2016 Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay – Vintages 616466 – $29.95 – ****+ – This is one of the first wines I have had an opportunity to sample what the very warm 2016 summer has to offer from Niagara, and I was not disappointed. Aromas of vanilla and butterscotch layered over peach, apple and roasted pineapple. This opens up on the palate with nice concentration and depth that follows through on what the glass delivers on the nose and brings a nice spice note as well. And, in spite of all this fruit and spice there is still beautiful acidity that keeps this wine light on it’s feet and reminds us that in spite of a crazy hot summer we are still in fact in a cool climate growing region.
2016 Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot – LCBO 504241 – $14.95 – ***½+ – You shouldn’t cook with anything you wouldn’t drink … if you do your food is just going to take like bad wine. I also have a hard time spending a lot fo money on something I plan on using to braise beef of chicken. I guess the point I’m making here is that this is a wine you should stock up on to enjoy throughout the winter because you can enjoy putting this in a coq au vin as much as putting in your glass. This is easy drinking and driven by raspberry, strawberry and blackberry with just the slightest hint of smoke.
