2011 16 Mile Cellar Rebel Pinot Noir – Vintages 461731 – $22.95 – ****+ – This is hopefully the first of many releases we see from this small winery on the shelves of vintages. This Pinot Noir will have you rethink what it means to pick up a good bottle at a great price. In the year that has passed since I last tasted this wine a beautiful elegance and delicacy has worked its way into the bottle. The aromas are still fruit driven with red cherry, and cranberry. You also have a nice damp earthiness that has worked it’s way out of the glass. The flavours in this wine are driven by the fruit. There is Raspberry, Cherry and Cranberry on the mid palate. You may not pick it up on the first sip, or the second but there is some nice depth to this wine with dried violet and damp moss on the finish of this wine that linger for a moment before being washed away by clean acidity. To really unlock the potential in this bottle serve it after putting it in the fridge for 30-45 minutes before opening and enjoy.
2013 Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – Vintages 367797 – $19.95 – ****+ – This is a very interesting bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. There is a tropical intensity to this wine that pulls you right into the glass. This is all passion fruit and grapefruit on the nose. There is nice depth to this wine with hints of straw and mineral. One of the hallmarks of Sauv Blanc from Ontario is the bright crisp acidity. This is a great wine to pair with freshly shucked oysters or grilled fish. The finish on this wine leaves the palate refreshed but with lingering minerality.
