July 28, 2019 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights include:

• There are many more wines reviewed after the Vintages Release wines with most of them available in LCBO stores in both Vintages and in the front of the store and in Ontario wineries and cideries who will ship wine and/or cider to your home, office or restaurant. With well over three dozen wines and ciders reviewed after the release, you’ll be certain to find some of interest and for purchase.

What is ‘Hard Apple Cider’?

There has been a mini explosion of long-standing wineries and new cideries now producing hard apple cider. At its simplest, ‘hard’ apple cider is juice from crushed apples that’s fermented so that it has a component of alcohol. The simplest explanation of fermentation is, sugar + yeast = alcohol + carbon dioxide… with apologies to Louis Pasteur, Justus von Liebig, Eduard Büchner et al.

Winecurrent attended the ‘Craft Cider Celebration’ on July 18 hosted by Savvy Company. Dave Isaacs and Vic tasted and reviewed 17 ciders available for delivery to your home, office or restaurant sent from the winery or cidery that produced them. They appear at the end of the newsletter.

There are also 7 additional ciders that were tasted and reviewed that are available now for purchase from LCBO retail stores. You’ll find those ciders listed in the newsletter under, New in the LCBO.

• Exceptional-value wine  only 4 of 48 wines and ciders in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $14.95 to $17.95 and are found throughout the newsletter and easily identified via the value checkmark above. Either in LCBO stores now or on their way. Strict guidelines? Click here.
• 95 points and over – no wine rang the ‘95 points and over’ bell in this newsletter.
• Louise Loves – 2017 Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay earned 90 points @ $24.95 found under ‘Ontario: White Wine; 2017 Domaine Courtois ‘La Source’ Côtes-du-Rhône earned 92 points @ $14.95 found under France: Red Wine; 2009 Le Jardin d’Edouard Château Thébaud Melon de Bourgogne earned 92 points @ $25.95 found under ‘New in Vintages’; 2018 Redstone Pinot Gris earned 90 points at $24.95 found under ‘New in Ontario Wineries’; along with her exceptional-value wine reviews.
• Lisa Likes – 2016 Luigi Bosca ‘Single Vineyard’ Malbec earned 91 points @ $29.95; along with her exceptional-value wine reviews.
• Dave’s Delights – 2016 Mer Soleil ‘Silver’ Unoaked Chardonnay earned 92 points @ $24.95 found under California: White Wine; Apple Falls ‘Perry’ Pear Cider earned 91 points @ $25.00 750 mL found under ‘Hard Apple Cider Feature’.
• Vic Picks – 2017 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay earned 92 points @ $29.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; Creekside Winery ‘Rood Apples’ Cider earned 92 points @ $3.25 473 mL tin found under ‘New in the LCBO’; 2016 Redstone Winery ‘Redstone Vineyard’ Syrah earned 93 points @ $39.95 and 2017 Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir earned 90 points @ $27.95 both found under New in Ontario Wineries; Kings Mill Cider ‘Premium’ Cider earned 92 points @ $14.95 750 mL bottle and Fielding Winery ‘Hard’ Cider’ earned 92 points @ $4.60 per 473mL tins in 4 or 24 packs and Tawse Winery Sparkling Cider earned 92 points @ $3.25 473 mL tins with all found under ‘Hard Apple Cider Feature’; along with his exceptional-value wine reviews.

Vintages Release: August 3, 2019

Ontario: White Wine

90
Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2017

VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (302083) 13.5% alcohol

This trustworthy white wine delivers good value. An aromatic nose of peach with white flower and lactic notes introduces delicious flavours of fresh apricot, lemon curd, vanilla and a beautiful mineral layer completing the picture. Medium bodied with a creamy palate texture, it offers a delicious crisp, tangy and perfectly balanced finish. Delicious with smoked salmon blinis, decorated with red onion, capers and a dollop of crème-fraîche. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2017 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay was hand harvested from two estate, low-yielding vineyards—75% South Clos and 25% Churchside—then 100% barrel fermented in French oak with under 10% new.


92
Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2017

VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 (148866) 13.3% alcohol

This crowd pleaser offers a price-quality balance tipped wildly in your favour. Aromas of apple, pear and baking spice abound on the nose of this fabulous PEC chardonnay. It treats the palate to a balanced and beautiful, fruit-filled river of flavour with ginger root-infused apple along with wisps of sweet vanilla and Meyer lemon. It’s medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel accompanied by a monumentally long, delectable finish. Pour on its own after removing from refrigeration for 20 minutes or with roast chicken, turkey, pork or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)

California: White Wine

92
Mer Soleil ‘Silver’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2016

Monterey County $24.95 (220343) 14.0% alcohol

This wonderfully refreshing chardonnay is completely untouched by oak. It shows off a mineral nose with pleasant overtones of lemon zest. The medium-full body supports a nice juicy acidity with lots of citrus flavours. The long crisp finish leaves you wanting to take another sip. Enjoy on a hot summer afternoon with a fresh pasta salad. (Dave Isaacs)

California: Red Wine

92  

Irony ‘Small Lot Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
North Coast $24.95 (25106) 14.5% alcohol
This California cabernet is very well priced and has excellent balance—it’s quite approachable now after a two-hour aeration decant. Sweet-tinged fruit blankets the palate with briary berry, black plum and juicy black Bing cherry to the fore. The palate fruit is adorned with excellent balance, good tang and plenty of charm. It finishes dry and delicious with fruit replays and hints of mocha and vanilla. This pours well with grilled or roast beef. (Vic Harradine)

Washington State: Red Wine

92  

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Columbia Valley $21.95 (269357) 13.5% alcohol

Lifted, spirited aromas of piquant spice and berry fruit show the way to a gorgeous river of red crunchy fruit—cherry, plum and passionfruit—mingling with peppery spice and savory herbs. This is medium-plus bodied with creamy-smooth texture and a long balanced finish and aftertaste. There’s very good value here. (Vic Harradine)

87  

William Fevre ‘Espino – Reserva Especial’ 2017

DO Central Valley, Chile $15.95 (464412) 13.6% alcohol

Dark, juicy berry fruit and grilled herb aromas precede a rich, ripe river of palate-coating flavour with black berry jam, kirsch liqueur and black plum compote prominent. It’s medium-full bodied and heavily textured with a jammy, sweet finish. Pour with smoked, grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine


89
3-Rings Shiraz 2016

Barossa Valley $17.95 (15495) 14.9% alcohol

This value-packed shiraz offers a rich bouquet—blackberry, crushed raspberry, black tea, cinnamon and a hint of wet earth. A juicy wash of ripe blackberry, sour cherry, black plum flavours and a dry savoury herb note blanket the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration and very fine-grained tannins melding with a chalky mineral note on the dry tangy, fruity finish. Pour with slow-cooked stew or juicy, rare-grilled red meat. (Louise Boutin)

France: Red Wine

90  

M. Chapoutier ‘Les Vignes de Bila-Haut’ Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2017

AOC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages $15.95 (168716) 14.0% alcohol

Consistently great value, this southern Rhône blend of grenache, syrah and carignan opens with fresh red fruit and strawberry jam aromas with hints of vanilla, spice and an earthy note adding interest. Dry, medium bodied and well-structured with silky tannins and balancing acidity, spiced cherry and plum flavours generously coat the palate. The warming, lengthy finish delivers a wine well suited for braised beef short ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)

92  

Domaine Courtois ‘La Source’ Côtes-du-Rhône 2017

AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, France $14.95 (526640) 14.5% alcohol

This beautiful bright medium-ruby blend—80% grenache and 20% syrah, stainless steel fermented is a steal! Aromas of fresh mixed berry compote, black cherry, violet and a hint of orange zest charm the nose. It glides on the palate with softness, showcasing crunchy black cherry, black plum and tangy raspberry flavours to the fore. Then peppery herb and warmth develop on the medium-long lively fruity/savoury finish. Surprisingly lighter than expected on the palate despite the alcohol level, this medium-bodied red is a hit on its own, with red sauce pasta or dry cherry-stuffed pork tenderloin. (Louise Boutin)


Spain: Red Wine

92  
Vinessens ‘Sein’ 2011 
DO Alicante $16.95 (391896) 15.0% alcohol 
A 60% mourvèdre/40% syrah red blend, fruit was hand harvested and hand sorted before fermentation and malolactic conversion then aged 12 months in French and American oak barrel by this artisan, family-owned winery. Black cherry, baking spice and earthy notes are precursor to a surge of black cherry, black currant and kirsch liqueur. It’s medium weight with good texture and supple tannin frame. Aerate/decant two hours before serving—exceptional value here. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in Winecurrent

Vintages Release: September 14th 2019

90
Gérard Bertrand Saint Chinian 2016
AOP Saint Chinian, France $17.95 (370247) 14.0% alcohol
This is a blend of syrah and mourvèdre with a third aged nine months in barriques. The rest remains in tanks to preserve the fruit character easily noticeable on the nose—ripe blue plum, blackberry, cassis—along with brined black olive, cinnamon and violet in the backdrop. Full of life on the palate, it flows nicely offering black fruit flavours and a toasty note, paired with high acidity and medium tannin getting grippy towards the dry lengthy finish. This is medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration and a definite crowd pleaser. Pour alongside, mixed grilled meats. (Louise Boutin)

89
Buena Vista ‘the Legendary Badge’ Petite Sirah 2017
California $17.95 (545772) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of cherry cola and mocha swirl from this petite verdot. A huge mouthful of black currant and black raspberry envelop the palate adorned with oak vanillin and notions of Ribena on the back palate and finish. It’s medium-plus bodied and generously textured, nicely balanced and lengthy and luxurious on the delicious dry finish. Pour with grilled strip loin steak. (Vic Harradine)

88
Palliser Estate ‘Pencarrow’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Martinborough, New Zealand $20.95 (708602) 12.0% alcohol
This rested a short while on its lees, increasing texture/mouthfeel. Piquant herbal and gooseberry aromas abound. It’s quite fleshy on the palate with flavours of gooseberry jelly and hints of mint to the fore. There’s good acidity and plenty of flavour persisting through the finish. Pour well-chilled on its own or alongside Greek salad, olive-oiled arugula topped with chèvre or grilled calamari. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 12, 2019

91

Luigi Bosca ‘Single Vineyard’ Malbec 2016

DOC Luján de Cuyo (74922) $29.95 14.0% alcohol

This single-vineyard gem, from vines averaging 70 years of age, was matured 14 months in French oak. Ripe, dark. fruit aromas, touched by notes of cedar, exotic spice, mint and balsamic reduction, waft easily from the glass before a torrent of cherry, plum, spice and mocha flavours coat the rich-tasting palate. Dry, medium-full bodied with well-integrated tannins and clean acidity, it finishes medium-long, warm and smooth. Pair with grilled rib-eye steaks. (Lisa Isabelle)

New in Vintages

92
Le Jardin d’Edouard Château Thébaud Melon de Bourgogne 2009
AOC Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine $25.95 (541458) 12.5% alcohol
You might think Muscadet has no ageing potential; think again. This one, from +60-year-old melon de bourgogne vines, spent 76 months on its lees, enough time to develop a beautiful complexity both on the nose and palate. You’ll find aromas of lemon confit, ripe pear, star anise and dry chamomile. It’s round and ample on the palate with delicious flavours of Granny Smith apple, lemon confit, fennel and slate minerality. This medium-bodied unique Muscadet ends with a long. dry finish trailing savoury and saline notes. Aerate/decant 30 minutes before service and enjoy with chicken cordon bleu or baked lemon-butter cod loin. (Louise Boutin)

New in the LCBO

89  
County Cider Company Apple Cider
Prince Edward County, Ontario $6.05 (470898) 500 mL bottle 6.5% alcohol
Made from an eclectic blend of traditional cider apples, this is light gold in colour and pours with a light head of foam. The nose is an expressive mix of apple fruit and orange blossom. There’s a generous amount of fizz on the palate with a medium-full body and off-dry flavours of apple. Enjoy this with a plate of spicy pork chow mein. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Flying Canoe Hard Cider
Ontario $3.35 (499020) 473 mL 5.0%
Ottawa’s first and only hard cider, made from juice pressed from locally sourced McIntosh apples. This cider is refreshing uncomplicated. It appears cloudy in the glass, due to the fact that it is unfiltered. Both in nose and flavour, this cider invokes childhood memories of biting into McIntosh apples freshly picked from the tree. It is dry with a medium-light body, and is lightly carbonated. Wonderfully refreshing all by itself on a hot summer’s day. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following 2017 E & J Gallo ‘Longshot’ Pinot Grigio is $14.00 per bottle ($2.00 off the regular price) from now until August 18, 2019.

88
E & J Gallo ‘Longshot’ Pinot Grigio 2017
California $16.00 (633354) 13.0% alcohol
This is nicely textured and sourced primarily from pinot gris with 15% chardonnay. Aromas of honey and tropical fruit dominate the nose. It bathes the palate with flavours of lemongrass, green apple, piquant spice and tangy acidity. Palate-flavours persist through the lip-smacking finish while adding minerality on the aftertaste. Sip on its own or pour with ceviche or pan-seared fish under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

89
E & J Gallo ‘Longshot’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
California $16.00 (633347) 13.5% alcohol
Dark berry fruit and spice aromas provide segue for a medium-weight, nicely textured and concentrated river of bramble berry and late-season cherry flavours framed by plenty of dark ripe plum and underpinned by wisps of soft, ripe tannin. It finishes smooth and medium length. This is best paired with grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbeque sauce. (Vic Harradine)

92  
Creekside Winery ‘Rood Apples’ Cider
Jordan Station, ON $3.25 (557520) 473 mL 6.0% alcohol
This was sourced from five red apple varieties (‘Rood’ is Dutch for red) and there’s plenty to like in this medium-sweet, lightly charged, fully textured, full-flavoured hard cider. It opens with alluring aromas of apples, floral notes and hints of citrus. The palate’s treated to a gusher of flavour showcasing depth, concentration and oodles of charm. Palate flavours include sweet-tinged red apple and ripe pear juxtaposed with lemon zest while the finish is clean and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)

91  
Shiny Apple Cider
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON $3.25 (407668) 473 mL 7.0% alcohol
This gluten-free and vegan-friendly cider is lightly carbonated, sold in tall cans and sourced from nine, Ontario red apple varieties. There are aromas of ripe apple along with hints of herbal notes and lemon citrus on the nose. This has good mouthfeel, deft balance and is medium weight. It bathes the palate with slight spritz and flavours of rich, red apple, caramel and a lovely infusion of lemon curd tang kicking in on the back palate persisting through the dry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

92  
Shiny Apple Cider with Pinot Noir
Niagara-on-the-Lake $3.25 (515098) 473 mL 6.5% alcohol
This is 90% lightly carbonated apple cider and 10% pinot noir, presented in tall cans. Dark pink hued in the glass, it pours with very little frothy head. Aromas of apples and earthy notes give way to an alluring mouthful of sweet ripe apples adorned with hints of blueberry and strawberry that gradually take over on the finish and aftertaste. This is complex with a unique experience of starting out primarily cider and finishing with flavours from the small amount of Pinot Noir. There’s a slight and delightful hint of tannin on the dry, refreshing finish. (Vic Harradine)

91  
Thornbury ‘Premium’ Apple Cider
Blue Mountains, ON $3.75 (688671) 5.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of hard cider and hints of apple pie precede a tang-laden mouthful of sliced red apple and ripe pear that blanket the palate carried on a wash of refreshing acidity. It’s medium bodied with generous mouthfeel and a lengthy, crisp, refreshing finish and aftertaste. There’s good flavour, beautiful balance and plenty of charm and pizzazz. Pour over ice, sip and relax. (Vic Harradine)

89  
Thornbury ‘Wild Blueberry/Elderflower’ Apple Cider
Blue Mountains, ON $3.75 (688671) 473 mL 5.1% alcohol
This was sourced from a multitude of apple varieties with added blueberry juice sourced from Nova Scotia plus essence of Elderberry flower. Dark-purple hued in the glass, perfumed aromas of honeysuckle and blueberry dominate the nose. This is lightly carbonated with loads of texture and a definite semi-sweet tinge to palate flavours of apple pie filling along with blueberry and honey. It finishes with generous texture and replays of palate flavours on the finish. This serves as an aperitif when served on its own or as an accompaniment to fresh-fruit flan, pies and tarts. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

• The following wines from Tawse winery and Redstone along with those reviewed in the recent July 20 Vintages Release newsletter can be purchased by the bottle(s) case (s) for home, office or restaurant delivery online at Tawse Winery, by Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by phone +1 905 562 9500 or for pick up by bottle(s) or case(s) directly at the winery 3955 Cherry Ave, Vineland ON. Here’s a map.

90
Redstone Winery Pinot Gris 2018
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $24.95 12.0% alcohol
Fresh aromas escape from the glass of this sustainably farmed, estate-grown pinot gris as peach, poached pear, guava and just a hint of ginger charm the nose. Initially shy on the palate, it suddenly bursts with delicious flavours of pear, fresh apricot, pickled ginger and a nice mineral note persisting through the long fruit and spice finish. This is well balanced with no shortage of acidity. Definitely, a go to bottle on sushi night. (Louise Boutin)

93  
Redstone Winery ‘Redstone Vineyard’ Syrah 2016
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $39.95 12.5% alcohol
This hand-harvested, single-vineyard, organic/biodynamic syrah matured 16 months in French oak. A lifted nose of dark cherry/berry fruit—black currant, plum and Bing cherry—interweave with cracked black pepper aromas wafting easily from the glass. A deftly balanced flavourful flow of black raspberry and ripe black cherry blanket the palate medium-full bodied, creamy-smooth and generously textured. This showcases layers of complexity, persistent purity of fruit and perfectly balanced attributes of acidity, fruit flavour, soft tannin and alcohol. A doff of the cap to the viticulture/winemaking team. (Vic Harradine)

89
Tawse ‘Cherry Avenue’ Gamay Noir 2017
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $28.95 12.5% alcohol
This pretty, bright, pale-ruby shaded gamay is the second vintage from the Cherry Avenue plot. It’s certified organic, biodynamic and produced in small quantities. Cranberry, sour cherry, dried roses and forest floor aromas make-up the nose. Racy acidity on the palate support flavours of tart raspberry and red cherry bundled in soft tannin and ending on a delicious dry savoury note. This is medium-light bodied and a perfect mate to prosciutto and fresh tomato crostini or a sour-cherry glazed salmon on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

90
Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $27.95 12.5% alcohol
As the name indicates, this was sourced from select growers across the Niagara Peninsula. It’s pale-ruby hued offering up mixed spice box aromas with red cherry and hints of roses. This caresses the palate with a creamy-smooth wash of lean flavour with crunchy red berry fruit—cherry, cranberry and currant—interwoven with delightful tang and juicy acidity. This is a cool-climate pinot noir that’s well paced and well focused with all the correct elements and plenty of charm, especially when paired with tomato-based dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or Swiss steak. (Vic Harradine)

• The base wine for the following Tawse ‘Dry/White’ Vermouth was sourced from the estate organic and biodynamic ‘Limestone Vineyard’ Riesling. A portion was then infused and steeped with a blend of 14 botanicals then blended back to the wine then fortified with neutral spirit to 18.5% alcohol. Once opened, re-seal the twist cap and refrigerate to slow oxidation. Can be drunk and used in this manner up to three months.

92
Tawse Dry/White Vermouth
Product of Canada $23.15 750 mL 18.5% alcohol
Vermouth was once considered a medicinal aid to digestion, hence its popularity as an aperitif. It’s also widely used in cocktails e.g. Martini, Manhattan and others. Aromas of citrus, pear and mixed herbs and spice introduce a mouthful of sweet pear and apple along with hints of cinnamon and licorice and a delightful bite of bitters on the monumentally lengthy aftertaste. Connoisseur or novice should find this a treat. (Vic Harradine)

Hard Apple Cider Feature

• The following Ciders can be purchased directly from each Cidery's website by clicking on the Cidery name link in each review.

88
Apple Falls Premier Cider
Prince Edward County, ON $26.00 4x500mL 6.5% alcohol
This Apple Falls staple is made from a medley of apple varieties, including Russet, Empire, and Northern Spy, all sourced from Campbell’s Orchard located on the Bay of Quinte shores of Prince Edward County. The cider noses strongly of Russet apple and is exceptionally thirst quenching on the palate. It’s relatively low levels of acidity and carbonation make this an extremely easy cider to simply sip by itself. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Apple Falls Orchard Blend Cider
Prince Edward County, ON $16.00 750 mL 6.5% alcohol
This is a dry cider made from a special blend of hand-picked apples. The nose has prominent notes of green apple, with a compelling soft-cheese mustiness lurking in the background. It is medium bodied with easygoing acidity, making it smooth and luscious on the palate. A good match for a charcuterie and cheese board. (Dave Isaacs)

91
Apple Falls ‘Perry’ Pear Cider
Prince Edward County, ON $25.00 750 mL 8.6% alcohol
This blend made from the juice of Flemish Beauty and Bosc pears has a light silver appearance in the glass. The nose is exquisite, with vanilla and fruit blossoms harmonizing in an extremely pleasant perfume aroma. It is sweet—but not too sweet—on the palate, with a refreshing level of acidity and flavours of vanilla, pear and nectar closing to a smooth and satisfying finish. Great to sip all by itself, and would also pair well alongside a slice of lemon drizzle cake. (Dave Isaacs)

88
Clafeld Cider House Smashed Apple Cider
Prince Edward County, ON $3.00 341 mL 6.0% alcohol
Clafeld Cider House shares its property with Waupoos Estates Winery along the southern shores of Prince Edward County. Their Smashed Apple Cider one of their best sellers. It pours with a slight head, and has a golden honey-like appearance in the glass. The nose is quite flowery, with notes of nectar, and freshly sliced apple. It is nicely fizzy and pleasantly thirst quenching on the palate. It is relatively low in acidity and, with 15g/L of sugar content, it is just a touch off-dry. Well matched with some Hawaiian pizza. (Dave Isaacs)

88
Clafeld Cider House Disco Lemonade
Prince Edward County, ON $4.25 473 mL 5.5% alcohol
The infusion of dried lemon peel, dried orange peel, and dried pineapple adds an interesting twist to this wine and cider blend. Aromas of lemon rise above the notes of apple on the nose. It is medium-full bodied on the palate, and off-dry, with citrus flavours that fade to reveal a finishing sensation of orange zest. This will pair very nicely with some orange and fennel roasted cod. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Clafeld Cider House Elderflower
Prince Edward County, ON $4.25 473 mL 5.5% alcohol
This cider and wine blend has been steeped with dried elderflowers, giving it a flowery and somewhat spicy nose. It is off-dry on the palate (though not as sweet as Clafeld's Disco Lemonade), with a light level of carbonation, and a taste of nectar. It’s well matched with a plate of honey-garlic chicken wings. (Dave Isaacs)

90
County Cider Company Blackberry Peach Cider
Prince Edward County, ON $6.05 500 mL 6.5% alcohol
Apple ciders that are injected with additional fruit flavours sometimes come off as gimmicky, but this one is quite exquisite. Blackberry and peach are both quite prevalent on the nose, with the blackberry being the dominant aroma. It is full bodied on the palate, with a pleasant level of carbonation. Although quite sweet, a nice tang of acidity cuts through to prevent it from being cloying. It is overall extremely refreshing, and the perfect companion to bring along to the beach on a hot summer’s day. (Dave Isaacs)

91
Farm Gate ‘3 Bros’ Craft Cider
Arnprior, ON 4x375 mL @ $20.00 24x375 mL @ $110.00 7.0% alcohol
This bone dry cider actually contains juice from 6 different apples, but 3 of them dominate: empire, cortland, and spartan. There is a lovely floral bouquet on the nose, with a waxy mustiness and hints of freshly cut apple. It is medium bodied on the palate, with a relatively light level of carbonation, and just enough acidity to cleanse the palate. Will pair well with cheese or a serving of poutine. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Farm Gate ‘Sugar Bush’ Craft Cider
Arnprior, ON 4x375 mL $20.00 24x375 mL $110.00 7.0% alcohol
This cider starts as a dry blend (the same blend as 3 Bros) and is sweetened with a dash of maple syrup. The result is slightly off-dry cider with a nose reminiscent of pecan pie: nutty with hints of maple and apple peel. The body is on the full side, with a light touch of fizz, and flavours of apple and maple lingering nicely in the finish. Enjoy with barbeque pork chops. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Farm Gate ‘Russet’ Craft Cider
Arnprior, ON 4x375 mL $20.00 24x375 mL $110.00 9.5% alcohol
The majority of apple ciders are made from a blend of apple varieties. This one, however, is made entirely from Russets. When poured from the bottle it appears clear gold in colour with a prominent foamy head. The nose is primarily floral with aromas of clover mixed with hints of freshly-peeled ripe apple and yeast. It’s dry on the palate, with light, enjoyable spritz and refreshing acidity. This will pair nicely with a platter of spicy chicken wings. (Dave Isaacs)

92  
Fielding Winery ‘Hard’ Cider’
Beamsville, ON (4x473mL) $18.40 (24x473mL) $110.40 5.5% alcohol
This was sourced from 100% Niagara, Ontario apple orchards—Northern Spy, Golden Russet, Ambrosia, Crimson Crisp, Empire, Mutsu, Liberty, Gala, Honey Crisp and McIntosh fermented in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels without malolactic conversion. Aromas of apple, pear and floral notes abound. It glides over the palate deftly balanced and flavour packed with ripe apple and pear to the fore along with wisps of tang–infused lemon pie filling. It’s layered with complexity, balance and finishes with dry, lip-smacking apple flavour and tang; it was tough to spit. (Vic Harradine)

91  
Kings Mill Cider ‘Scrumpy’ Cider
Stirling, ON $16.95 750 mL 8.2% alcohol
This is a bone dry, lightly filtered, still (no carbonation) cider stoppered with a cork, with no sugar added and sourced primarily from Russet, Tolman and Northern Spy apples. Lifted aromas of ripe red apple and notions of orange blossom and lemon zest abound on the nose. It’s crisp and clean on the palate with creamy smooth mouthfeel and oodles of tangy citrus pizzazz. The finish and aftertaste layer on flavours of dried apple and lemon pie filling; it’s refreshing and absolutely delicious. (Vic Harradine)

92  
Kings Mill Cider ‘Premium’ Cider
Stirling, ON $14.95 750 mL 9.0% alcohol
This is carbonated, off-dry, in a glass bottle and closed with a cork. Aromas of apple pie filling and hints of marzipan introduce a mouthful of pure ambrosia. Palate flavours are balanced and beautiful with excellent citrus tang nicely balanced with a wave of ripe baked apple making a perfect yin and yang, sweet an tang from cork pop to last drop with the aftertaste cleaning up crisp and refreshing. Gorgeous when sipped on its own, it also pairs perfectly with baked ham or grilled pork chops. (Vic Harradine)

91  
Kings Mill Cider ‘Hopped’ Cider
Stirling, ON $14.95 750 mL 9.0% alcohol
This is a still (no carbonation) cider in a bottle with a cork closure along with locally sourced apples and hops. Aromas of white flowers and hints of citrus provide segue to a palate-coating surge of tang-infused flavour decorated with palate-coating flavours of ripe pear and apple. This is nicely textured with plenty of Wow! factor, good balance, complexity and a clean, crisp finish and aftertaste. What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)

92  
Kings Mill Cider ‘Ice’ Cider
Stirling, ON $19.95 200 mL 8.5% alcohol
The medium-gold hue in the glass alerts you this is something special. It’s fashioned from local apples, bottled and sealed with a cork. It captures the palate with a full-bore rush of sweet apple juice on steroids. A refreshing stream of lemony citrus restores deft balance on the finish. It’s definitely a dessert cider and can be consumed on its own as the dessert, or paired with various fruit flans. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Kin Vineyard cider and others in their portfolio can also be seen and purchased in and near Ottawa at the Westboro and Carp Saturday farmers’ market and on Sunday at the Lansdowne market.

91  
Kin Vineyards ‘Cider House Fools’ Cider
Carp, ON $7.95 500 mL 7.0% alcohol
This is a dry, still cider sourced from the nearby Harvest Moon orchard with principal apple varieties used being McIntosh, Honeycrisp and Winesap and sold in a 500 mL bottle sealed with a swing-top cap. Aromas of dried apple and lemongrass precede bright and lively palate flavours of red and green apple infused with delightful tang. This has good weight and mouthfeel and finishes with more of the same, clean, crisp and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)

92  
Redstone Winery Sparkling Cider
Vineland, ON $3.25 473 mL 6.5% alcohol
This is carbonated, sold in a tin, and bubbles with enthusiasm and off-dry nectar of the gods. It fills the air with aromas of apple sauce and hints of lemongrass preceding a palate-enveloping, deftly balanced, flavourful river of Golden Delicious apple, citrus tang and notions of ripe, sweet Bosc pear. It has texture, lots of tangy pizzazz and lengthy, mouth-watering finish. The aftertaste delivers palate replays—crisp, refreshing and balanced on a pin. (Vic Harradine)

91  
Tawse Winery ‘Bottle Fermented’ Sparkling Cider
Vineland, ON $13.15 750 mL 7.0% alcohol
This is a ‘natural’ cider aged on its lees and was not filtered or pasteurized. It comes in a 500 mL bottle sealed by crown cap. It’s unfiltered so not crystal clear in the glass, but still a bright, medium yellow. Aromas of apple sauce and baking brioche introduce a surge of citrus tang along with crisp, apple and pear flavours on the palate and lengthy lip-smacking finish. It has good weight, texture and balance; in a word… scrumptious. (Vic Harradine)

92  
Tawse Winery Sparkling Cider
Vineland, ON $3.25 473 mL 5.0% alcohol
This is carbonated and was sourced from Ontario-grown apples—Ambrosia, Crispin, Gala, Ida Red, McIntosh and Spy—then finished with 30 g/L residual sugar and sold in 473 mL cans. Aromas of red apple and floral notes abound. It blankets the palate with gorgeous flavours of ripe red apple and a balancing splash of lemony tang persisting through the balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. It drinks well on its own and also pairs well with baked ham dotted with cloves and basted with maple syrup. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic