Wine Reviews - Henry of Pelham Family Tree

2016 Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red – Vintages TBD – $18.95 – **** – I love Family Tree blends from Henry of Pelham. These are wines designed for entertaining. They over deliver on their price and offer something that everyone at your table can enjoy whether they are a casual wine drinker or a hardened snob. The red version is interesting because on the nose it definitely screams Niagara Cab Franc and Merlot with Raspberry and Blackberry. When you take your first sip it feels like Syrah that has felt the caress of a warm summer as it offers wood smoke and black licorice but as this wine makes a graceful exit it leaves a hint of spice and nice acidity. I plan on enjoying this with beef from my oven or my grill.

2016 Henry of Pelham Family Tree White – Vintages 251116 – $17.95 – ****+ – The Family Tree White is one of my favorite wines. Let’s just say unlike the Family Tree Red this isn’t quite so crowd pleasing. But to quote Wayne Campbell – <>. I guess I’m comparing this wine to Zeppelin. It’s incredibly complex given the assemblage is comprised of incredibly floral varietals, and this spends some time in oak giving it a vanilla and smoky note. I have found when serving white wines these to be the most divisive characteristics in my bottles and this checks both boxes. Honestly, this is something I would serve to someone craving a full bodied Californian chardonnay just as much as i would for someone looking for something off the beaten path from Niagara.

2016 Henry of Pelham Estate Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir – Vintages TBD – $34.95 – ****½ – This bottle of Pinot is incredible. It’s approachable right now, but the tannin will soften with a year or two in a cellar. Even with a slight grip from the tannin when you dive into the bottle there is an avalanche of ripe fruit. The aromas and flavours are ripe cherry and cranberry and there is a nice floral note layered over the fruit. There is a slight earthiness that makes an appearance on the finish but it’s well buried under all the fruit. I have a problem keeping great Pinot Noir in my cellar because it’s so approachable while young, this is no exception. If you have more restraint than I you can expect this to evolve nicely over 7-10 years.