2012 Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red – Vintages 247881 – $18.95 – ****+ – Juicy, ripe and delicious flavours of blackberry, dark plum, currant, and mocha with nice pepper on the finish. I last tasted this wine in 2014 and needless to say this still has a few years left in the cellar for it to improve. This is another great value wine to add to your budding collection… while at the same time if you’re impatient (like I am) you can drink this right now. The best way to enjoy this wine is to open it at least a half an hour before serving, or put it in a decanter before serving. You can pair this with steak, lamb, or pizza. To be frank, this is the sort of wine that is good enough to serve at any occasion when you want your table set to impress your guests or you can settle down on the patio or at the cottage with a bottle and enjoy on its own.
2013 Calamus Pinot Gris – Vintages 349456 – $16.95 – **** – Pinot Gris from Ontario is often overlooked next to Riesling or even Gewurztraminer. The thing about Pinot Gris is that it is an essential summer wine. There is nothing better than a very hot day and a glass of Pinot Gris on a patio, dock or on a picnic. With a beautiful oily texture that clings to your mouth you get flavours of peach, pear and subtle honeydew. There is just a touch of sweetness on the finish but it is balanced perfectly with nice acidity. A perfect match to pickerel or trout, or light pasta dishes.
