2016 Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling – Vintages 38117 – $19.95 – ****+ – This continues to be a show-stopper and benchmark for quality and price in the province. This brings perfect balance with acidity but the sweetness on the palate brings an army of fruit to this...
2016 Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay – Vintages 616466 – $29.95 – ****+ – This is one of the first wines I have had an opportunity to sample what the very warm 2016 summer has to offer from Niagara, and I was not disappointed. Aromas of vanilla and...
It has been a very exciting couple of years for bubbles from Prince Edward County. This year Hinterland released a new “top end” sparkling called Sacrament. Down in the south of the County stopping by Lighthall is essential when Culmination, a fantastic Blanc de Blancs is available. How could you...
This is not another turkey column… and it’s not “not another turkey column”. The video posted by Rick VanSickle is still one of my favorite commentaries on what to pair with Turkey. Let’s face it, Rick makes some great points. The most exciting herb or spice that sees most of...
Everyone these days seems to be enamoured with Prince Edward County. There is some fantastic, gritty winemaking taking place to the east of Toronto. There are a lot of reasons to pay attention to the County. But there is a renaissance taking place in Niagara. It started when Two Sisters...
2015 Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – $30.95 – Vintages 553321 – **** – This is a great example of BC Cabernet Sauvignon with nice rich black fruit layered over smoke. The story of this wine is one of structure and approachability. This wine is drinking great right now, with...
2016 Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling – Vintages 67587 – $18.95 – **** – There is nice balance to this riesling. There is a kiss of sweetness on the finish, and it’s met with nice acidity. The sweetness is enough to really let macintosh and golden delicious apple soar on the mid...
Here is a look at a couple bottles of Chardonnay that I can only describe as highly anticipated. Both Back 10 Cellars and Featherstone work with Canadian Oak barrels and have set a benchmark for consistency and quality. Every incarnation of this wine speaks to the vintage from which it...
2016 Rosewood Sussreserve Riesling – Vintages 258806 – $15.95 – **** – Well this is something different – a little more serious – a little more complex. I have long used the Sussreserve as a go-to when talking about Ontario Riesling, it was straight-forward and easy drinking. It would seem...
A couple years ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Pieter Badenhorst or Fleur du Cap. So I was thrilled to have an opportunity to sit down with him again this year. The wines from Fleur du Cap always offer great value and high quality. The Chardonnay and...
2015 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay – Vintages 172338 – $24.95 – **** – The short note – this is the best Triomphe Chardonnay that I can remember. The long – Aromas are spicy and layered over apples and peach. This wine opens up on the palate with nice weight and texture....
Since this wine was tasted Norman Hardie has been accused of sexual misconduct. The article can be found here – https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-winemaker-norman-hardie-accused-of-sexual-misconduct/ 2016 Norman Hardie Niagara Pinot Noir – $45.00 – ****½ – 2016 was a very hot vintage. A lot of wine glasses are waiting in anticipation for great Ontario...
