with some citrus tossed in there. The flavours match the nose and are met with bright crisp acidity making this a food friendly solution for so many things. A great match to a fish fry or grilled chicken.
