Konzelmann Icewine Riesling 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $54.20 375 mL 10.0% alcohol
Perfumed and alluring aromas abound with honeyed apple and mango to the fore. It’s viscous and vivacious on the palate with excellent moderating acidity counter-balancing rich, ripe fruit—caramel apple, Bosc pear and a salad bowl of tropical fruit. The finish is fruit forward and lip-smacking good. Serve chilled on its own as dessert. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Konzelmann. (Vic Harradine)
Konzelmann ‘Special Select Late Harvest’ Vidal 2008
VQA Ontario $20.15 375 mL 11.0% alcohol
Ripe pineapple with hints of truffle oil on the nose, this bathes the palate with a wash of sweet concentrated flavour—mango, desiccated apricot and honeyed peach. It’s mid weight and nicely textured sporting a lively balanced aftertaste of baked apple and peach cobbler. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Konzelmann. (Vic Harradine)
Konzelmann Icewine Vidal 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $65.20 375 mL 10.0% alcohol
A superb example of world-class dessert wine, this rips from the glass with sexy aromas of exotic spice, butter tart and honeyed mango. Palate-coating flavours ride on silky smooth waves of gorgeous texture—peel marmalade, rosewater and sweet grilled pineapple. The finish lingers and you should too, after dinner with a glass of this and blue-veined cheese. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Konzelmann. (Vic Harradine)
Lailey Vineyard ‘brickyard’ Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Niagara River $35.20 12.5% alcohol
This is an old-vines beauty—planted 1996—it’s well balanced, complex and nicely structured with fine-grained tannin complemented by a lingering fruity aftertaste. Minerality, wisps of oak and spiced red berry fruit dominate the aromas heralding a persistent current of ripe strawberry, racy red currant and pomegranate gliding through the nicely balanced, long, dry finish. Decant/aerate a couple of hours then enjoy on its own or paired with jointed, grilled Cornish game hen. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)
Lailey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.20 13.0% alcohol
A truly delightful drop showcasing a satin smooth mouth feel—it enjoyed lees stirring in well-seasoned oak—delicious balanced flavour and a crisp refreshing finish; what’s not to like? White peach, floral notes and tropical fruit adorned with leafy tones on the nose, this bathes the palate with balanced waves of flavour—pit fruit mingling with nuances of spice-infused gooseberry. The refreshing lengthy finish layers on racy lemon citrus and ripe yellow plum. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)
Rosewood Estates Cabernet Franc 2008
VQA Beamsville Bench $20.20 12.5% alcohol
From a challenging vintage comes this striking wine that evolves in the glass. At first the aromas are pungent, followed by enticing complex dried herbs, vanilla, dark chocolate, figs and dark fruit. Silky smooth on the palate, it’s fresh and lavish with savoury herbs, dark berry and plum fruit, smoky toast and an appealing persistent note of dark chocolate. A wine to savour and ponder, it wants a chunk of rare grilled meat. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office delivery from Rosewood 1.866.633.3248. (Susan Desjardins)
Rosewood Estates ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2008
VQA Beamsville Bench $25.20 14.0% alcohol
Apple torte, spiced yellow plum and wisps of oak on the nose, this medium-bodied, nicely textured Chard sports a lovely wash of pit fruit and tangy lemon acidity interlaced with minerality. It finishes mid length with spice-infused citrus and apple. Delicious sipped on its own, it’s a perfect pairing with roast chicken. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office delivery from Rosewood 1.866.633.3248. (Vic Harradine)
Rosewood Estates Gewürztraminer 2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $18.20 13.0% alcohol
Pure gold in the glass, this is perfumed and fragrant with floral, spice, honey and sweet citrus aromas. It’s an award-winning wine offering satiny texture and good weight. A fine balance of flavourful tropical fruit, tangy spice and fresh acidity brightens the palate lasting through the impressive finish. Sip it chilled or enjoy with spicy Asian food. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office delivery from Rosewood 1.866.633.3248. (Susan Desjardins)
Rosewood Estates Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $20.20 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of toast and spice-infused red and dark berries provide segue for a persistent stream of tangy juicy flavour with racy red cranberry, beetroot and red currant to the fore. Light-medium weight with good mouth feel, it finishes dry and fruity with nuances of pie cherry underpinned by perceptible tannin. Versatile at the table, duck breast, Cornish game hen and clay-baked chicken all work well. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office delivery from Rosewood 1.866.633.3248. (Vic Harradine)