2013 Lailey Merlot – Vintages 591396 – $24.95 – **** – The nose is jammy dark fruit with plum, blackberry and currant. I still maintain that I am a Merlot doubter… but when it’s done right it is very good. The flavours are Blackberry, Black Currant and Raspberry with hints of smokiness. There is vibrant acidity on the finish that should settle down with a little bit of age on the wine so you should keep it for 6-12 months ideally before opening. If you are impatient make sure you decant before serving. This will be a fine wine to pair with steak. Count on me to pick up a couple bottles of this to age for 3-5 years.
2014 Vineland Elevation St Urban Vineyard Riesling – Vintages 38117 – $19.95 – ****+ – This is one of the Rieslings from Ontario that I use as a benchmark. Consistently this is one of the best Ontario wines available at the LCBO and it remains under twenty dollars. This is off-dry with strong pressence of mineral on the nose. Once you take your first sip it is like a polaroid photo coming into focus … mineral peels back to reveal Granny Smith and Golden Delicious Apples, Pear, Peach, and subtle honey notes. The acidity is perfectly balanced so you’re left with just a hint of lingering sweetness on the palate and then it is washed away. Enjoy this with roast pork or grilled pork chops. This will age for 7-15 years.
