• The following 2021 Speck Brothers ‘Family Tree – The Goat Lady’ Chardonnay was sustainably grown in the VQA geographical-delineated region of Niagara Peninsula. It’s 100% Chardonnay fermented and aged in American oak for 7 months and underwent partial malolactic fermentation. In the property adjacent to where the three Speck brothers lived as children, a lady named Marion kept goats. She also put out warm bowls of goats’ milk for the boys’ pet dog, Boswell. It turned out Boswell proved himself a quick study and soon moved in with Marion.
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Speck Brothers ‘Family Tree – The Goat Lady’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (16792) 12.8% alcohol
Aromas of green apple and ripe pear mingle with apricot and Mirabelle plum in the nose. It blankets the palate with a barrage of pure ambrosia with flavours of caramel and baking spice interlaced with sweet white peach juxtaposed with racy lemon curd. This showcases exceptional- value for money, deft balance, creamy-smooth mouthfeel, a lingering dry and lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. What’s not to like? It’s ready to drink now and on to 2026. Give this a go with a pairing suggested by the winery—lobster linguini with tarragon cream sauce. (Vic Harradine)
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Laura Hartwig ‘Block Nogales – Seleccion del Viticultor’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
DO Santa Cruz, Valle de Colchagua, Chile $20.95 (21951) 14.0% alcohol
A gentle swirl will bring on dark cherry/berry fruit aromas along with grilled savoury herbs and
hints of crème de cassis. It spreads over the palate with juicy flavours of ripe black Bing cherry and black plum adorned with sweet vanilla and boatloads of tang-infused passionfruit and plenty of pizzazz that persist through the finish and aftertaste. This is medium-plus bodied with excellent mouthfeel and deft balance throughout. It begins and ends with smooth, mellow fruit flavours and soft, fine-grained tannin that provides interest and a good underpinning. Pour with your favourite cut of beef that you grill on the barbecue. (Vic Harradine)