September 22, 2019 Newsletter
The 8th annual Music and Beyond Fall Wine Auction!
- Friday September 27, 2019
- Ottawa City Hall – Jean Pigott Place
- 18:30 Wine & cheese (Registration)
- 19:00 Live Auction
- More information and purchase tickets here
Newsletter Highlights include:
There are more wines reviewed after the Vintages Release wines with most now available in LCBO stores. You’ll also find wines that are available with Limited Time Discounts from $1 to $5 per bottle as well as reviews for upcoming Vintages releases.
- Exceptional-value wine
– 6 of the 35 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $14.95 to $18.95 and are easily identified throughout the newsletter via the value checkmark above. Strict guidelines? Click here. - 95 points and over – no wine rang the ‘95 points and over’ bell in this newsletter.
- Louise Loves – 2018 Domaine Gouron Chinon earned 89 points @ $17.95 found under France: Red Wine; 2017 Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling earned 90 points @ $22.95 found under, LCBO, Limited Time Offers’.
- Lisa Likes – 2016 Hidden Bench Estate Winery Chardonnay earned 92 points @ $29.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; and, of course, her exceptional-value wine reviews.
- Dave’s Delights – 2016 Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon earned 90 points @ $39.95 a ‘Wine of the Month’ found under California: Red Wine; 2015 Stags' Leap Winery Merlot earned 90 points @ $49.95 found under California: Red Wine.
- Vic Picks – Torresella Prosecco Non-Vintage earned 89 points @ $17.95 found under Sparkling Wine; 2017 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay earned 92 points @ $21.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; 2017 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay @ $24.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine; 2016 Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir earned 90 points @ $23.95 found under found under ‘LCBO, ‘Limited Time Offers’; and, of course, his exceptional-value wine reviews.
Vintages Release: September 28, 2019
Icewine
88
Henry of Pelham Cabernet Icewine 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $39.95 200ml (672402) 9.5% alcohol
Made from 100% cabernet franc, this staple red dessert wine has beautiful copper hues. Red candied apple and strawberry aromas abound along with savoury and peppery notes. It’s luscious almost syrupy on the tongue with flavours of strawberry jam, red bell pepper coating the palate and persisting in the sweet and mild peppery finish. Delicious on its own it can also be judiciously poured in sparkling wine for a Kir Royale-inspired drink. (Louise Boutin)
Sparkling Wine
• The following signature wine of Domaine Carneros ‘by Taittinger’ is their vintage-dated Brut 2013 Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wine with a blend of 58% chardonnay/42% pinot noir.
93
Domaine Carneros ‘by Taittinger’ Brut 2013
Carneros, California $42.95 (301655) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of baking brioche, nutty notes, honeysuckle and citrus rise from the fine-bead frothy mousse in the glass. Palate flavours—baked apple pie, lemon curd and minerality—ride on excellent tang and acidity. Persistent purity of fruit and palate flavours infuse the lingering balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. Extremely versatile at the table, pour with appetizers or mains—sea food, sushi, poultry, pork or soft cheese, like brie or camembert. (Vic Harradine)
91
Graham Beck ‘Brut’ Rosé Non-Vintage
WO Western Cape, South Africa $19.95 (175588) 12.0% alcohol
There’s very good value here. This is made Méthode Traditionnelle and opens with fragrant aromas—strawberry, watermelon and wisps of raspberry—and plenty of mousse, a.k.a. froth or bubbles, that form when poured. It’s a delight on the palate with lively flavours of red cherry and red berry fruit persisting throughout. It finishes in a blaze of crisp, lip-smacking freshness. Wonderful on its own as an aperitif or party starter, it has the oomph to stand alongside most appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
89
Torresella Prosecco Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco $17.95 (400440) 11.0% alcohol
This provides great value as a light-on-its-feet sipper pouring well as a welcoming wine or when paired with lighter-styled appetizers. Toast, honey and earthy notes on the nose, it glides smoothly across the palate with mouth-watering flavours of lemon yoghurt, green tea and honey-tinged pear. This extra-dry Prosecco finishes in a blaze of mouth-watering tang… clean, crisp and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)
90 
‘Cygnus Reserva’ Brut Nature Cava Non-Vintage
DO Cava, Spain $17.95 (352856)11.5% alcohol
This Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling organic gem was produced from the holy trinity of Cava grapes—xarel-lo 40%, parellada 30% and macabeo 30%. Lifted aromas of apple and pear interweave with mint and wisps of piquant ginger heralding flavours of apple, mineral/slate and strawberry wreathed in lemon curd and toasty notes. This has good mousse and a delightfully refreshing, lip-smacking aftertaste—certainly a cut above the norm. Pour with steamed mussels or pan-seared fish. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: White Wine
• The following 2017 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay is rare and interesting in that this chardonnay was matured 10 months in 100% Canadian oak barrel, 90% of which was one to five years old with 10% new. It was also barrel fermented in Canadian oak and indigenous-yeast fermented with 50% undergoing induced malolactic conversion… pretty cool, eh.
92
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (149302) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of apple pie spice, crème brûlée and sweet vanillin abound on the nose of this gorgeous chardonnay. It caresses the palate with a smooth-as-silk river of spiced, baked apple and poached pear while a racy dollop of lemon curd appears on the lengthy lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel, deft balance, well-integrated oak and plenty of charm. Pick up a few and drink over the next five to six years; sip on its own – divine, or pair with clay-bake chicken and fresh-cut and baked oven fries or fettuccini Alfredo. (Vic Harradine)
• You and the following 2018 Flat Rock ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay can both be counted as big-hearted as a portion of your purchase price is donated by the winery to the Ontario Association of Foodbanks. The price-quality balance is attractive; pick up a few and drink over the next year or so.
88
Flat Rock ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (356873) 12.5% alcohol
This was fermented in stainless steel tank and matured in barrel for 6 months on its lees. Aromas of tropical fruit and citrus introduce a light-medium bodied, lightly oaked stream of ripe pineapple and white grapefruit interlaced with mineral notes and hints lemon curd. The finish is racy and showcases a lip-smacking spine of mouth-watering acidity. This is crisp, clean and refreshing; give it a go with sushi or ceviche. (Vic Harradine)
92
Hidden Bench Estate Winery Chardonnay 2016
VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 (68817) 13.0% alcohol
This is an outstanding expression of certified-organic Niagara chardonnay. Pronounced aromas of red apple, white grapefruit, butterscotch and vanilla segue to a creamy-textured wash of apple, tangy citrus and spice notes on the palate. Dry, medium bodied, it’s well-balanced with a long, mouth-watering, mineral-laden finish. Delicious on its own or enjoy with almond-crusted halibut fillets. (Lisa Isabel)
Ontario: Red Wine
92
Flat Rock ‘Gravity’ Pinot Noir 2016
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $34.95 (1560) 13.5% alcohol
A lively nose of red and black cherries and berries leaps from the glass decorated with baking spice and charred toast. It washes over the palate medium-plus bodied, underpinned with perceptible tannin and showcasing flavours of tangy red cherry and ripe black cherry engulfed with sharp spice, charm and complexity. Look for persistent purity of fruit, balanced on a pin with plenty of flavour. Tuck a few of these away—open in 2023 after careful cellaring; your patience should be handsomely rewarded. (Vic Harradine)
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir 2017
VQA Short Hills Bench $24.95 (268391) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of beetroot, baking spice and red cherry abound. It captures the palate with a dazzling surge of sweet-tinged flavour with ripe red cherry, tangy red currant jelly and a boatload of charm and pizzazz… and quite classy, as well. It finishes dry with a note of minerality and a wisp of vanillin. This is extremely well priced, drinking well now and a treat to sip on its own. It’s also pours well with roast chicken or turkey, or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)
California: Red Wine
• The following 2016 Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon is a Vintages-catalogue featured, ‘Wine of the Month’.
90
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Napa Valley $39.95 (73817) 13.9% alcohol
This is an expressive blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% malbec, 4% merlot,
3% petite sirah and 1% petit verdot. Aromas of blackberry and raspberry punctuated with notes of mocha and vanilla waft from the glass. It’s medium-full bodied with good structure, juicy acidity, moderate tannins and juicy palate flavours of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. The finish is lengthy and tangy. Pair with barbequed lamb chops. (Dave Isaacs)
90
Stags' Leap Winery Merlot 2015
Napa Valley $48.95 (655399) 14.5% alcohol
This is a beauty of a blend made from 86% merlot, 6% petite sirah, 5% malbec, 1% petit verdot, with the remaining 2% a mix of ‘other red varietals’. It has an opaque dark cherry appearance, with aromas of cherry, vanilla, and dry sawdust on the nose. This is medium to full-bodied with strong but velvety smooth tannins and a mouth-watering balance of acidity. The flavours are tar with prominent hints of cherry and raspberry melding for a long lingering finish. This will be drinking best for the next 4 years. Enjoy it paired with tomato ravioli. (Dave Isaacs)
Oregon: Red Wine
92
Domaine Drouhin ‘Cloudline’ Pinot Noir 2017
Willamette Valley $26.95 (159970) 13.5% alcohol
This leaps from the glass with lifted aromas of spice box and red berry fruit aromas. Crunchy red fruit—currant, pie cherry and cranberry—dominate palate flavour, decorated with peppery spice, grilled savory herbs and polished tannin adding interest. It’s medium weight with satin-smooth texture and a lengthy, dry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Pour with smoked duck breasts or coq au vin. (Vic Harradine)
Washington State: Red Wine
91
Seven Falls Cellars Merlot 2014
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley $21.95 (420711) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit and mixed spice aromas open this 100% merlot beauty. Mighty waves of dark cherry and black briary berry crash over the palate interwoven with bittersweet chocolate and espresso roast galore. It then infuses the finish and aftertaste with gorgeously balanced replays along with a smooth, ripe tannin underpinning. This is medium-full bodied with creamy smooth texture and is very good value. Pair with brisket of beef. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2017 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Clare Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented in original winery fermenters allowing for careful control of skin maceration plus colour and tannin extraction with some parcels left an additional two weeks to ensure good structure. Wine was gently pressed into French oak barrels for malolactic conversion then matured a further 12 months in primarily one- to four-year-old French oak barrels with only 10% new.
91
Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Clare Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Clare Valley, South Australia $19.95 (744235) 14.0% alcohol
Rich, lively aromas of red and black cherry/berry fruit interweave with piquant spice and wisps of white pepper. It spreads over the palate medium-plus bodied, deftly balanced and generously textured. Palate flavours of ripe black bramble berry and crunchy pie cherry mingle with delightful tangy acidity and fine, soft tannin. Good to go now and the next five or so years; give it a go with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
89
Domaine Gouron Chinon 2018
AOC Chinon, France $17.95 (470963) 13.0% alcohol
This value-packed 100% cabernet franc, sourced from 30-year old vines, went through a short wine making process with no oak contact allowing retention of the fruitiness of the grapes. Expect lively aromas of sweet red cherry and plum with peppery notes in the background. It flows easily on the palate with crunchy red fruit—cherry and cranberry—polished, noticeable tannin and chalky minerality trailing in the fruity, mineral, dry finish. This offers excellent versatility at the table. Pour now to 2022 with bell pepper pizza or red sauce and pasta. (Louise Boutin)
86
Château Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2016
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages – Plan de Dieu $15.95 (224592) 14.5% alcohol
This entry-level grenache/mourvèdre/syrah blend offers aromas of cherry, raspberry, savory herbs and freshly cracked, black pepper aromas on the nose. The first sip is round and mellow on the palate until joined by peppery, tart juicy cherry flavours and young tannins. It’s a medium-bodied red that may need a couple of years to fully reveal its intriguing personality or you can aerate/decant a few hours before pouring a glass while digging into a gourmand charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)
Spain: Red Wine
91
Enrique Mendoza ‘La Tremenda’ Monastrell 2016
DO Alicante $17.95 (490011) 14.0% alcohol
This single-vineyard gem, produced with grapes from 25-year-old mourvèdre vines, was fermented in stainless steel tank, aged 6 months in American oak barrels and a further 12 months in bottle before release. Aromas of fresh red cherry, plum and blueberry interweave with bay leaf, vanilla and leather. Flavours of spiced red and dark fruit, savoury herbs and an earthy note caress the palate. Dry, medium-full bodied with prominent tannins and well-integrated alcohol, tangy fruit flavours endure through the lasting finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
91
Lealtanza ‘Reserva’ 2012
DOCa Rioja $22.95 (208223) 14.0% alcohol
Savory, leafy herbs, spice and pipe tobacco aromas provide segue for a well-paced and deftly balanced, smooth, mellow surge of red currant and black plum on the palate while marrying well with sprigs of herbs and red licorice. This is medium bodied with oodles of pizzazz and glamour, and is drinking well now. Pour alongside prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
• The following winery, Kono, is part of a group of companies owned by Wakatū, a corporation based in Nelson, New Zealand with approximately 4,000 shareholders who descend from the original Māori land owners of the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay Regions. Wakatū are financially successful, having grown their assets from $11 million in 1977 to its present value of over $260 million. Kono Winery is certified sustainable with a professed strong spiritual connection to the land and the things they grow.
91
Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $18.95 (441394) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of passionfruit and lemon zest leap from the glass preceding a gusher of palate flavour with piquant herbal notes enveloped in white grapefruit tang and a wisp of minerality. Quintessential Marlborough sauvignon blanc, it’s crisp, clean and refreshing with a crescendo of racy lemon-lime on the finish and aftertaste that’s nicely balanced with a smidgeon of ripe pit fruit. Perfect when sipped on its own or with sea food. (Vic Harradine
New in the LCBO Portfolio
• The following easy-drinking 2017 ‘Atelier - White Blend’ is a delicious blend of estate-grown riesling/gewürztraminer/auxerrois.
89
Château des Charmes ‘Atelier – White Blend’ 2017
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (688499) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of lemon and lime precede a barely off-dry palate-bathing stream of melon and lime cordial that ends with a flourish of mouth-watering tang on the back palate and aftertaste. It’s unoaked, light-medium bodied and very well balanced with plenty of crisp, refreshing pizzazz throughout. Gorgeous sipped on its own on a warm, sunny day, it also pours well with spicy Asian dishes or pan-seared, line-caught fish at the cottage. (Vic Harradine)
88
Château des Charmes ‘Atelier – Red Blend’ 2017
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (688523) 12.5% alcohol
This unoaked, red blend of state grown fruit—gamay noir/pinot noir/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/merlot—leaps from the glass with fresh, lively fruit-driven aromas of black briary berry and black plum. It bathes the palate with a medium-bodied nicely textured wash of spice-infused red fruit—strawberry and currant—carried along with excellent mouth-watering tang. Give this a go with pasta puttanesca or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
Private Order
Order the following wines, plus those in the recent July 1st, 2019 newsletter, by the case for home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario from VinoLuna wine agency. Contact via VinoLuna website, by Email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or, in the GTA phone 416 587-6691.
• The following 2018 Senioro Rubios ‘Pineiral Condado Blanco’ Rias Baixas is a unique blend of 47% treixadura, 28% loureiro blanco, 23% albariño, 1% godello, 1% torrontés. This gold-medal-winning gem was sourced fruit from vines in DO Rias Baixas, located in the northwestern region of Spain.
90
Senioro Rubios ‘Pineiral Condado Blanco’ Rias Baixas 2018
DO Rias Baixas, Spain $15.95 13.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of honeycomb, floral notes and peach precede a delectable tang-laden river of palate-enveloping flavour with ripe apricot, white grapefruit and lemon zest to the fore. It’s medium bodied with creamy mouthfeel and lingering, lip-smacking finish. Pour with roast chicken or white pizza adorned with mild cow cheese and chèvre decorated with smoked salmon, dill and capers. (Vic Harradine)
91
Jardin d’Edouard ‘Château-Thébaud’ Melon de Bourgogne 2014
AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France $24.95 (541458) 12.5% alcohol
A delicate nose of flinty minerality and citrus notes waft from this medium bodied, gorgeously textured white wine. It bathes the palate with an array of flavours—lemon curd, yellow plum and honey-drizzled pear on the back palate and finish while the aftertaste offers up hints of white grapefruit pith. It’s nicely balanced with lots of charm and pizzazz. Pour alongside pan-seared or grilled fish and sea food. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’
Regardless of the vintage you purchase from the LCBO, you’ll receive the discount shown for each bottle of wine reviewed below that is purchased from now to October 13, 2019.
White Wine
• The following wine will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
89
Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017
Napa Valley (84988) $25.95 14.1% alcohol
There’s good value in this pleasing Napa chardonnay. Grapes sourced from multiple vineyard parcels were fermented in 25% stainless steel and 75% French oak followed by eight months barrel aging before bottling. The nose leads with lemon, lime zest, red apple adorned with a pleasant floral note, hints of spice and toast. Dry and medium bodied with balancing acidity, the generous mouthfeel transports flavours of Meyer lemon, pear and Gala apple through the medium-long finish before a mineral note appears on the aftertaste. Sip on its own or alongside simply-prepared roast chicken. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following wine will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
90
Bodega Garzón ‘Reserva’ Albariño 2018
Uruguay $21.95 (646802) 14.0% alcohol
This 100% Albariño was stainless steel tank fermented and remained in tank on its lees for 3 – 6 months. Alluring aromas leap from the glass— lemongrass and honeysuckle galore. It rolls over the palate medium bodied and nicely textured with juicy palate flavours—honeydew melon, lemon pie filling and saline-infused minerality. It finishes dry, tangy and lengthy. This pairs well with local ceviche or grilled calamari under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
88
Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio 2018
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (326090) 12.0% alcohol
This is a cool-climate styled pinot grigio that was stainless steel fermented with a similar profile both on the nose and palate—ripe pear, green apple, a touch of ginger and a grassy/herbal note in the background. It’s medium-light bodied with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. It pairs well with friends and a sushi platter. (Louise Boutin)
• The following wine will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
90
Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling 2017
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (198853) 10.5% alcohol
Organic- and biodynamic-certified, this off-dry riesling shows classic aromas of petrol along with apple, honey, ginger and white grapefruit. A delicious flow of juicy apple, ripe pineapple and pink grapefruit flavours cross the plate with a mouth-watering effect and a surprisingly crisp and clean mineral finish despite its 25g/L of residual sugar. This has cellaring potential until 2025 and is quite delicious now with spicy food such as spicy Thai or Indian cuisine. (Louise Boutin)
Red Wine
• The following wine will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
90
Bodega Garzón ‘Reserva’ Tannat 2016
Uruguay $21.95 (558916) 14.5% alcohol
Inky black in the glass, aromas of tobacco leaf, espresso roast and sandalwood waft easily from the glass. A delightful, well-balanced river of palate flavours capture attention with flavours of black plum and dark cherry underpinned by soft, ripe tannin. It’s medium-plus bodied with good texture and replays of palate flavours on the finish. Good to go now, pour alongside roast leg of lamb or beef tenderloin. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
89
La Crema Pinot Noir 2014
Sonoma Coast $34.95 (719435) 13.5% alcohol
Sweet, ripe fruit is front and centre in this rich, luscious Pinot showcasing good depth and plenty of charm. Aromas of sweet vanilla, baking spice, mint and ripe black cherry unleash a medium-weight, well-textured flow of bramble berry jam and cherry clafoutie coating the palate garnished with toasty/oaky notes, a hint of milk chocolate and vanilla. Look for more ripe fruit and piquant spice on the lingering finish. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
• The following Montes Alpha 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.
89
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
DO Colchagua, Chile $19.95 (322586) 14.0% alcohol
Ripe, juicy, red cherry/berry fruit, exotic spice and grilled savory herb aromas abound. It cuts a broad, complex swath across the palate with a nicely textured, medium-plus bodied flow of bramble berry and juicy black cherry mingling with sweet vanilla, baking spice, cracked black pepper and a wisps of soft, ripe tannin. The balanced finish and aftertaste is robust, lengthy and mouth-watering good. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
• The following 2016 Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir is a Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores. This is a blend from hand-harvested fruit from select vineyards across the Niagara wine region matured 14 months in French oak barrels before bottling and release.
90
Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.95 (130989) 13.0% alcohol
A lightly-hued red in the glass, it offers delicate aromas of piquant spice, cedar and raspberry on the nose. It streaks over the palate with tang, tart and acidity borne of crunchy red fruit flavours—currant, pie cherry and passionfruit—along with wisps of sharp spice. I enjoyed the tart acidity and am confident that with a pasta in tomato sauce, red pizza or lasagne pairing, most others will, too. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will be discounted $5.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
89
Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $49.95 (388306) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
This vidal icewine from Niagara expresses itself without reservation starting with lifted aromas of apricot, lemon and earthy notes. It blankets the palate with a textured wash of apricot tart, lime-soaked guava and orange marmalade. Lemon zest and grilled pineapple provide semblance of balance on the finish and aftertaste. Serve well chilled on its own or paired with fruit flan or blue cheese. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will be discounted $5.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
88
Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve’ Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $39.95 (389411) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
Mango and ripe yellow peach aromas unleash a gusher of sweet, honeyed flavour on the palate with honey-drizzled peach pie and candied apricot coating the palate and persisting through the finish. It’s full bodied and generously textured delivering a sticky, sweet aftertaste. Pour with quality blue cheese or fruit flan. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic