Riverview Cellars – Order the following by the case of 12—mixed, if you like—with daily free delivery in Ontario to your home or office from Riverview.
Red Wine
Rivers Cellars ‘Salvatore’s Reserve’ Malbec 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $29.95 13.0% alcohol
A rare wine for Niagara, this inky purple Malbec was aged 12 months in American and French oak. Concentrated, perfumed aromas of sweet dark fruit mingle with floral notes, a touch of sweet vanilla and a whiff of graphite. Dry, medium-full bodied, the ripe flavours of berries and plum are nicely balanced by a bright fresh texture and velvety tannins. Notes of cinnamon toast, coffee bean and dried herbs add complexity through a savoury, fruity yet dry finish. Serve with grilled red meats and vegetables or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)
Riverview Cellars Merlot 2011
VQA Niagara River $19.95 14.8% alcohol
Aromas of black cherry, berry, plum, earth, and the scent of rose drift from the glass. Dry, medium-full bodied, the wine is loaded with flavours of plush dark fruit, sweet spice, red licorice and a hint of dark chocolate. Firmly structured yet creamy in texture, it displays a nice balance of rich ripe fruit, ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Savour the dry, long-lasting finish. Serve with prime rib. (Susan Desjardins)
White Wine
Riverview Cellars ‘Angelina’s Reserve’ Chardonnay 2011
VQA Niagara River $19.95 13.0% alcohol
Baking spice, sandalwood and charred toast on the nose, this dishes up a medium-bodied, creamy-textured river of racy lemon-lime and mineral-laced, pineapple tang. The aftertaste lingers, crisp and lively with notions of oaky tones. Versatile at the table; pair with lemon chicken, fish or seafood and a squish of freshly squeezed lemon. Just bottled and good now; better in 3 or 4 months. (Vic Harradine)
Riverview Cellars ‘Bianco’ Riesling-Gewürztraminer 2011
VQA Niagara River $13.95 12.5% alcohol
Lifted, lovely aromas of lychee nut, exotic spice and hi-toned orange zest abound. A gusher of tropical fruit and blood orange is wreathed in spice with a spray of grilled pineapple and lemon citrus on the palate. Mid weight with good texture, it finishes off-dry, charming and lip-smacking good—pour alongside sushi or spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)
Riverview Cellars Gewürztraminer 2011
VQA Niagara River $18.95 (319830) 13.2% alcohol
This award winner is highly perfumed and enchanting with aromas of tropical flowers, lychee, rosewater, preserved ginger and candied citrus. Just off-dry, the ginger offers a spicy touch while tropical notes, lychee and rosewater replay, all deftly balanced by fine acidity. This is an intensely flavourful wine that delivers that classic, persistent, pithy tang on the silky finish. Enjoy it with lightly spiced dishes or, as suggested by the winery, with seafood saffron risotto. (Susan Desjardins)
Riverview Cellars Pinot Grigio 2011
VQA Niagara River $13.95 12.5% alcohol
Straw-hued and delicate, this easy-drinking wine gently proffers floral notes and aromas of melon, pear and crisp ripe apple. Off dry, zippy, fresh and fruity, offering a clean, fresh finish, it’s a delight as a sipper, or would pair well with light salads or poached fish. A great value. (Susan Desjardins)
Riverview Cellars Riesling 2011
VQA Niagara River $16.95 11.0% alcohol
Sun-ripened orchard fruit, peach, citrus and mineral aromas lift from the glass. Medium bodied and finely balanced, this Riesling is clean and fresh on the palate, barely off-dry, offering tasty flavours of lime and tangerine, apricot and pear balanced by a seam of crisp acidity. It finishes tangy and refreshing with a pleasing touch of residual sugar. Enjoy with fish, lemon garlic chicken or creamy Brie. (Susan Desjardins)
Pillitteri Estates Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $20.00 12.5% alcohol
Charred toast, cedar and forest-floor aromas herald a smooth and silky, palate-bathing wash with cassis, dark cherry and field berry fruit to the fore. It’s mid-full weight and brimming with ripe, dark fruit. It’s robust and raunchy on the dry finish with loads of fruit and excellent acidity underpinned by perceptible tannin. Aerate/decant three hours before pouring. Order online for daily home or office delivery from Pillitteri. (Vic Harradine)
Pillitteri Estates Winery Cabernet Franc 2010
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $18.00 13.5% alcohol
Introducing itself with delicate aromas of red berry fruit and kitchen spice, it washes over the palate with mixed red berry fruit, sour cherry and sprigs of savory herbs and spice. It’s medium bodied and finishes up framed by good moderating acidity and perceptible tannin. Aerate/decant for two hours pouring alongside pulled pork slathered with mild salsa. Order online for daily home or office delivery from Pillitteri. (Vic Harradine)
Strewn ‘Premium’ Cabernet Franc 2010
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $23.00 13.4% alcohol
Strewn is on quite a roll. Spice-driven aromas of dark berry fruit, vanilla and charred toast beguile. Rich and luscious with good structure and charm, it bathes the palate with succulent black berry, spiced black plum and racy red currant. It’s mid weight with nice texture throughout while the complex aftertaste layers on notions of tangy red cherry underpinned with ripe, supple tannin. Well balanced and very good value—aerate a couple of hours before pouring. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery by phone 905-468-1229 or online from Strewn Winery. (Vic Harradine)
Strewn ‘Terroir Strewn Three’ 2010
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $33.00 13.4% alcohol
This holy trinity of Bordeaux blends—Merlot 40%, Cabernet Franc 40%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%—is absolutely delicious. The lifted and lovely nose of exotic incense, charred toast and black, briary berry heralds palate-coating rich and luscious waves of flavour with spice-laden black currant, cassis and dark cherry to the fore. Medium-full bodied with generous mouth feel, the balanced and beautiful aftertaste brims with full-bore fruit, fine-grained tannin, spice and a boatload of charm. What’s not to like? Order by the case for daily home or office delivery by phone 905-468-1229 or online from Strewn Winery. (Vic Harradine)