2016 Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay – Vintages 68817 – $29.95 – ****+ – This is rich and concentrated and exceptional value even at this price. The fruit is very ripe orange and peach and it’s met with caramel and vanilla. This opens up in your mouth with a flavour explosion. The finish is long but still mated with nice acidity to keep this perfectly balanced.
2016 Featherstone Red Tail Merlot – Vintages 131540 – $21.95 – **** – As some of you know (especially if you listen to my podcast) I am from Saskatchewan – so I can say with confidence this has a strong note of Saskatoon berry on the nose – it’s even more impressive because everything about this wine is black and blue. There’s cassis and blueberry, and on the palate red fruit makes an appearance to the party. This wine is dangerously easy to drink, and while this probably could spend some time in a cellar (3-7 years) it’s not likely that you’re going to find this in my house for long because it’s drinking so great right now.
