2016 Flat Rock Chardonnay – Vintages 286278 – $19.95 – **** – I offer this to anyone who gripes about the price of Ontario wine. I defy you to find a bottle of Chardonnay from anywhere in the world that delivers on quality the way Flat Rock has with this beautiful bottle from the warm 2016 summer. Aromas and flavours offer peach, pear, pineapple, and there is a bit of nice spice to keep things interesting. There is nice weight to the mid-palate of this wine met with acidity that reminds you that this wine is, in fact, Cool Climate Chardonnay. A perfect mate for creamy pasta dishes, or roast chicken.
2014 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin – Vintages 626325 – $47.95 – ****½ – The blend for this vintage is made up of 68% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 8% Petit Verdot. This wine still fills me with anticipation the moment I see the it on a table or shelf. As anticipated, the tannin is still grippy and tight and this wine is going to need at least a few years (or a couple hours in a decanter) before it’s ready to be approached. Flavours of cassis, blackberry, cherry, plum, and cocoa are what you can expect in this bottle. This should develop nicely in a cellar for 15-20 years easily.
