2010 Henry of Pelham Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs – Vintages 315200 – $44.95 – ****1/2 – I look forward to this wine with every release. The price puts it at the top of the pile for Ontario sparkling but I assure you the price is completely worth it. The nose is front and centre toasty bread notes with citrus notes mingled in among apple and peach. The flavours on this wine match the nose with a very slight creaminess to the texture but mainly bright citrus and acidity on the finish take over. The finish lingers with hints of vanilla and lemon drop that rise to the roof of your mouth. This will pair with virtually anything you could serve over the holidays but save this for your Christmas or New Years toast… share only with your closest of friends and family.
2008 Stratus Evergreen Red – Vintages 437434 – $24.95 – ****+ – If you’re looking for a wine that is entering maturity without needing the patience to age it yourself this is the bottle for you. This is a traditional bordeaux blend consisting of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. 2008 is a vintage that everyone winemaker I have spoken to has referred to as “challenging”, but some of my favorite wines from the province have come from this vintage. So here is your wine snob 101 note for this wine; if you buy this and decide to age it, it’s going to start tasting more mushroomy and less fruity very quickly. If you don’t like mushrooms drink it right now. This is a great wine from a great producer at a great price enjoy it now with Red meat.
