2015 Cave Spring Cabernet Franc – LCBO 523001 – $17.95 – **** – I will be the first to admit that I don’t spend enough time tasting the wines in the general list… but I need to remind myself wineries like Cave Spring, Vineland and Chateau des Charmes consistently bring outstanding value and quality to the front of the LCBO. This Cabernet Franc is where Ontario shines. It’s not quite Bordeaux… it’s not quite Loire… it’s all Ontario. The aromas are ripe raspberry and blackberry with a nice red pepper jelly note that goes from nose to palate. This wine finishes with nice acidity and a cocoa note. This wine is built to be enjoyed now, but if you felt like tossing a couple bottles in a cellar this bottle should hold on for 5-7 years.
2016 Cave Spring Pinot Gris – Vintages 621086 – $17.95 – **** – Pinot Gris is a grape that handles the climate well in Ontario. There is a split between Pinot Gris and Grigio and both are affable and easy drinking. The difference in style has to do with texture and Cave Spring brings a lot of great texture in this bottle. The aromas of apple and peach rise out of the glass with nice crispness. The palate opens up with nice weight and the peach flavours linger for a moment. The finish on this wine lingers for a moment which is what separates it from the Grigio.
NV Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut – Vintages 213983 – $29.95 – ****+ – Let’s take a moment and reflect on the fact that this wine is now available as a vintages essential. It’s okay, you can sit down now… wipe the tear from your eye and head to the nearest LCBO. The aromas are freshly baked bread with a nice citrus and mineral note. The flavours are bright crisp and delicious. The citrus note is front and centre but surrounded with mineral and a subtle vanilla note that gives this wine some nice depth. At the price this is one of the best sparkling wines in the province, and one of the best values on the shelf of the LCBO. Find this wine on my table often.
