2014 Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Sparkling Riesling – Vintages 370361 – $20.95 – **** – There is a slight sweet note that is right at the core of this wine from start to finish. The nose is honeycomb and lime with a mineral note. The slight sweetness from the fruit...
Southwest of Eugene, Oregon I had the opportunity to visit Iris Vineyards. The sprawling estate is impressive when you arrive on the property that is over 800 acres. The winery has Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which is to be expected in Oregon… But it was also fascinating to...
2012 16 Mile Rebel Chardonnay – Vintages 485243 – $19.95 – ****+ – If you haven’t had a chance to taste the wines from 16 mile you’re missing out. Their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are some of the best buys in the province. This chardonnay balances nice orchard fruit with...
Rollin Soles settled in Oregon from Texas. He is the co-owner of ROCO winery in Oregon and greeting him at the winery felt like greeting an old friend. He settled in Oregon after making wines in California, Switzerland, Washington and Australia. The facility in Oregon is impressive and the wines...
2014 Kew Marsanne – vintages 485334 – $19.95 – ****+ – This is the only Marsanne in the province, that makes this wine both unique and special. The aromas are tangerine and vanilla making this seem like a creamsicle in a glass. There is a nice note of baking spice...
2011 Ridgepoint Pinot Noir – Vintages 89003 – $14.95 – ***½+ – There is something rich and concentrated about this Pinot. The nose is cherry, and it pushes right up to the line of being cherry pie… but doesn’t seem to cross that line. There is a slight smoky and...
2016 Rosewood Nebulous – $24.95 – **** – This is the first “sparkling” offering from Rosewood. I am putting the Sparkling in quotes because it’s not really a Sparkling in the sense that most Ontario wine lovers are familiar. This is essentially an Ancestral style sparkling wine made with the...
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut Sparkling – Vintages 206326 – $28.95 – **** – There is a nice bready note that climbs out of the glass. Granny Smith Apple and Lime follow the yeasty notes. When you take your first taste of this wine you’re greeted with bright notes of...
If you go to any winery in Ontario and ask about Thomas, the winery staff know that you are asking about Thomas Bachelder. Owner and winemaker of his eponymous wine label but known for his work at Le Clos Jordanne, Domaine Queylus and 16 Mile… I’m sure I am forgetting...
There are a pair of wines available from Vineland that are worth the trip down to the winery. Brian Schmidt is a flag bearer for Cabernet Franc in the province so it should be no surprise that the wines i’m about to talk about are Franc. 2014 Van Bers Vineyard...
2014 The Tragically Hip Ahead By A Century Chardonnay – Vintages 483875 – $19.95 – **** – The story of this wine is one of balance – barrel, fruit and acidity all seem to be in harmony with this bottle. There is a hint of baking spice on the nose...
2014 Ziraldo Riesling Icewine – Vintages 149609 – $88.80 – ****1/2 – This small winery specializes in Icewine. If you’re a fan of Niagara wine this name should be familiar to you because this bottle bears the name of the founder of Inniskillin. When I spoke with Donald Ziraldo in...
