• The following fruit-filled, exceptional-value 2020 Henry of Pelham Baco Noir was sourced from 100% Baco Noir from estate vines fermented in stainless steel tanks then matured six plus months in American oak. It was also certified by SWM as sustainably grown and fashioned.
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Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2020
VQA Ontario $15.95 (270926) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of charred toast, black licorice and tarry notes are revealed with the slightest of swirls. It blankets the palate with black currant, black ripe juicy cherry and bramble berry jam along with tangy pie cherry and hints of cranberry. Baco Noir is a specialty of Henry of Pelham and is revered internationally and here at home. It’s medium-full bodied with good texture, structure and is fruit-driven. Pour alongside what grilled meat you pull off your barbecue—burgers, steaks, rack of lamb, gourmet sausage; you get the idea. The price-quality ratio is well in your favour… stock up! (Vic Harradine)
• The following taste-good, feel-good chardonnay from Flat Rock Cellars donates a portion of sales to ‘Feed Ontario’ (formerly, Ontario Association of Food Banks) from all sales of this wine via the LCBO and the winery door—both in person and on-line. To date, over $45,000.00 has been donated. The goal of Feed Ontario and of Flat Rock Cellars is to assist in ending poverty and hunger in Ontario. The following wine has been certified sustainable and showcases the dazzling 2020 vintage for all VQA Ontario wine appellations.
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Flat Rock Cellars ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (356873) 12.5% alcohol
Beguiling aromas of exotic spice, savoury herbs and floral notes abound decorated with wisps of apple and citrus notes. It blankets the palate with a laser-like streak of racy acidity expressed as white grapefruit, fresh lemon juice and plenty of pizzazz. This is clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to last drop. Don’t hesitate to order a case that you can stretch to last until this time next year. Pour this with fish, shellfish or roast chicken or, if you wish, sip on its own, it’s lip-smacking, delicious. (Vic Harradine)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Pinot Blanc 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (219279) 12.0% alcohol
Here you have aromas of fresh lemon zest, pear, green apple and a leafy green touch. A very nice zesty wash of fresh flavours similar to the aromas, treats the palate with mouthwatering effect finishing on a raw almond note and mineral flair. This medium-light delicious white under $15 is an amazing bargain and a good option for salty appetizer or fish and chips under a squeeze of lemon juice. (Louise Boutin)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (200584) 12.0% alcohol
This light-ruby hued gem delivers aromas of ripe red berry fruit and hints of black plum. It’s light-medium weight with creamy smooth mouthfeel and delicious palate flavours—ripe juicy black cherry, black currant and hints of spice. This showcases deft balance of flavours, acidity and ripe fine-grained tannin as well as a strong sense of touches of charm and elegance. You’ll be hard pressed to find another pinot noir of this quality at a similar or lower price. Wonderful for sipping at happy hour or as an aperitif, it also pairs well with coq au vin or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (112946) 12.5% alcohol
This wine showcases the dazzling VQA Ontario 2020 vintage. Delicate aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit and hints of mixed spice can be coaxed from this exceptional-value cabernet sauvignon. It surges over the palate with myriad flavours of ripe berry fruit—red currant, sweet mulberry and bramble berry to the fore decorated with excellent acidity, good mouthfeel and plenty of pizzazz. The soft ripe tannin underpins it all while being hardly noticeable. The finish lingers with deft balance and full of flavour as does the aftertaste. Pour with grilled striploin or back ribs or meat-laden red sauce pizza. (Vic Harradine)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Shiraz 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (144857) 12.5% alcohol
A vigorous swirl or two reveals aromas of cherry/berry fruit robed in delightful wisps of spice and earthy notes. A tsunami wave of ripe palate-flavours—racy Montmorency cherry, black currant and black plum compote—intertwine with good acidity, noticeable/acceptable tannin that is easily ameliorated with a two-hour aeration/decant. It showcases good balance, lots of palate flavours and a rich, dry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste offering replays of palate flavours. Give this a go with grilled gourmet sausage, burgers or beef fajitas after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Chardonnay Unoaked 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (200535) 12.0% alcohol
Citrus peel, peach and leesy notes introduce a lively, medium-bodied wash of orchard fruit flavour, Meyer lemon and mild pithy citrus with a palate coating texture. An interesting zesty-spicy character develops mid-palate and persist in the finish and aftertaste. Pair with creamy pasta or baked white fish in lemon butter. (Louise Boutin)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Merlot 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (439281)12.5% alcohol
This easy drinking, medium-light-bodied fruity merlot opens the door with aromas of red cherry, black plum and tree moss. It carries along with ripe red and black cherry flavour, piquant spice and a mix of kirsch liqueur and herbaceous note in the finish and aftertaste. Try with week-night red sauce pasta or pizza. (Louise Boutin)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Canada Red’ 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (125260) 11.5% alcohol
This 100% Zweigelt grape--most planted red varietal in Austria—offers fresh aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of leafy green. This thirst quencher flows easily on the palate with flavours of red cherry, strawberry and tangy raspberry with a low tannin structure. The fruity finish is slightly peppery. Twist the cap off with a selection of salami, mustard and hard cheese. (Louise Boutin)