Both of these wines are approachable and easy drinking. Made to pair with food and unpretentious. I realize I have been saying this a lot lately but not all wines are meant for the cellar sometimes you just want something crowd pleasing and affordable. Lot 74 fits the bill.
2014 Pondview Lot 74 Cabernet Merlot – LCBO 336495 – $14.95 – ***1/2 – The nose is bright and fruity with Raspberry, Strawberry and Cherry pie. Flavours on this wine are just as fruity with no sign of firm tannin. I would consider this wine dry, but there is a bit of sweetness on the finish. Generally speaking I’m not a big fan of Red wine that has any residual sugar but I could easily see this going with tomato sauce on pasta, or pizza… this wine was made to pair with tomato.
2014 Pondview Lot 74 Chardonnay – Riesling – Gewurztraminer – LCBO 308718 – ***1/2+ – Gewurztarminer can be a divisive wine around a dinner table. The tropical and floral flavours and aromas can be overpowering and abrasive to someone used to drinking Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. This blend has taken the edge off what all three varietals bring to the table. There are floral qualities from the Gewurz, muted citrus notes from the Riesling, orchard fruit from the Chardonnay. This wine is very dry with balanced acidity. There is a nice finish to this wine leaving you with a whisper of floral notes.
