Jackson Triggs ‘Entourage Silver Series’ Brut Méthode Classique 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 (234161) 12.0% alcohol
A yellow-golden hue and alluring nose of citrus, floral and Bavarian apple tart presage a profusion of bubbles, dazzling flavours and crisp refreshing aftertaste. Fresh lively flavours of lime sherbet, crisp green apple and white peach infuse the brisk fine-bead mousse and persist on the racy, refreshing finish. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel bubbling over with value. (Vic Harradine)
Le Clos Jordanne ‘Claystone Terrace’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $45.00 (033951) 12.5% alcohol
Red berry fruit, earthiness and notes of forest floor fill out the aromas while the palate-coating flavours—cranberry, pomegranate and red cherry—are carried on a solid tannin underpinning and tangy acidity. It’s light-medium bodied and nicely textured and adorned with berry fruit and spice on the drying finish. Decant/aerate three hours and serve alongside smoked duck breasts over arugula dressed with mango chutney. (Vic Harradine)
Le Clos Jordanne ‘Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $45.00 (033902) 12.5% alcohol
Spice, slate, black plum and distinctive aromas of sandalwood on the nose, this dishes up a well-paced wash of tangy flavour with sour cherry, red currant and spiced mulberry to the fore. It’s mid weight, has good mouth feel and deft balance. Excellent moderating acidity, soft oak, delicate flavours and ripe tannin all play their harmonious part in delivering a lovely Pinot from a challenging vintage. Pour with stuffed roast turkey and all the fixings. (Vic Harradine).
Henry of Pelham Baco Noir ‘Reserve’ 2009
VQA Ontario $24.95 (461699) 13.5% alcohol
Aficionados and first-timers alike—don’t miss this, it’s flavour packed, value laden and damn delicious. Wild aromas of bacon fat, tar, savoury herbs and spiced black plum herald robust flavours of dark, briary berry fruit, ripe juicy cherry and racy red currant punctuated by herbs and spice and wrapped in supple tannin. It’s full bodied, well balanced and rich, coating the palate and swaggering though a lengthy finish framed by toasty notes and racy Baco acidity. (Vic Harradine)
Inniskillin ‘Winemaker’s Series Barrel Aged’ Pinot Gris 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (177766) 14.0% alcohol
This is a fabulous wine from a stunning vintage at a seriously good price. Alluring aromas of spice and nutty notes mingle with wisps of floral and tropical fruit on the nose. There’s a glorious mouthful of nectarine, peach and ripe pineapple decorated with racy lemon and toasty notes on the palate. Medium bodied with good mouth feel, there’s a lingering, balanced and lip-smacking aftertaste. Purchase from select Ontario Wine Rack stores, select LCBO Vintages stores and from Inniskillin winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. (Vic Harradine)
Inniskillin Icewine Vidal 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $49.95 (551085) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
Almost twenty years ago Canada burst onto the world wine stage with a 1989 vintage of this wine. Taste this to learn why, as this 2007 vintage has also earned its share of gold medals and accolades. It’s rich, silky textured and unctuous brimming with concentrated, luscious flavour—sweet mango, ripe apricot, luscious yellow peach. On the finish it’s refreshing, leaving you looking for another sip… or three. Click here [PDF file] for icewine and cheese suggestions. This Vintages Essentials wine is always available in select LCBO stores. (Vic Harradine)