2013 Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche – Vintages 315200 – $44.95 – ****½ – Simply put, this continues to be one of the best sparkling wines on the market in Ontario. It can hold its own against similarly priced Champagne. A little restraint in this bottle offers bright lemon, and golden delicious apple layered over a nice bread note. On the palate the flavours seem to line up in an orderly fashion with lemon, and apple taking charge and a mineral note that starts to creep through with subtlety. The searing acidity is exactly what you expect from this great bottle of bubbles leaving your food pairings endless. Let’s say that this isn’t the most popular pairing for sparkling wine – but why not try some steak and bubbly with this bottle.
2016 Organized Crime Pipe Down – Vintages 356865 – $21.95 – ****+ – This was one of my favorite wines I tasted all year. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. There is a trifecta of elements that makes this wine so good: fruit, tannins and acidity. The aromas and flavours are cherry, wild strawberry and cassis. There is a slight vanilla and cocoa note that brings up the finish. This is one of those wines that you could pair with food, but in my house, you’re likely to only find it paired with a second glass.
