Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve Crisp and Lively White’ 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 13.0% alcohol
This slightly off-dry, Riesling-Gewürztraminer blend jumps from the glass with lively spice-laden aromas of licorice, rosewater and citrus. Lime cordial, succulent white peach and crisp green apple flavours abound on the palate persisting through the nicely balanced, crisp, refreshing finish. This perfect summer sipper also has the flavour, oomph and balance to front up beautifully to spicy Asian cuisine, hot wings or a mixed deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve Rich & Robust Red’ 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 13.5% alcohol
This gorgeous blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon sports aromas of ripe, dark berry fruit, charry toast and dark cherry. It really struts its stuff on the palate—2010 was a great vintage for reds—with a splendid wash of juicy, ripe, black currant interwoven with sweet, ripe mulberry, cracked black pepper and Bing cherry. It’s medium weight with good texture and a lingering, fruit-forward, lip-smacking aftertaste. It was hard to spit. (Vic Harradine)
Rosehall Run ‘Cuvée County’’ Chardonnay 2011
VQA Ontario $21.95 13.5% alcohol
Kitchen spice and oodles of oak on the nose, it washes over the palate in a spirited, lively river of Granny Smith apple, racy lemon tang and mineral notes. Mid weight with good mouth feel, there’s a spine of bracing acidity delivered throughout. It finishes crisp with lip-smacking lemon zest and oaky tones. Give it another few months in bottle, pouring with smoked turkey and all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
Rosehall Run ‘Cuvée County’ Pinot Gris 2011
VQA Prince Edward County $21.95 11.5% alcohol
Peach, pear and hints of floral on the nose, it rides a spine of minerality and mouth-watering acidity throughout. Lemon zest and white grapefruit interlace with succulent white peach on the mid weight, nicely textured river of flavour on the palate. It finishes in a blaze of crisp, refreshing lip-smacking tang. Perfectly poured when patio-sipping, it also pairs well with freshly shucked oysters or pan-seared fish or prawns under a squish of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Rosehall Run ‘Cuvée County’ Pinot Noir 2010
VQA Prince Edward County $24.95 13.2% alcohol
Savory herbs, charred toast and sandalwood aromas peek through on the nose. Vibrant red cherry, racy red currant and spice-infused plum dominate the flavours in this gutsy red. There’s full-bore red fruit underpinned with fine-grained tannin and framed by a solid whack of soaring, lip-smacking tang. In spite of all that, or because of it, it’s balanced and beautiful with good structure and a boatload of charm. (Vic Harradine)