Well this is something you don’t see everyday, Sparkling wine from England. I bought this bottle from the Vintages Classics catalog and frankly at the price it was worth the risk. I am looking forward to seeing what else comes from England in the future. Hush Heath Balfour 1503 Classic...
2016 Fielding Gewurztraminer – Vintages 146753 – $19.95 – **** – Gewurztraminer from Ontario is something worth seeking out. It doesn’t have the weight or texture of Alsatian bottles, but it’s not trying to be Alsace. The lighter texture on the mid-palate make this easier to pair with food. Aromas...
Here are a pair of bottles from 16 Mile Winery that mark the first time they are using estate fruit. As you can see there is definitely something worth checking out here. 2014 16 Mile Rebel Pinot Noir – Winery Only – $22.95 – ****+ – The short note on...
I recently had a chance to speak with Barb DiGiulio of Newstalk 1010 about evidence of some very old wine being made. I confessed that old wines don’t really do it for me. I’ll admit that I find it interesting seeing how wines evolve and change with time. These are...
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...
2015 Hidden Bench Riesling – Vintages 183491 – $23.95 – **** – There’s something about Riesling and this time of year. I just enjoy putting it on the table next to roast chicken, paprikash, even Coq au Vin can get a nice counterpoint to it. This is bone dry with...
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...
From Family Wine Merchants there is a pair of exceptional Pinot Noirs from the United States available later this month. I am generally leery of Californian Pinot Noir – let’s face it, the style is usually overcooked and drinks more like Cabernet – but I am finding more bottles that...
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut Sparkling – Vintages 206326 – $30.95 – **** – This is the second visit to vintages for 2017 and I’m excited to see this hitting the shelf heading into fall. The price has crept up by a couple dollars but this is still outstanding value....
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...
2015 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – Vintages 719435 – $29.95 – **** – This brings a signature of California on the nose and on the palate. However, this does retain a nice acidity that keeps this from being a little too heavy and overbearing. The flavours are dark...
I recently had an opportunity to sit down with Derek Barnett to taste through some of the new wines coming out from Meldville. I was very pleased to find that the portfolio has grown by a few bottles since inception. The red wines are something to truly enjoy but the...
