2010 Henry of Pelham Estate Cabernet-Merlot – Vintages 395855 – $24.95 – ****+ – This is approachable right out of the bottle but if you’re looking for an affordable bottle that will age for a few more years in a cellar. Aromas of Cocoa and Black Currant and flavours of...
This is the first of six posts about Californian wineries I had the opportunity to visit in August. It’s taken me a bit to digest everything I tasted and saw but needless to say that California is definitely worth a visit. My first stop was at Chateau Montelena. Shortly after...
2013 The Good Earth Big Fork Red – Vintages 424325 – $18.95 – **** – There are a lot of non-conventional red blended wines you can find in Ontario but I don’t think any of them quite have this recipe. The Big Fork is a blend of Merlot, Pinot Noir,...
2010 Excellence Chardonnay – $49.95 – ****1/2 – There shouldn’t be much left of this wine on the shelves of Stoney Ridge. Coming in just shy of fifty dollars I still think this is something that you should experience. Everything is perfectly in focus in this wine from the seductive...
2014 Rosewood Süssreserve Riesling – Vintages 258806 – $14.95 – **** – Off-dry and well balanced. There is a very fresh feel to this wine as it has some unfermented Riesling juice added to the wine. It’s easy drinking, and is incredibly versatile with most foods. I could see myself pairing...
2013 Merlot – ****+ – $24.95 – Winery Only – This wine is stunning! The nose is ripe aromas of smoke with black currant, blackberry and coffee. The nose almost fools you because it is restrained and elegant. Once the wine hits your tongue prepare for a wake up call....
There are two big events that I mark on the Calendar for every year in wine country. Cuvée takes place in the winter, you can see my thoughts from 2015 by clicking the link. The Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration takes place in the summer. This event is important because it...
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...
I have had Grappa a couple of times before. And while we are in the middle of a cocktail revolution that is sweeping the city Grappa has not made it’s way into many cocktails that I’ve seen. For myself, I prefer spirits that require little fuss and can be enjoyed...
I hosted a Cabernet Franc tasting earlier this year, and I am still sorting through my notes on 47 different wines from all over the province. I was fortunate to have the Bench Trial wines included in my panel. Currently operating as a virtual winery they have a 2010 and 2011...
2012 Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling – Vintages 557165 – $17.95 – ****+ – This is a bottle of awesome right here. Off-dry and perfectly balanced with acidity. With the warmer weather this can be a little too easy drinking on a patio on it’s own. The fruit is pear,...
Last month I attended a wines of Portugal tasting. Prior to a walk-around tasting there was a crash course seminar hosted by Master Sommelier John Szabo. I don’t know much about Portugese wines. For most people their knowledge of Portugese wines start and end with Port. There is obviously much...
