2015 Wildass Riesling – Vintages 129700 – $16.95 – ***½+ – The Wildass label continues to be one of my favorite on the shelf of the LCBO. This is the second label from Stratus, and as with the wines under the “premium” label (I use this word reluctantly) the bar...
2015 Flat Rock Unplugged Chardonnay – Vintages 68015 – $16.00 – ***½+ – As far as unoaked Chardonnay from Ontario goes there is something a little magical about this wine. The nose is bright, fresh and clean with lemon and lime notes and a potent mineral note that sails over...
2014 Wildass Merlot – Vintages 376822 – $18.95 – ****+ – Beautifully ripe and juicy red fruit climb out of the glass. This is outstanding Ontario Merlot at any price. The Wildass wines from Stratus set the bar for “entry level” wines in the province. The price of this wine...
2012 Stratus Petit Verdot – Vintages 142638 – $38.20 – ****+ – We could call this wine fruit galore. There are aromas of Raspberry, Plum, Strawberry and Blackberry with flavours to match. This wine is approachable now, but will do better with 3 years in a cellar and it will...
2015 Wildass Sauvignon Blanc – Vintages 376814 – $18.95 – ****+ – This is a solid Sauv Blanc from Niagara. There is a nice grassy note that runs through the backbone of this wine from start to finish. There is concentrated tropical fruit with rich passion fruit and pineapple on...
2013 Stratus White – $38.00 – ****1/2 – The 2012 version of this wine was one of the most memorable wines I tasted through last year. I opened this bottle with great anticipation. I was not disappointed. This is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier. Stratus White...
2013 Kabang Gewurztraminer – Vintages 442012 – $17.95 – **** – Gewurztraminer from Niagara is something to get excited about, because I’m not sure how much more of it we’re going to see. The winters in 2013 and 2014 were not kind to the varietal and many wineries that made...
2013 Nk’Mip Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay – Vintages 391813 – $24.95 – ****+ – This is a bold and buttery Chardonnay that just screams warm summer in a glass. Make sure you don’t serve this too cold or the strong oak pressence in the glass will overpower the wine. This is...
The Cuvée Grand Tasting 2016 took place March 5th at the Scotiabank Convention Centre. Every year I set out with the goal of tasting every wine at the event and every year I fall short. This year there were 48 wines in attendance. This year was also interesting because we...
2010 Henry of Pelham Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs – Vintages 315200 – $44.95 – ****1/2 – I look forward to this wine with every release. The price puts it at the top of the pile for Ontario sparkling but I assure you the price is completely worth it. The nose is...
2007 Union Forté – Vintages 361758 – $16.95 – ****+ – It’s been a while since I tasted this wine. It’s just as good as I remember. There is a slight nuttiness and dried fruit to it over baking spices. This is quite light on the palate even though it...
2013 Stratus Red Icewine – Vintages 56689 – $39.95 – ****+ – Red Icewine is still a well kept secret in the province. If you have never had the chance to taste Red Icewine you may as well set the bar high and go with a great producer like Stratus....
