2013 Reif Estate Reserve Gewurztraminer – Vintages 360255 – $18.95 – ***1/2+ – This wine is definitely defined by its texture. This leans more towards an alsatian style of Gewurztraminer with a nice almost oily texture that grips the tongue. This varietal is one of my favorites in Ontario, it is also something that we do in a style that is distinctly local. While Gew in the province leans towards Germany or Alsace it never abandons it’s own terroir. The nose is Rose petal with ginger and the flavours match. Mixed in with the floral notes on the wine you have nice tropical fruit. This wine is dry with just a hint of sweetness on the finish. A perfect match to spicy asian cuisine.
2011 Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage – Vintages 505610 – $38.20 – ****+ – Elegance captured in a bottle. The nose is very ripe red fruit with a little bit of cedar. Even though everything in this wine has a feeling of delicacy there is a lot going on in the glass. Raspberry, Plum, Currant, Cedar, and hints of roasted herb lay themselves out and then finish with nice acidity. The tannin is still tight and this wine is still very young. This will age very gracefully over the next 5-10 years.
