Pinot Noir

Wine Review – Burger Blend from 13th Street

This pair of wines from the general list of the LCBO are a nice reminder that delicious Ontario wine doesn’t need to be expensive. 2016 13th Street White Burger Blend (Pinot Grigio/Riesling) – LCBO 469304 – $14.95 – ***1/2+ – Simply put, the definition of a patio sipper. This is...

Winery Visit – Norman Hardie Spring 2017

Since these wines were 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/ A spring visit to Norman Hardie is something I always look forward to. The next couple years County Chardonnay and Pinot Noir will be in short supply, but there...

Five Rows – Summer 2017

I recently made a visit to Five Rows winery for the first time. There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of this small winery. The reason is simple, there really isn’t a lot of wine being made here. This winery is the definition of cult following. Winemaker and grape grower...

2014 Chateau Des Charmes Rosé Sparkling

2014 Chateau Des Charmes Rosé Sparkling – Vintages 78055 – $29.95 – ****+ – The nose offers subtle red fruit over a nice bready note. This is made in the traditional method with two years on lees. The vibrant red fruit is front and center with this bottle of Pinot...

Rosehall Run – Spring 2017

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...

Domaine Queylus – Spring 2017

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 The Sacrament

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...

Southbrook – So Many New Things.

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...