March 29, 2021 Newsletter
Salut! at Home 2021 Event Information for Ottawa Subscribers
Salut! at Home Event – On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, the Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa is hosting an evening of good food, good wine, and good company. Each set of two guests will receive two three-course meals created and prepared by Thyme & Again, as well as a bespoke collection of three bottles of Ontario VQA wines paired by Vic Harradine, with wine and food delivered to your home.
Proceeds from this event will go to supporting children and youth at the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. Some of their initiatives include providing post-secondary bursaries for former youth in foster care and providing essential items like beds and clothing for families in need.
Registration is now open! Visit www.HelpOttawaKids.ca now to purchase tickets. You can order a dinner for two, or make a group booking for a virtual table of four sets of two (8 people) at a considerable discount – friends, business acquaintances, clients, neighbours. You will be connected most of the evening with just your table of eight via Zoom.
Hope to meet up with you on Zoom that evening!
Newsletter Highlights: The following Newsletter has over 50 wines reviewed.
- 95 points and over – One wine rang the 95 points and over bell: Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi ‘Castelgiocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino earned 95 points @ $48.95 found under Limited Time Offers
- Exceptional-value wine – Nineteen wines earned the coveted icon. They’re found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the icon checkmark in the April 3, 2021 Vintages Release and in categories following the release. Happy hunting!
- Limited Time Offers –There are 26 wines that are being discounted at the LCBO for up to $5.00 a bottle from March 29 to April 25, 2021 found at the end of the newsletter.
- New in Ontario Wineries – You’ll find myriad wines under this category from Château des Charmes, Henry of Pelham, Malivoire, Rosehall Run and Tawse.
- Louise Loves – Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2019 earned 94 points @ $64.95 found under California: White Wine; Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon earned 91 points @ $39.95 found under Limited Time Offers. Château des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot ‘Old Vines’ 2017 earned 91 points @ $24.95 found under New in Ontario Wineries.
- Lisa Likes – Tawse ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling earned 91 points @ $22.95; Dandelion Vineyards ‘Lionheart of the Barossa’ Shiraz earned 90 points @ $19.95 with both found under Limited Time Offers.
- Vic Picks – Kacaba ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019 earned 89 points @ $19.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; Malivoire ‘Vivant’ Rosé 2020 earned 92 points @ $19.95 found under Ontario: Rosé Wines; Santi ‘Sortelese’ Pinot Grigio 2018 earned 90 points @ $17.95 found under New in Vintages (available in stores now); Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling 2020 earned 93 points @ $17.95 found under New in Vintages (available in stores now).
April 3, 2021 Vintages Release
Sparkling Wine
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Gloria Ferrer ‘Sonoma Brut’ Sparkling Wine - Non-Vintage
Sonoma County, California $34.95 (192898) 12.5% alcohol
There’s a pretty peachy-pink tinge to this golden wine with appealing aromas of bread yeast, toasted nuts, ripe orchard fruit and citrus that carry through on the palate. Bright and fresh on the attack, it’s dry and mid weight with an impressive creamy mousse that reflects its effervescent character. Lively on the finish, it’s a great wine to whet your appetite. (Susan Desjardins)
Ontario: White Wine
• The following 2019 Kacaba ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc was gently pressed off the skins and chilled down to 1 °C for four weeks before being fermented in stainless steel tank at cool temperatures with no malolactic fermentation. It aged in tank for five months. The price-quality balance for this gem swings wildly in your favour.
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Kacaba ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (19899) 12.8% alcohol
Pleasing aromas of gooseberry, savoury herbs and citrus abound. A tang-infused flow of lemon zest, gooseberry jelly and tart lime juice envelop the palate adorned by wisps of saline minerality. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a crisp, clean and refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own as a thirst-quenching summer sipper or pour alongside arugula tossed in olive oil and generously topped with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
Okanagan Valley: Red Wine
• The following excellent 2019 Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir is the result of them being pioneers, and now 3rd generation, winemakers, in the Okanagan Valley with this varietal. It’s sourced from different clones in premium sites and cold soaked for five days, fermented separately on skins for 10-20 days before being pressed off and placed into 100% French Burgundian oak barrels for nine months.
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Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Okanagan Valley, B. C. $34.95 (585760) 13.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of barnyard, beet root and earthy notes provide segue for a delightful mouthful of pure pinot noir ambrosia with red currant, passion fruit and lip-smacking tang and acidity to the fore. It envelops the palate with mixed spice and red currant jelly balanced nicely with mouth-watering tang. This is medium-weight with good mouthfeel, deft balance and a luxurious, lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour now alongside smoked duck breasts, pan-seared salmon fillet or a roast turkey with all the fixings or baked ham on the bone dotted with cloves. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Rosé Wine
• The following 2020 Malivoire ‘Vivant’ Rosé was sourced from the VQA estate-grown fruit on the Beamsville Bench and is a blend of hand-harvested 70% pinot noir/30% pinot gris—an inspired pairing as pinot gris is a mutation of pinot noir. The grapes were pressed directly after harvested then the juice was chilled in a horizontal ‘dairy tank’ before a cool fermentation in stainless steel. This also reflects a dazzling 2020 VQA Ontario vintage.
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Malivoire ‘Vivant’ Rosé 2020
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (498535) 12.5% alcohol
Fresh, lively aromas of sliced strawberries, watermelon and mandarin orange spill from the glass. It envelops the palate with mouth-watering, tang-infused flavours of blood orange, pink grapefruit and passionfruit riding a laser-like spine of tingling acidity. It’s medium weight with good mouthfeel and finishes dry with palate replays—crisp, clean and refreshing. Pour with briny, freshly shucked Malpec oysters dotted with hot sauce, a pinch of horse radish and a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
California: White Wine
• Thirty years ago, the Rombauer family started crafting chardonnay from the Carneros region because the cooler climate and the clay soil were ideal for growing superior quality fruit. This 2019 vintage is from whole-cluster pressed juice that went through full malolactic conversion in a combination of American and French oak barrels for nine months with frequent lees stirring.
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Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2019
Carneros $63.95 (441089) 14.5% alcohol
This chardonnay will transport you to your favourite movie theatre with its buttered popcorn aromas followed with peach, vanilla and nutmeg notes. It treats the palate with a coating wash of rich toasted bread and nut flavours mingling with vanilla poached pear, tangy lemon rind, salted butter and piquant spice. Definitely complex and full-bodied opulent, yet beautifully balanced. Pour alongside coquille St-Jacques or baked brie for a comforting and delightful treat. (Louise Boutin)
Argentina: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec from este vineyards in Tunuyán between 1110 and 1350 meters above sea level. It was fermented at controlled temperature 29 to 30 °C for two weeks then aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels and bottled unfiltered.
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Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Mendoza $17.95 (640854) 14.0% alcohol
This dark-ruby red gem offers up fruit-forward aromas of black raspberry, blueberry and juicy black Bing cherry. A profusion of tang-laden red and black currant flavours interwoven with Ribena ©, cassis and hints of kirsch liqueur and savory herbs blanket the palate persisting through the well-balanced, lengthy finish. It’s well balanced, full flavoured and food friendly. The quality-price balance tips well in your favour. What’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
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Thorn-Clarke ‘Shotfire’ Shiraz 2016
Barossa, South Australia $22.95 (18796) 14.0% alcohol
Piquant spice and mixed sprigs of savoury herb aromas provide segue for a riveting line of delectable tang with flavours of crunchy red cherry and tart cranberry to the fore. This is medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel, excellent structure and purity of fruit and a lip-smacking shot of tang on the finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
• All fruit in the following 2017 Château Mont-Redon red blend was hand-harvested from vineyards sporting small and large rounded stones—‘galets’ in local terminology—that store heat from the sun during the daylight hours to waft up unto the vines during the cooler evenings and nights caused by the prevailing Mistral wind. After harvest the grapes are destemmed, macerated and punched down during two to three weeks then malolactic fermentation takes place. Half the wine is then matured in 228L Burgundian barrels while half is kept in vats. Following careful selection of the best wines in the cellar, it’s bottled about 18 months after harvest.
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Château Mont-Redon 2017
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $53.95 (959627) 15.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit robed in spice and mocha precede a delicious stream of palate-bathing flavours of bramble berry and black plum interlaced with garrigue and exotic spice. This showcases firm structure and deft balance of fruit flavours, tangy acidity and ripe, soft tannin. It finishes with mouth-watering tang-infused palate flavours and a lengthy balanced and bountiful aftertaste. Pour alongside grilled rack of lamb or a striploin rubbed with © Hy’s Seasoning Salt. (Vic Harradine)
Italy: Red Wine
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Cantine di Ora Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2016
DOC Valpolicella Superiore $23.95 (451666) 14.0% alcohol
This lovely Ripasso is dark red, almost opaque. The nose is a medley of cherry, plum and spice aromas, punctuated with whiffs of dry autumn leaves. It’s full-bodied on the palate with smooth and gentle tannins and a tangy balance that carries flavours of vanilla and cherry. The finish is long and pleasant. If grilling a medium-rare steak, this is a great wine to pair. (Dave Isaacs)
Spain: Red Wine
• The following 2015 Bodegas Altanza ‘Lealtanza – Reserva’ Tempranillo-based gem matured 18 months in French oak barrels then settled a further three months in large, pre-loved, French—Allier—oak vats.
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Bodegas Altanza ‘Lealtanza – Reserva’ 2015
DOCa Rioja, Spain $22.95 (208223) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark bramble berry and black cherry interlace with pipe tobacco, piquant spice and grilled savory herbs. It flows over the palate with ripe sweet flavours—black plum, kirsch liqueur and black currant jelly framed with good tang and acidity and underpinned by soft tannin. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a nicely balanced finish and aftertaste. This is well paced and well priced. Aerate/decant for two hours pouring alongside grilled back ribs slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages (available now in LCBO stores)
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Santi ‘Sortelese’ Pinot Grigio 2018
DOC Valdadige, Italy $17.95 (17366) 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of honeydew melon, floral notes and wisps of spun sugar abound. It dazzles the palate with a surge of lemon zest and Key lime pie melding with nerve, verve and plenty of pizzazz. It’s medium weight with a creamy smooth mouthfeel and persistence of flavour from cork pop to last drop. The finish layers on mouth-watering white grapefruit with a delightful snap of ginger root on the aftertaste. Pour with mussels steamed in a shallow bath of white wine, sliced leeks and garlic. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Tawse Winery ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select stores. This spent 12 months maturing in French oak.
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Tawse Winery ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.95 (130989) 12.5% alcohol
Red and dark cherry/berry fruit aromas mingle with sour and earthy notes on the nose. It makes its way over the palate with flavours of rhubarb and racy acidity to the fore. It’s medium weight with decent mouthfeel and layers on still-evolving tannin and more acidity on the back palate. Pour with pasta sauce and your favourite pasta. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Tawse Winery ‘Spark – Limestone Ridge’ Riesling - Sparkling Wine - Non-Vintage is a Vintages Essentials wine that is certified organic and was sourced from riesling vines on the estate Limestone Ridge Vineyard. The price-quality balance tips in your favour.
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Tawse Winery ‘Spark – Limestone Ridge’ Riesling - Sparkling Wine - Non-Vintage
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $20.95 (370361) 11.5% alcohol
Frothy mousse when poured, seemingly endless winding streams of fine-bead bubbles make their way from the bottom of the glass to the top of the liquid carrying with it autolytic aromas and hints of pit fruit—yellow plum and feint notions of ripe apricot. Bubbles explode on the palate bringing out flavours of lemon-lime and white grapefruit extending through the finish and aftertaste. It’s crisp, refreshing and lip-smacking good. Pour on its own as a welcoming or aperitif wine to get the gastric juices flowing or alongside freshly shucked briny oysters. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling was sourced from some of the oldest riesling vines in Canada. They were approximately 41-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 in 2020. We all owe him a doff of the cap and a sincere thank you as it’s now the most planted riesling clone in Canada having delivered myriad wine trophies and awards in competitions here and abroad. This also reflects a dazzling 2020 VQA Ontario vintage.
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Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling 2020
VQA Niagara Escarpment $17.95 (March 29 to April 26, 2021) (38117) 9.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of lemony citrus, buckwheat honey and notions of petrol precede a dazzling off-dry surge of lemon-lime cordial, a bowl of tropical fruit—pineapple, mango, rambutan—along with oodles of tangy pizzazz persisting from the first drop through the palate to the delicious, balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. This is quite special. Pour on its own or with spicy Asian dishes—General Tso’s chicken, moo shu pork or tikka masala. Drink now to 2028. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: April 17, 2021
• The following 2018 Domaine Agnés et Didier Dauvissat Petit Chablis was sourced from estate vineyards with rocky, fossil-rich and limestone-streaked soils.
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Domaine Agnés et Didier Dauvissat Petit Chablis 2018
AOC Petit Chablis, France $26.95 (18675) 13.0% alcohol
This is the most expressive Chablis I’ve tasted—it leaps from the glass with alluring aromas of caramel, poached pear and wisps of minerality before dazzling the palate with a myriad of delicious flavours with baked apple and ripe pear juxtaposed and deftly balanced with a racy rendition of lemon pie filling and a boatload of lip-smacking, mouth-watering tang and pizzazz that runs from the first drop to the final stop. Pour this value-laden gem with mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and leeks or try breaded and grilled calamari. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: April 17, 2021
• The following 2017 Parker Station Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% cabernet sauvignon carefully selected in the AVA of Paso Robles, then aged six months in 100% French oak before bottling.
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Parker Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Paso Robles, Central Coast, California $24.95 (17684) 14.0% alcohol
Intense aromas of black juicy cherry and bramble berry intertwine with exotic spice and black licorice. A medium-full weight, nicely textured river of crème de cassis and kirsch liqueur decorated with sweet vanilla, mouth-watering tang and savoury herbs that blanket the palate and infuse the balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. This sips well on its own and pours well with grilled steak, grilled burgers or pasta, tomato sauce and spiced Italian sausage. (Vic Harradine
Vintages Release: May 1, 2021
• The following 2016 Château des Charmes ‘St. David’s Bench Vineyard’ Chardonnay was sourced from a single vineyard on the east side of the Château enhancing the underground artesian water flow. Fruit was barrel fermented and aged ‘sur lie’ with regular bâtonnage in French oak barrels for up to 12 months. This has aged nicely since last tasted in 2018.
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Château des Charmes ‘St. David’s Bench Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake $24.95 (430991) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of toasty notes, baking spice and nuances of wet-stone minerality peek through on the nose. This dishes up palate flavours of caramel, honeydew melon and lemon pie filling, smooth, mellow, balanced and delicious. It’s medium-plus bodied with a good buttery mouthfeel and plenty of palate-flavour replays along with mouth-watering tang on the finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside roast chicken done with roasted root veggies or a pork roast. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: May 1, 2021
Fortified Wine: Port
• Fonseca was established in 1815 and now stands proudly as one of the most respected Vintage Port Houses. It has been earned by five generations of the Guimaraens family since its inception. Late Bottled Vintage Port at Fonseca is bottled when ready to drink. There is no need to cellar this Port. You may want to decant this before serving as it has not been filtered or fined. Providing it has been properly stoppered each time it has been opened, you can drink this over two months after being opened for the first time.
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Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port 2015
Product of Portugal $23.95 (87551) 20.0% alcohol
This un-fined and un-filtered gem leaps from the glass with delightful aromas of raisins, currants, black licorice, figs and black plum compote. It envelops the palate with a surge of kirsch liqueur, crème de cassis and espresso roast intertwined with black berry jam, ripe figs and sweet cherry clafoutie. It’s full-bodied and fully textured with good complexity, balance and a lingering luscious finish and aftertaste. This punches well above the price. Pour with stilton blue-veined cheese or chards of Parmesan reggiano. For an incredible treat, pour with dark berry fruit and chards of dark chocolate Drink in moderation – 20.0% alcohol. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: May 1, 2021
• The following 2019 Ivory and Burt Chardonnay was 100% sustainably grown in the Lodi AVA in California. This underwent a judicious American oak ageing without interfering with the lovely chardonnay aromas and flavours. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour.
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Ivory and Burt Chardonnay 2019
Lodi, California $19.95 (17575) 14.0% alcohol
Tropical fruit, caramel and baking spice aromas provide segue for delicious mouthful after mouthful of palate flavours showcasing deft balance, excellent tang-laden acidity along with Golden Delicious apple, mixed spice and a bowl of ripe fruit—mango, honeyed ripe pear and wisps of apricot. It’s medium-full bodied with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and a lingering luscious finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own or pair with breaded pork cutlets or homemade mac and cheese. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: May 15, 2021
• The winery notes that fruit for the following 2019 Sacred Hill Vineyards Chardonnay was sourced at peak ripeness, deft balance and packed full of flavour over a long summer of ripening and lower than usual yields—this has been known to drive winery accountants and bank loan managers to despair while winemakers and wine-lovers experience glee and ecstasy at their good fortune. Fruit was sourced from the winery’s iconic ‘Rifleman’s Vineyard’ and left slightly hazy during fermentation, adding texture and complexity. It matured with French oak on lees for five months with regular bâtonnage. This wine is certified ‘New Zealand Sustainable Wine Growing’. Pick up a few.
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Sacred Hill Vineyards Chardonnay 2019
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand $26.95 (541577) 13.5% alcohol
Ripe apricot, lemon zest and notions of caramel on the nose, this builds on the palate with delightful flavours of lemon curd, ripe Mirabelle plum and hints of baked apple. It’s medium-plus bodied with good balance, persistent purity of fruit and good acidity throughout. It finishes with a replay of palate flavours and the aftertaste does the same. Pour with clay-baked chicken or crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Purchase the following wine online from Château des Charmes for daily home, restaurant or office delivery or visit their Ottawa retail store in Minto Place at Laurier and Lyon or buy at their winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake -1025 York Rd, St. David’s Ontario L0S 1P0. Here’s a map.
• The following 2017 Château des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot ‘Old Vines’ is a classically styled blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot that matured for 15 months in French oak barrels. The time-honoured tradition of sourcing grapes from their St. David’s Bench, Paul Bosc Estate and original Four Mile Creek vineyards allows them to combine the best flavour profiles of each site.
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Château des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot ‘Old Vines’ 2017
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $24.95 (222372) 12.5% alcohol
This small production of a Bordeaux-styled blend shows superb concentration of fruit on the nose—tart cherry, black plum and cassis—wrapped in delicate aromas of cedar, cinnamon and a distant floral note. Silky soft on the palate with crunchy red fruit flavour and a replay of dark plum dusted with a touch of black peppercorn, this medium-bodied, mellow tannin red blend offers mouth-watering refreshing acidity and a persistent harmonious fruit-forward and savoury finish. A definite crowd pleaser that’s extremely versatile at the table. Pair with grilled stuffed Portobello mushrooms or roasted herb and mustard pork tenderloin. (Louise Boutin)
• Order the following wine by the bottle(s) or case(s) for daily delivery to home, office or restaurant online from this link to Henry of Pelham – There is free delivery on 12 or more bottles in Ontario. Select ‘12 Bottles+’ at check out and allow up to 10 days for delivery or, order online then pick up bottle(s) or case(s) from the winery at 1469 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines ON. Here’s a map.
• All fruit sourced for the following 2020 Henry of Pelham family estate Sauvignon Blanc was sustainably grown and accredited by SWO. By leaving fruit for longer hang times they harvest riper fruit. This leaves this wine with little typicity of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal as it is often from the New Zealand wine area of Marlborough featuring a thiol-driven wine. The following wine is quite different, and will certainly appeal to a wider audience. The price-quality balance swings crazily in your favour. It’s also accredited in Sustainable Wine Making. This also reflects a dazzling 2020 VQA Ontario vintage.
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Henry of Pelham family estate Sauvignon Blanc 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (430546) 12.5% alcohol
This is almost translucent with a slightly green hue. Aromas of gooseberry and savoury herbs precede a light-medium weight, nicely textured wash of lime cordial and a slight hint of lemon pie filling that blankets the palate persisting through the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own or with pan-seared, line-caught freshwater fish like pickerel (a.k.a. walleye), trout or bass. (Vic Harradine)
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following wine order online from this link Malivoire Wine Company with FREE shipping on orders of $100. or more, or $20 credited next business day towards delivery outside Ontario and Québec. Phone 905-563-9253 Monday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays and noon to 5 pm for information and for locals to access curbside pickup instructions. Their retail shop is now open - 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays, and noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There are guidelines due to COVID-19, best to phone or email first (the website has a space to type and is linked to their email). The regular price is $29.95 and you can purchase it now to March 28, 2021 for only $26.95 per bottle)
• The following 2018 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Courtney’ Gamay is certified Sustainable and was hand-harvested from 100% gamay grown in their Estate Vineyard’s Courtney block. Primary fermentation was carried out in custom-built limestone concrete tank with 10% whole-cluster fermented. Most of the wine (70%) was transferred to neutral oak barriques to undergo malo-lactic fermentation and age mature for 16 months. The balance (30%) aged ten months in new oak barrels then a further six months in older oak.
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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Courtney’ Gamay 2018
VQA Beamsville Bench $26.95 - only until March 28, 2021 - 13.0% alcohol
Dark cherry/berry fruit melds with hazelnut and mixed spice aromas on the nose. It blankets the palate with an elegant, flavourful stream of delectable bramble berry, black cherry, piquant spice and plenty of pizzazz and complexity. It finishes lengthy with replays as the aftertaste layers on soft, ripe tannin and more ripe fruit. Without a doubt, the best gamay I’ve tasted. You can enjoy this on its own or pour with smoked duck breasts or deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following wines by the case for daily office, home or restaurant delivery direct by toll-free phone 1-888-399-1183, from the Rosehall Run Vineyards winery using this link - Rosehall Run - or pick it up from the cellar door on your next visit to the winery 1243 Greer Rd, Wellington, Ontario K0K 3L0 in Prince Edward County—it’s best to call first and make an appointment—it’s an easy approximately two-hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa via the 401 - Here’s a map.
• The following 2019 Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Estate Grown and Bottled - Hungry Point’ Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from 100% estate-grown sauvignon blanc fruit. It was barrel aged in mostly older French oak and Acacia (25% new Acacia) for about nine months sur lie—a.k.a. resting on spent yeast cells.
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Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Estate Grown and Bottled - Hungry Point’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019
VQA Prince Edward County $28.00 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of lifted and alluring floral notes and honeydew melon waft easily from the glass. It dishes up mouthful after mouthful of pure ambrosia with oodles of orchard fruit flavour—pear and green apple—with racy lemon-lime that rides a wash of delicious tang and acidity pizzazz. It’s bountiful and balanced, medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and showcases persistent purity of fruit from cork pop to last drop. It’s versatile at the table; pour with prawn ceviche, freshly shucked oysters, steamed mussels or sushi. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Estate Grown and Bottled – Small Lots’ Pinot Noir was sourced from a single estate vineyard and was subject to ‘green harvest’ with about 20% of the harvest dropped at time of veraison and held off harvesting fruit to the latest ever for a table wine—the third week of October. It was in cuvaison for 24 days before pressing and settled in to mostly second-fill French barrels and two stainless steel barrels one fitted with Cherrywood heads and staves. About 40% of the wine was matured in oak.
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Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Estate Grown and Bottled – Small Lots’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Prince Edward County $34.00 12.0% alcohol
Delicate and elegant on the nose, aromas of mixed spice, savoury herbs and red cherry/berry fruit provide segue to a light-medium bodied stream of palate-bathing tangy Montmorency cherry, hints of passionfruit and the ripe, sweet and tang of red raspberry and cherry on the back palate. It’s nicely balanced with good complexity, persistent purity of fruit and plenty to like about the lengthy and flavourful finish and aftertaste. Hats off to winemaker extraordinaire, Dan Sullivan, who waved his magic wand over this sleek and graceful pinot noir. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Rosehall Run Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot is a blend of 49% merlot/43% cabernet franc/8% cabernet sauvignon sourced from select vineyards in the VQA Niagara Peninsula. It was aged in French and American oak for 10 months with a small amount new.
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Rosehall Run Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot 2019
VQA Ontario $29.00 13.0% alcohol
Dark cherry/berry fruit aromas interlace with graphite and earthy bits preceding a surge of palate flavours—dark Bing cherry and black plum—underpinned by a lick of ripe tannin. This is medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering finish and aftertaste that replays palate flavours. This was made for grilled meat and spring/summer is on the way. Give this a go with striploin rubbed with © Hy’s Seasoning Salt grilled the way you like them. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2013 Rosehall Run ‘Stardust – Estate Grown and Bottled’ Brut Zero - Sparkling Wine was fashioned Méthode Traditionnelle—a.k.a. in the method of Champagne with the 2nd fermentation having taken place in the bottles you purchased-- and sourced from estate grown 57% pinot noir/43% chardonnay from their Rosehall Vineyard. Fruit was barrel fermented in older French puncheons with extended lees contact.
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Rosehall Run ‘Stardust – Estate Grown and Bottled’ Brut Zero - Sparkling Wine 2013
VQA Prince Edward County $50.00 12.0% alcohol
This elegant, vintage-dated beauty gives up aromas of green apple, caramel and yeasty notes. It forms a formidable mousse when poured and gives up a delightful stream of fine-bead bubbles in the glass. Flavours of sugared baked apple and poached pear interlaced with racy lemon zest capture the palate on entry and make their way with excellent balance and persistent purity of fruit to the back palate. It finishes with flair and more of the same. This is a stylish sparkling wine to offer guests as a welcoming wine and to continue on to be poured with hors d’oeuvres and light mains. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Rosehall Run ‘Loveless – Estate Grown and Bottled’ Brut Rosé - Sparkling Wine was made in the Traditional Method a.k.a. in the method of Champagne with the 2nd fermentation having taken place in the bottles you purchased. This was sourced from 100% Pinot Noir from their Rosehall Vineyard. Loveless is 87% from the 2017 vintage and 13% from the 2014.
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Rosehall Run ‘Loveless – Estate Grown and Bottled’ Brut Rosé - Sparkling Wine 2017
VQA Prince Edward County $45.00 11.5% alcohol
There’s nothing ‘loveless’ about this aphrodisiac. Aromas of strawberry and yeasty notes waft easily from the glass before a surge of bubbles and flavours—red cherry/berry strawberry fruit intertwined with tangy ruby red grapefruit—bathes the palate. It’s attractive, even romantic in many ways—the soft pink hue, the gorgeous flavours, the balance and the lengthy, luxurious finish and aftertaste all point to this as a starter wine to a romantic evening for two. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wines from Tawse Winery 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.
• The following 2018 Tawse Winery Riesling is for sale only to establishments with a Liquor Licence.
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Tawse Winery Riesling 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 10.0% alcohol
This leaps from the glass with vibrant aromas of lime, piquant spice and crisp green apple. It blankets the palate with a gusher of lime cordial and Key lime pie riding a delightful wash of racy tang and delightful off-dry pizzazz. It’s incredibly versatile at the table pairing well with fish and seafood as well as spicy Asian cuisine or rich dishes like duck confit or spicy dishes like lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road’ Chardonnay was sourced from the estate Quarry Road Vineyard with soils of limestone and clay that are farmed organically and bio-dynamically. It was barrel fermented with indigenous yeast and matured 12 months in French oak.
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Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Vinemount Ridge $37.15 13.5% alcohol
Shy aromas of baked apple, mixed spice, caramel and streaks of minerality peek out from the glass. A lively river of tang-laden acidity rockets over the palate intertwined with yellow peach, racy white grapefruit and hints of ripe pear. These flavours replay over the back palate, finish and aftertaste. It’s medium bodied with a sharp bite of acidity and minerality throughout. Pour with avocado and prawn sushi. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Tawse Winery ‘Growers Blend’ Cabernet Franc spent 14 months in French oak.
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Tawse Winery ‘Growers Blend’ Cabernet Franc 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $28.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of charred toast and savoury bits intertwine with blackberry and blueberry. It captures the palate with a spine of racy nerve and verve carried along on by electrifying acidity and a firm structure and underpinning of perceptible tannin. Palate flavours of dark berry fruit persist throughout the tang-infused tasting experience. Give this a go with your favourite pasta and sauce combination—pasta puttanesca or pasta with arrabiata sauce will work well. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – March 29 to April 25, 2021
Regardless of the vintage you purchase from the LCBO, you’ll receive the discount shown for each bottle of wine reviewed below that’s purchased March 29 to April 25, 2021.
White Wine
• The following two white wines receive a $3.00 discount on each bottle purchased March 29 to April 25, 202.
• There’s very good value in the following Beringer 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.
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Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley (84988) $25.95 14.1% alcohol
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 2018 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials product always available in select LCBO stores.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Chardonnay
VQA Short Hills Bench $21.95 (268342) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of baking spice, apple, pear and wisps of citrus capture the essence of this fabulous chardonnay. It bathes the palate with flavours of green apple, ripe pear and lemon curd adorned with racy tang. This is medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering, juicy finish and aftertaste. It showcases mixed spice, deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and a boatload of charm. Pour with roast chicken or crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following eight white wines receive a $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased March 29 to April 25, 2021.
• The following ‘2018 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted’ is the #1 selling white wine in LCBO’s ‘Vintages Essentials’ category. This vintage, the grape blend is 69% riesling/17% gewürztraminer/14% chardonnay.
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Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted – White’
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 11.0% alcohol
There are aromas of green apple, ripe pear with wisps of lychee fruit and minerality on the nose of this lovely white blend. On the palate it’s medium bodied and generously textured with flavours galore—lime cordial, ripe pineapple, apple and scads of tangy pizzazz. It’s a tad off-dry and quite nicely balanced with complexity and persistent purity of fruit. The finish is crisp and refreshing with each sip bringing you back for more. There’s enough interest here to drink on its own, but a pairing with spicy chicken masala or General Tso’s chicken are inspired choices. (Vic Harradine)
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Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (35386) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of gooseberry, canned peas and piquant spices/herbs jump from the glass. It’s racy and tang-laden showcasing quintessential Marlborough flavours with passion fruit, citrus, gooseberry and tropical fruit interwoven on the palate persisting through the crisp, refreshing aftertaste. Mid weight with good mouth feel, pour alongside olive-oiled mesclun under crumbled chèvre or sea food—mussels, fish or calamari. (Vic Harradine)
• The following J. Lohr ‘Riverstone is a Vintages Essentials wines always available in select LCBO stores.
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J. Lohr ‘Riverstone Chardonnay
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California $19.95 (258699) 14.0% alcohol
There’s excellent value here. It opens with baking spice, ripe red apple and vanilla aromas. A medium-full bodied, well-textured stream of piquant spice and lemon zest captures the palate persisting through the finish and aftertaste along with notions of grilled pineapple and tang laden white grapefruit persisting through the finish and aftertaste. Pour with lemon chicken or pan-seared fish under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
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La Crema Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast $29.95 (962886) 13.5% alcohol
This is an elegant chardonnay with subtle oak aromas on the nose combined with notes of apple and minerality. It’s medium-full bodied with zesty acidity delivering green apple and citrus flavours on the palate. The finish is tangy and underlined with clean minerality. This will evolve nicely in the cellar for a few years, and can be enjoyed with shrimp parmesan pasta. (Dave Isaacs)
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Robert Oatley ‘Signature Series’ Chardonnay
Margaret River, Western Australia $19.95 (350900) 12.5% alcohol
Powerful aromas of toasty oak and spice on the nose precede a balanced and beautiful flow of sweet-tinged Golden Delicious apple, ripe pear and Mirabelle plum nicely juxtaposed with a glorious rush of racy lemon acidity on the back palate and persisting through the long finish—clean, crisp and refreshing. This is medium-full bodied with good texture and delivers a price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. Pour with roast bird and all the extras. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. This wine was sourced from hand-harvested 100% Torrontés fruit from Salta and Uco Valley in Mendoza at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level. It was fermented at a maximum of 13 °C and left on its lees for three months in oak to enhance structure in the wine. Susana Balbo is one of the planet’s premier wine makers. This white gem punches well above its price.
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Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés
Cafayate Valley, Salta, Valle de Uco, Argentina $14.95 (1834) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, piquant spice and tropical fruit provide segue to a crisp, clean and refreshing wash of tang-infused flavour with lemon curd, white grapefruit and hints of blood orange and mineral notes to the fore. It’s medium bodied with firm mouthfeel and plenty of acidity and pizzazz from twist top to last drop. Pour on its own over the next 12 or so months or alongside pan-seared fish or grilled calamari, both under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
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Tawse ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (198853) 10.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of lemon rind, pink grapefruit and nectarine with traces of honeysuckle, ginger and this grape’s characteristic petrol aroma open this well-balanced riesling. Sweet citrus flavours—tangerine and lemon-lime—merge with ripe peach and a mineral note on the palate. Medium sweet, balanced with vibrant acidity, it delivers a creamy, mouth-coating texture and a long, flavourful finish. Enjoy with a spicy chicken curry. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 9.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of lemony citrus, buckwheat honey and notions of petrol precede a dazzling off-dry surge of lemon-lime cordial, a bowl of tropical fruit—pineapple, mango, rambutan—along with oodles of tangy pizzazz persisting from the first drop through the palate to the delicious, balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. This is quite special. Pour on its own or with spicy Asian dishes—General Tso’s chicken, moo shu pork or tikka masala. Drink now to 2028. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wine
• The following two red wines are $5.00 per bottle off the price shown below for each bottle purchased March 29 to April 25, 2021.
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Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi ‘Castelgiocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino, Italy $53.95 (650432) 14.5% alcohol
This showcases purity of fruit, a deft tang/fruit balance and plenty of years ahead to mature—pop corks now, after a three-hour aeration/decant, or 2019 to 2026. Alluring, sexy aromas of baking spice, smoky notes, berry fruit, floral and cedar abound. A supple flow of full-flavoured ambrosia envelops the palate with crunchy red fruit—pomegranate and cranberry—interlaced with black currant, dark plum, spice and juicy Bing cherry. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering finish underpinned by still-evolving ripe tannin. (Vic Harradine)
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Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Knights Valley, California $44.95 (352583) 14.8% alcohol
This blend of predominantly cabernet sauvignon with a splash of cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot, matured 16 months in French oak, 30% new. Dark cherry, plum compote, chipotle, baking spice and violet aromas showcase the complex nose. Silky soft on palate entry with flavours of ripe black cherry, clove and vanilla, it shows a firmer profile mid palate with tight tannin and flavours of cocoa powder, freshly cracked black peppercorn and a wisp of red plum acidity through the finish and aftertaste. This is full-bodied with cellaring potential; enjoy now to 2024 with juicy rare prime rib after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Louise Boutin)
• The following three red wines are $3.00 per bottle off the price shown below from March 28 to April 25, 2021.
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Concha y Toro ‘Winemaker’s Lot 148’ Carmenère
Rapel Valley, Chile $18.95 (30957) 14.0% alcohol
This is good value and it’s rich, ripe and rarin’ to go now. A beautifully balanced river of juicy black Bing cherry and black plum interweave with racy pomegranate and herbal notes on the creamy smooth palate along with mixed spice and mocha. It’s a bit funky on the nose with some bell pepper and strong herbal notes, but that melts away and you’re left with a creamy-smooth, hedonistic offering. It pours and pairs well with burgers, red pizza or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
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Hidden Bench Estate ‘Organic’ Pinot Noir
VQA Beamsville Bench $34.95 (274753) 12.7% alcohol
A subdued nose of red berry fruit and spice provide segue for a gorgeous mouthful of deftly balanced racy tang—pie cherry and red currant—and ripe juicy fruit—black plum and dark Bing cherry. It’s medium weight with good mouthfeel and a delectable lingering finish of mixed spice with wisps of toasty oak and soft tannin. Pour this organic gem with rack of lamb, roast turkey or crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine from Rocca delle Macie is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores.
• The ‘Classico’ on the wine label in the following Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico below alerts you this wine is from the heartland and original homeland of Chianti with ‘Chianti Classico’ considered the premium growing and winemaking sub-zone of the seven sub-zones in the now, quite large Chianti region in Tuscany.
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Rocca delle Macie ‘Famiglia Zingarelli’ Chianti Classico
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $18.95 (741769) 13.5% alcohol
Cedar, floral notes and mixed field berry fruit aromas precede a racy line of red currant and pie cherry palate flavours adorned with savory herbs and a lick of red licorice and hints of mocha. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy dry, mouth-watering finish. Give this a go with pasta Bolognese or meat-laden lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
• The following nine red wines are $2.00 per bottle off the price shown below from March 28 to April 25, 2021.
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13th Street Gamay Noir
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (177824) 13.0% alcohol
Smoke, spice and gamy notes roll from this juicy, lively, rustic gamay. The palate’s treated to a medium-bodied, nicely textured mouthful of red and dark berry fruit robed in excellent racy acidity along with mixed spice and bacon notes persisting through the dry finish. For full enjoyment, aerate/decant a couple of hours before pouring. (Vic Harradine)
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Dandelion Vineyards ‘Lionheart of the Barossa’ Shiraz
Barossa, Australia $21.95 (167189) 14.5 % alcohol
Produced from old-vine shiraz, many over 100 years of age, this value-laden beauty spent 18 months in French oak barrel and was left unfiltered before bottling. Abundant dark fruit aromas—blackberry, cassis and black currant—sprinkled with anise and baking spices rise easily from the glass. Dry, full bodied with velvety tannin, succulent dark fruit flavours dominate the palate adorned with spice and earthy notes while a note of mint permeates the long finish. Pair with herb-encrusted rack of lamb. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Kaiken ‘Selección Especial’ Malbec
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza $15.95 (58339) 14.0% alcohol
High-spirited aromas of black pepper, black plum compote and mixed spice provide segue for a tang-laden flow of red currant, black cherry and sprigs of savoury herbs blanketing the palate and persisting through the dry, warm finish. This is medium-plus bodied with good texture and an underpinning of tannin for structure and interest and framed by excellent acidity. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Bodegas Lan Crianza is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO stores. It’s also an inexpensive way to taste what will be a $30 or $40 wine when released from the winery some five or more years from now as a ‘Reserva’ or a ‘Gran Reserva’ wine.
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Bodegas Lan Crianza
DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 (166538) 13.5% alcohol
Sexy aromas of exotic spice and incense interweave with soft, ripe, dark berry fruit and flecks of mocha. It bathes the palate with a rich and balanced wash of black raspberry and dark cherry flavours underpinned by ripe chalky tannin and framed by excellent acidity and purity of fruit. It’s medium-plus bodied with deft balance and a lengthy finish. Pour on its own, after a two-hour aeration/decant or alongside prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
• The trademark for the following Meiomi Pinot Noir is—regardless of vintage—‘it doesn’t taste much like Pinot Noir’; and this turns some people away. If you expect a pinot noir to taste like pinot noir, the Meiomi may not be for you. However, if you like rich, jammy red wines and don’t care much if it’s zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir, you will want to give the following serious consideration.
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Meiomi Pinot Noir
Monterey/Santa Barbara/Sonoma, California $21.95 (130138) 13.7% alcohol
Ripe, black and red fruit and espresso roast aromas swirl from this medium-plus bodied, full-Monty, well-textured red. It envelops the palate with a river of sweet jammy flavours—black currant, ripe mulberry and Bing cherry—intertwined with kirsch liqueur, sweet vanilla and toasty/oaky bits. Palate flavours persist through the mocha-laden finish and aftertaste with a slight bit of tang. Pour with grilled pork back ribs brushed with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
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Monte Zovo ‘Sa’ Solin’ Ripasso Valpolicella 2014
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $19.95 (650713) 14.0% alcohol
Campfire aromas mingle with gamy notes and dark berry fruit on the nose of this rich, ripe Ripasso. A surge of sweet ripe fruit and toasty/oaky notes blanket the palate adorned with spice, still-evolving tannin and crunchy red fruit—cranberry, currant and raspberry. It finishes dry with good tang and acidity. Paired and poured well with manicotti or pasta puttanesca sauce with garlic toast. (Vic Harradine)
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Penfolds ‘Koonunga Hill’ Shiraz – Cabernet
South Australia $19.95 (285544) 13.5% alcohol
This is rich and perfumed on the nose releasing dark dusty aromas of cherry, mint and mixed dark berry fruit. On the palate there’s a delicious wave of flavour with mouth-coating succulent Bing cherry mingling with ripe mulberry and lip-smacking tart cranberry. It finishes balanced, lingering and delicious. Leaving little to be desired, it’s full value, and then some. (Vic Harradine)
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Rodney Strong ‘Sonoma County’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County $27.95 (226944) 13.5% alcohol
Savoury herbs and red berry fruit aromas precede medium-plus bodied, well-textured mouthfuls of black and red cherry/berry flavours adorned with grilled savoury herbs and charred toast. It’s fruit-filled and pours well with grilled rack of lamb or grilled striploin after a one- or two-hour aeration/decant. As California cab goes, this is certainly attractively priced. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 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.
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Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir
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 tart tang 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. (Vic Harradine)
Dessert Wines
• You will receive a $5.00 discount per bottle for the following two wines off the price shown below in each of the reviews.
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Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
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 balance on the finish and aftertaste. Serve well chilled on its own or paired with fruit flan or blue cheese. (Vic Harradine)
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Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve’ Vidal Icewine
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 and stay safe; Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic