It has been far too long since I wrote a proper update to André Wine Review. I apologize for that. I have moved from Toronto to Hamilton. As the 80x Wine Company continues to grow, it is beginning to take more of my attention. I ran two farmers markets a...
There are a few new wines on the market from Chateau des Charmes. The one I was most excited to explore was the 2017 Paul Bosc Vineyard Chardonnay – there really was something special about that growing year. But what we have that have recently hit the shelves of the...
It has been a little while since I’ve reviewed the wines from Chateau des Charmes. So when I received the latest package it was nice to have a chance to continue to taste the quality of the higher end of the portfolio. The Old Vines Cabernet Merlot was a breath...
2017 Chateau Des Charmes Gamay Noir “Droit” – Vintages 346742 – $19.95 – ****½ – I’m a huge fan of Gamay – and the Droit from Chateau des Charmes is always among the best in the province. But there is something about the 2017 vintage that explodes out of the...
When the Star Trek: Picard trailer dropped months ago – I was more than excited to see the vineyard setting. There has always been subtle mention of wine throughout the series – I mean on Deep Space Nine much of the series takes place in a Quark’s bar. Given that...
This pair of Pinot Noirs from Chateau des Charmes are truly something special. It’s fantastic to have 2016 and 2017 vintages both available because they really couldn’t be much different. 2016 was a fantastic year in Niagara in terms of how dry and warm it was – 2017 was a...
2015 Chateau des Charmes Old Vines Riesling – Vintages 277228 – $18.95 – **** – Great intense aromas of apricot, peach, lime, are caressed by mineral. This bottle is perfectly balanced and brings a symphony of flavour to your glass – orchard fruit is met seamlessly with citrus – a...
Wine and chocolate isn’t something you see on this site very often. It’s a pairing that you find often – especially at this time of year. But, if I’m being frank, it’s one of my least favourite pairings. There’s just something about putting these two things together that don’t quite...
2016 Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir – LCBO 57349 – $15.95 – ****+ – One thing about the Chateau des Charmes Gamay is that every vintage it’s going to offer something fantastic. This is a little more savory than past vintages with a very strong pepper note that goes from...
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 Chateau des Charmes Barrel Fermented Chardonnay – LCBO 81653 – $14.95 – **** – This wine continues to over-deliver on price and lead the way for what is possible for entry level Chardonnay from Ontario. The wines that take place in the general list are extremely important – these...
2016 Chateau des Charmes Aligoté – LCBO 296848 – $15.95 – **** – There is something a little floral and very mineral on the nose of this wine. Refreshing with apple and peach flavours on the mid palate with nice intensity. The mineral note goes through from start to finish...
