It’s an understatement to say that the wines from 2020 will be highly anticipated. I know for myself as a consumer, and as a writer – I am expecting big things from the usual heavy hitters in Niagara. Was I disappointed when I tasted through the upcoming vintage of the...
Last month I had the opportunity to visit Flat Rock Cellars. Anyone who has been reading this website for any extended period of time knows that I tend to visit this winery frequently – the Rusty Shed is a mainstay in my home and cellar. This visit felt a bit...
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...
On my maternal side I am a third generation Canadian. My great grand parents emigrated from Europe – my grandmother of Hungarian descent, and my grandfather of Prussian descent. In three generations I don’t speak a single damned word of Hungarian, or German – but I remember my grandfather making...
Let me get straight to the point here – there are a couple of Pinot Noir’s from Flat Rock that deserve your attention. 2018 Flat Rock Pinot Noir – Vintages 1545 – $21.95 – **** – The entry level from Flat Rock continues to be a benchmark for quality. I...
About a month ago I got one of the most interesting media packages from a winery in Ontario. Flat Rock Cellars sent me a small package with 3 100ml bottles of what will eventually become the 2017 Rusty Shed Chardonnay. It was interesting to get a package like this. I...
I took some time in early December to stock up on some bottles to get me through the holidays. I made a visit to Flat Rock to see what’s new. The bottles from this winery were a clear highlight from this year. So I was excited to see what was...
2011 Flat Rock Riddled Sparkling – Vintages 383315 – $34.95 – ****+ – Value for sparkling from Ontario is always going to be the story here – as this bottle is easily in the same league as entry level Champagne selling for double the price. The aromas are fantastic orchard...
2015 Gravity Pinot Noir – Vintages 1560 – $34.95 – ****½ – To call this wine a showstopper would still be an understatement. When I opened this bottle it was late into the evening with a couple of friends and we had opened some interesting bottles – some good bottles...
2017 Flat Rock Cellars Nadja’s Vineyard Riesling – $24.95 – ****+ – Nadja’s vineyard has become a staple in my house. There is something special about Riesling from the bench. The aromas are bright lime and mineral and on the palate flavours to match with nice concentration and intensity. This...
2016 Flat Rock Chardonnay – Vintages 286278 – $19.95 – **** – I offer this to anyone who gripes about the price of Ontario wine. I defy you to find a bottle of Chardonnay from anywhere in the world that delivers on quality the way Flat Rock has with this...
2011 Patrick Chan Sparkling Blanc de Blancs – Vintages 546291 – $29.95 – ****+ – This is a bottle worth picking up to enjoy while watching the Olympics. The nose offers a nice bready note with citrus. The flavours have some nice depth with apple and spice layered over lemon...
