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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (669374) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of green apple and honey-drizzled lemon and lime abound on the nose of this fruit-laden beauty. It explodes on the palate with a profusion of balanced and bountiful flavour with sweet and tang-infused lime cordial, crisp Granny Smith apple and ripe juicy sweet-tinged pear to the fore. This showcases deft balance, food friendliness and fruit-forward flavour with plenty of pizzazz and charm at a price-quality balance tipped wildly in your favour. Pick up an armful. It’s delightful sipped on its own and divine with pan-seared fresh fish, pork roast or roast fowl. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling was sourced from some of the oldest riesling vines in Canada. They were 40-years old when fruit for this wine was sourced. They were first planted in Ontario by Hermann Weis of Weingut St. Urbans-hof winery in Mosel, Germany and are now known generally as the ‘Weis clone’. An iconic viticulturist, Mr. Weis sadly passed away earlier this year. We all owe him a doff of the cap and a sincere thank you as it’s now the most planted riesling vine in Canada having delivered myriad wine trophies and awards here and abroad.
92
Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 7.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of citrus, floral and pear transition to a balanced-on-a-pin river of gorgeous flavour that on entry to the palate showcases lime, green apple and wisps of honey infused ripe pear. It persists through the lingering finish and aftertaste enhanced by herbal notes, tart tang and lip-smacking acidity. It showcases nerve and verve with pizzazz and plenty of charm. You shouldn’t go wrong in drinking this over the next 8 or so years. Try with white pizza on spice-oiled dough lightly adorned with cheese—brie, chèvre and extra-old cheddar—decorated with basil and sliced mushrooms and sprinkled with grated parmigiana reggiano. (Vic Harradine)
90
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Semi-Dry’ Riesling 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (232033) 8.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of floral notes, orchard fruit—pear and apple—and wisps of lemon citrus zest herald the yin and yang and sweet and tang of lively palate flavours—Meyer lemon and blood orange juxtaposed with ripe nectarine and lime cordial. This is medium-bodied with great mouthfeel, nicely balanced with the price-quality proposition skewed well in your favour. The finish is lengthy and mouth-wateringly tasty. Sip on its own or pour with tandoori chicken or chicken tikka masala. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Vineland Estates Cabernet-Merlot sports a red blend of 69.1% cabernet franc/18.0% cabernet sauvignon/12.9% merlot that saw eight months in oak.
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Vineland Estates ‘Kevin O’Leary’ Cabernet-Merlot’ 2019
VQA Ontario $14.95 (307744) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of plump rich black bramble berry and dark juicy Bing cherry intertwine with charred toast, black licorice and exotic incense. It envelops the palate with a satin-smooth, lovely textured swath of ambrosia—black and red currant, red and black cherry with deft balance, pizzazz and appeal. This has persistent purity of fruit, with structure and excellent tang and acidity. It punches well above its price and delivers a lengthy finish and aftertaste with replays of palate flavours enhanced by mocha. Pour with burgers, meat-laden pizza, gourmet sausage, beer-can chicken or vegetable terrine. (Vic Harradine)