I have been a fan of Kevin Panagapka’s wines since the first time I tasted them. His Chardonnay – from any of the vineyards he works with – is always among the best in Ontario. The best part about the portfolio at 2027 Cellars is that it is so affordable....
I recently got an email from a publicist talking about Bonterra wines and Earth Day. I last had a chance to taste through the Bonterra wines in 2015, but I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about them since then. Entry level for California is a tricky place...
It’s been awhile since I’ve sat down and written about the wines from 16 Mile. It’s weird that I haven’t because I drink a lot of their wines. It’s been fascinating to see the progression that this little winery has made in the few vintages since they have became operational....
I don’t think Dave and Louise at Featherstone got the memo that 2017 was supposed to be a challenging vintage. Last summer I drank a lot of their 2017 Black Sheep Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc – so it goes without saying that I was excited to see what else would...
2017 Back 10 Cellars Start from Scratch Chardonnay – Winery Only – $27.95 – ****+ – I hesitate to write about this wine because every year it seems to sell out a little bit faster. This is about as local as you can get as it’s fermented with indigenous yeasts...
2016 Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay – Vintages 302083 – $24.95 – **** – I would put this bottle on the table for anyone who complains that Ontario wines are too expensive. Coming in just shy of twenty five dollars this offers fantastic value from any category at the LCBO. Coming from...
2015 Redstone Chardonnay – Vintages 398966 – $19.95 – **** – I really shouldn’t be surprised at how great this wine is – Chardonnay at twenty dollars from this province is one of the best ways to spend your money at the LCBO. The acidity keeps this wine light on...
2015 Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay – Vintages 324103 – $44.95 – ****½ – This Chardonnay is so freaking good. But this year when I open this bottle I am thinking a bit about the family that grew the fruit in the bottle. Beppi Crosariol profiled the Saunders family last year...
2016 Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay – $21.95 – ****½ – Aromas of spice are layered over apples, peach and pear. The funky note from the wild yeast is present but well integrated and buried under very ripe fruit thanks to a very hot spring and summer. This opens up with...
2016 Flat Rock Good Kharma Chardonnay – #356873 – $16.95 – **** – This wine is solid value – and is a textbook example of what makes Chardonnay great in Ontario. There are nice flavours of peach and vanilla. But you can feel good drinking this knowing that a portion...
In early August I had an opportunity to pop in to Legends Estates to see what Derek Barnett has been working on for his Meldville label. The third edition bottles are making their way out, and there are more wines going into bottle in the fall. The Sauvignon Blanc continues...
2016 Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay – Vintages 616466 – $29.95 – **** – Rich and heavy, great toasted oak and spice is well integrated with ripe peach, tangerine, and pineapple. A great reflection of the warm 2016 vintage. With a year or two in cellar this should...
