2016 Two Sisters Rosé – $29.00 – ****+ – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I’m a sucker for a nice label and the packaging on this bottle is stunning. The clear label on the back of the bottle makes sure that you can enjoy the beautiful pink wine in all its glory before even opening the bottle. But, a nice package only tell part of the story. What does it taste like? The concentration of fruit on this is unbelievable. It goes from watermelon to strawberry to hints of blood orange. The intensity of the fruit has you looking for some sweetness to linger on the palate after you finish… but alas, there is none. I enjoy serving Rosé throughout the summer because whether I am hosting or a guest at a table I can pour the wine fearlessly without worrying about conflict with flavours. This wine fits the bill, but this goes a step beyond and the ideal pairing for this bottle is a second glass.
2013 Two Sisters Cabernet Franc – $49.00 – ****½ – I can only describe the flavours in this bottle as some sort of wizardry. The summer in 2013 was more typical of what we get in Niagara compared to the hot, dry summer of 2012. It would seem that Two Sisters didnt’ get the memo. The nose is blackberry, cassis and hints of raspberry. There is a hint of cocoa and woodsmoke but it’s well buried under all the rich fruit flavours. There is a slight savory note, which is typical of Franc in a cooler vintage, but it is very well integrated with all the fruit and smoke in the glass. The tannin is velvet smooth and approachable. This may not have the longevity in the cellar that you get from a hot vintage for Niagara but I expect this to fare well over the next 5-7 years easily. Don’t let the velvet tannin and rich fruit fool you the alcohol on this wine is just north of 14% so be aware when you enjoy this wine that drinks a little bit too easily.
2012 Two Sisters Eleventh Post – $24.00 (375ml Bottle) – **** – The nose is a little smoky, a little cocoa and a lot of rich red and black fruit. The concentration of all the flavours in this bottle is really impressive. This is what you should expect coming from the stellar 2012 vintage. The fruit is perfectly ripe without being cloying and jammy. There is nice acidity to keep this wine balanced. The wines from Two Sisters are approachable from the onset but they are built to last in a cellar and while this half bottle screams “drink me now” a few years patience should help this wine develop nicely over the next few years.
2016 Two Sisters Sauvignon Blanc – $34.00 – ***½+ – Sauvignon Blanc from Ontario does best when it is doing it’s own thing, and not trying to be from somewhere else (whether it’s trying to be New Zealand or France). The nose is bright citrus, with a slight grassiness, and a nice mineral note. The fruit on the palate opens up to citrus – with lemon and grapefruit only to be met with the grassy note from the nose and the mineral brings up the rear. This is refreshing and easy drinking. This will be a great match to seafood or lighter picnic fare during the summer.
