2015 Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay – Vintages 256552 – $18.95 – **** – I would love to see this bottle as a vintages essential so I can get it year round. While founder Len Pennachetti will refer to Cave Spring as the house that Riesling built, this winery rounds out...
2014 Hillier Creek Gamay Noir – Vintages 372839 – $22.95 – **** – This bottle is made with Prince Edward County fruit. Aromas of cherry that goes from ripe red to candied climb out of the glass. Prince Edward County is home to fantastic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but we...
2011 Benjamin Bridge Brut Sparkling Wine – Vintages 381533 – $49.95 – ****+ – This winery from Nova Scotia has been generating significant buzz for quite some time. This bottle is definitely one of the reasons why. With aromas that are nice and toasty with applesauce and citrus that climb...
2015 Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musqué – Vintages 246579 – $16.95 – ***½ – This is a little more Chardonnay and a little less floral than previous vintages. The hallmark of Musqué are the white flower notes that mingle in with what you would expect from Chardonnay. This is...
I made a long overdue visit to Rosehall Run in the spring and had the opportunity to see what winemaker Dan Sullivan is working on in the cellar. Some of the most creative winemaking in Ontario is taking place on Greer Road whether it’s at Norman Hardie’s, Casa Dea or...
2014 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintages 331603 – $22.95 – **** – There is a lot of fruit in this bottle, and frankly, this is what you should expect from California during the very hot and dry 2014 summer. In spite of the concentration of fruit flavours there...
In March I made a visit to Domaine Queylus. There’s a good chance you’ve never made a stop by this winery because it’s a little out of the way on Sixteen Road. I had to double check my GPS a few times as I moved further away from the QEW....
2011 Hinterland Sacrament – Winery – $55.00(probably) – ****½ – This is a 50/50 Chardonnay Pinot Noir blend that winemaker Jonas Newman has told me is a one-off from the 2011 harvest. Let’s hope that this isn’t as unique as he says because it’s damned good. The nose is bright...
Let’s call this post an epilogue on my visit to Oregon last summer. I drove from Oregon to Regina, Saskatchewan to finish off my summer road trip last year. I couldn’t resist making he pit stop in Walla Walla, Washington. Apart from being one of the most fun places to...
2014 Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay – Vintages 302083 – $24.95 – **** – This vintages essential continues to be a staple in my home when I am looking to show off great Chardonnay from Ontario. The nose is bright golden delicious and granny smith apple and a nice citrus note. The...
Earlier this year I had a chance to do a broad tasting of the current offerings from Southbrook. Last year I had an opportunity to taste a depth of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon. It would seem the wines for sale this year offer something a little bit interesting. Vidal served...
2016 Flat Rock Pink Twisted – Vintages 39974 – $16.95 – ****+ – This screams summer as watermelon and raspberry make appearances in the glass. I hesitate to use the word “serious” to describe this wine, but there is nothing more serious and versatile at your table than a well...
