September 11, 2023 Newsletter

New in Vintages Essentials

93
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (80234) 9.0% alcohol
Once the petroleum whiff has dissipated, a nice and fresh aroma cocktail of orchard fruit, lime juice and slate minerality emerge from the glass. The first sip feels like chewing in a crisp, tangy and juicy green Granny Smith apple making the second and a third sip very hard to resist. Perfectly balanced between gorgeous refreshing acidity, ripe fruit sweetness and beautiful chalky minerality, this is your go to bottle for Pad Thai, Vietnamese pork or simply to sip on its own, splendid! (Louise Boutin)

• The following wine is Estate-grown, organically-farmed with residual sugar @ 18.5 grams/liter. The riesling vines for this wine were first planted in 2007 on the Quarry Road Vineyard organic riesling block – some 16 years ago!

94
Tawse Winery 'Quarry Road Vineyard' - Riesling 2021
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (198853) 10.0% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, lemon curd and flinty minerality jump from the glass after a swirl or two.
The minerality also appears on the palate along with deft balance of citrus notes—Meyer lemon and Key lime pie along with a semi-sweet finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with a mixed sushi platter or a prawn and chorizo paella. The price –quality ratio swings well in your favour… pick up a few for summer time and fall when you can enjoy outside or in the comfort of your home. (Vic Harradine)

• The next wine is a blend of 48% Tawse Estate fruit and 52% select premium Grower’s fruit – with both matured 12 months in French oak.

95
Tawse Winery ‘Grower’s Blend’ Pinot Noir 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $29.95 (130989) 12.5% alcohol
This pinot noir is a lightly-hued ruby in the glass. Aromas of baking spice, cherry clafoutie and fresh bramble berry fruit along with juicy black cherry and notions of blueberry that continue to release these palate flavours and aromas that meld beautifully on the finish and aftertaste along with smooth and mellow flavours and soft, ripe tannins. Give this a go with coq au vin or chorizo and prawn paella. (Vic Harradine)

New in LCBO

92
The Speck Brothers – The Family Tree - ‘The Goat Lady’ Chardonnay 2022
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $16.95 (16792) 12.5% alcohol
This 100% chardonnay was sourced from prime vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula. Alluring aromas of Granny Smith apple and a toasty note decorate this gorgeous chardonnay along with a lengthy finish and aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour with a 92 score and a $16.95 price tag. Pick up a few and enjoy with loved ones and friends when they drop by. Try roast chicken, surrounded by roast potatoes, carrots and parsnips. (Vic Harradine)

93
Speck Brothers ‘The Padré’ Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $17.95 (18667) 13.3% alcohol
Aromas of minerality and bramble berry mingle with piquant spice and a stream of rich tasting cherry/berry fruit. This was 100% barrel-aged with a mixture of new and pre-loved older oak, 60% were French oak barrels and 40% American oak. This was sourced from the heavenly Bordeaux blend—cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/merlot. Give this a go with duck confit or osso buco, it’s worth every penny. (Vic Harradine)

93
Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2022
VQA Ontario, $16.95 (270926) 13.0% alcohol
Dark and brooding once in the glass, aromas quickly abound with the gentlest of swirling. Sustainably grown and accredited under ‘Sustainable Winemaking Ontario’. Pick up a few and enjoy the intense flavours and dark colour of this delightful baco noir from cork pop to last drop, to and through the finish and aftertaste. You can easily pair this with meat lasagna, osso buco or pasta puttanesca. Enjoy with your family and friends. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Tawse Cider is in a 473 mL aluminum tin and is available in LCBO retail stores in General List.

92
Tawse Winery ‘Apple Cider’
$3.25, 473 mL (569350) 5.0% alcohol
This cider is sourced from 100% Ontario apples. It is delicious and inspiring with 25g of residual sugar. (Vic Harradine)

• The following two spirits are High Octane with a whiskey with 40.0% alcohol and a Vermouth with 18.5% alcohol
  
  
• The following ‘Tawse Winery ‘Whiskey’ was sourced using 100% corn, aged 3 years in American oak then 18 months in mature Tawse Winery pinot noir barrels. It is now available to select LCBO stores that have requested an order via the ‘Spirits Direct Delivery Program’. If your favourite LCBO retail store has none of this in stock, why not seek out the Product Knowledge person in Vintages wearing a white LCBO shirt or the Store Manager and ask them politely if they would order a few bottles for you using the above Program.

96
Tawse Winery ‘Canadian Whiskey’ – Pinot Barrel
$39.95, (22125) 750 mL, 40.0% alcohol
This has strong aromas and plenty to like on the palate. Mix with ginger ale, coke or pepsi. Be aware of the 40.0% alcohol and do not drink and drive if you may have gone even a little bit over your usual imbibing. You are better safe than sorry. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Tawse Winery Vermouth is slated to be released December 2nd , 2023. It’s organic with a base of Riesling wine and 18.5% alcohol. It’s also has a carefully-sourced and selected blend of organic-botanicals.

95
Tawse Winery ‘Dry/White’ Vermouth
$23.95 (17200) 18.5% alcohol
Piquant aromas of baking spice and sweet alcohol prevail on the nose, The palate is treated to exotic flavours of pure ambrosia, deft balance and oodles of fresh fruit—with lemon curd and blood orange, apricot and peach marmalade to the fore. There is a price-quality balance well in your favour. Be aware of the 18.5% alcohol and do not drink and drive unless you are way under your usual intake. (Vic Harradine)

Previous Vintages Releases

August 2023

• This is an inspired blend of Rosé with 52% pinot noir/40% cabernet franc/6% gamay and 2% cabernet sauvignon that has produced a lovely residual sugar of 11 grams per liter to match the excellent acidity that kicks in on the finish and aftertaste.

94
Tawse Winery ‘Sketches’ Rosé 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $18.95 (172643) 11.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, cotton candy and pink grapefruit are easily released with the gentlest of swirls. And plenty of flavours caress the palate with—orange marmalade, yellow Mirabelle plum and oodles of excellent tang through the balanced and bountiful finish and aftertaste. The palate receives a real treat with good mouthfeel, excellent balance and plenty of
fresh fruit flavour on the palate, finish and aftertaste. Try serving with smoked salmon and cream cheese, capers and fresh sprigs of dill weed on a bagel. (Vic Harradine)

July 2023

• The following 2 wines are also available through the Profile Wine Group as they are the Ontario agent for both wineries. Phone 416-598-0033, or visit https://profilewinegroup.com/.
• The Wakefield Estate winery is known as the Taylor Family Wine in Australia and along with other countries above the equator. Talyor Fladgate - the Portugese Port Company insisted the Taylor Family of Australia not use their name on their winery nor on their wine. However, the Australian Taylor Family are so well known by Australians that they also now know the name Wakefield and who they are. They have a fabulous reputation for their excellent wines. They have spanned five decades and three generations of the Taylor Family.

94
Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
GI’s Limestone Coast and Clare Valley, $19.95 (744235) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of piquant spice, grilled savoury herbs and mocha mingle with delightful black cherries. The palate is treated to a marvelous river of intense and interesting flavours of cassis, mineral notes and pure ambrosia to the fore. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine was sourced by 100% tempranillo grapes that were 100% sourced from the DOCa Rioja appellation in Spain. The wine was matured for 18 months in 100% French oak barrique, and is also certified as vegan.

94
Bodegas Altanza – ‘Reserva’ - 2016
DOCa Rioja, Spain $23.95 (208223) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of exotic spice, sandalwood and vanillin are all easy to swirl and pick up the more apparent ones. The palate is treated to a marvelous gusher of ripe blueberry and hints of Saskatoon berry pie, this has medium-plus tannin manages to stream to and through the finish and aftertaste that is deftly balanced and leaves you wanting more. Try this with hanger steak barbecued rare to medium-rare to perfection. Enjoy! (Vic Harradine)

June 2023

89
Redstone Rosé 2022
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (650655) 12.0% alcohol
Mainly pinot noir, plus gamay, pinot gris, cabernet franc and a splash of cabernet sauvignon and syrah make up this concoction of a muted dry rosé on the nose, holding quite well on the palate—peach, cranberry, strawberry, white mushroom—with nice weight, texture and tang compatible with a wide range of dishes. Try salmon burgers on the grill with fresh cucumber salad, tomato and feta cheese salad, margherita pizza, etc. (Louise Boutin)

91
Cuddy by Tawse Cabernet Merlot 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $27.95 (469031) 13.0% alcohol
Sixteen months of French oak barrel maturation went into this blend of about equal parts of cabernet sauvignon/merlot and 10% of cabernet franc. Very attractive on the nose with aromas of dark ripe cherry and blackberry plus a touch of pepper and graphite, it rolls over the palate like a silk blanket. Expect delicious flavours of black fruit including plum and cassis picking up midway through, a layer of fine tannin, adding a grip in the slightly peppery and earthy enjoyable finish. Pair with sausage-stuffed portobello mushroom on the grilled or beef and bell pepper brochettes. (Louise Boutin)

Upstream in Winecurrent

September 9 2023 Vintage Release

93
Henry of Pelham – Family Estate – Special Select - Late Harvest - Vidal 2019
VQA Ontario, $19.95 (395228) 375 mL 10.0% alcohol
Aromas of peach, nectarine and rosewater are repeated on the palate when a gusher of pure ambrosia makes its way to and through the mid-palate, the juicy finish and the delightfully balanced aftertaste showcasing the partially frozen grapes that are harvested during the day. You can serve this as an aperitif with salted nuts or brie cheese or a charcouterie board or with a fruit flan dessert. (Vic Harradine)

93
Featherstone Estate Winery Rosé 2022
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $16.95 (117861) 13.0% alcohol
There is a vivid intensity throughout starting with the medium pink hue and continuing with expressive candy-apple, strawberry-rhubarb jam, watermelon and rose petal aromas. Dry, medium-bodied with a generous mouthfeel, an array of juicy, red berry flavours flood the palate leaving a hint of sweetness on the lengthy finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

October 7, 2023 Vintage Release

94
Gerard Bertrand ‘An 560’ Grand Terroir, Tautavel 2020
AOP Cotes Du Roussillon, Villages Tautavel $19.95 (272575) 14.5% alcohol
An inspired red blend of grenache/syrah/carignan has no problem dazzling your nose with its nose of wild spices and grilled savoury herbs mingling with bramble berry, dark red cherry and oodles of tang and pizzazz from the first drop to the finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside lamb tagine accompanied with root veggies—rutabagas, parsnips, carrots and russet potatoes. The grapes are destemmed before the maceration stage which lasts between 3 and 4 weeks. The grapes are then pressed and undergo a malo-lactic conversion. A third of the wine is matured for 9 months in barrels, the balance resting in vats. (Vic Harradine)

Vintage Release: TBD 2023/2024

92
Tawse Grower’s Blend Sauvignon Blanc 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $23.95 14.0% alcohol
This sauvignon blanc stands out from the crowd with its attractive aromas of gooseberry, tropical fruit and white pepper but also freshly cut fennel bulb aromas and botanical notes reminiscent of a light French pastis. Both the alcohol and the 6g/L of residual sugar contribute to this medium-full-bodied white weight and texture carrying delicious flavours of ripe gooseberry and lime zest topped with a sprinkle of white pepper in the long and delicious finish. This will stand to richer dishes such as grilled octopus with goat cheese and thyme, grilled pickerel over slowly roasted fennel, finished with lemon olive oil. (Louise Boutin)

91
Tawse Quarry Road Pinot Noir 2021
VQA Vinemount $35.95 (307686) 12.5% alcohol
Dry rose petal, sour cherry, leather and pepper make up the nose of this beautiful
medium-light-bodied pinot so delightful to drink. Soft tannin, bright tart cherry acidity, perfectly balanced and delicate earthy notes trailing in the nice finish make this a perfect choice for duck confit or charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)

90
Carmim Reguengos White 2022
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $12.95 12.5% alcohol
This is a blend of Portuguese indigenous grapes—siria and antão vaz—displaying fresh aromas of green grape, summer apple and lots of mineral character. Nicely rounded on the palate with lime zest, green apple and pink grapefruit flavours, it offers more texture with a touch of chalky minerality in the crisp finish. It is well balanced and drinks easily on its own or with light seafood dishes. (Louise Boutin)

89
Carmim Monsaraz Tradição White 2022
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $13.95 13.0% alcohol
Green apple, honeydew melon and white flower notes introduce this fresh blend of antão vaz, gouveio, aka godello and arinto grapes. Medium-bodied with sweet pineapple, pear and pink grapefruit flavours, followed with a balancing touch of almond bitterness and mineral note, it will pair perfectly with seafood tapas. (Louise Boutin)

92
Château La Cardonne 2015
AOC Médoc, France $27.95 13.0% alcohol
This cru Bourgeois made of merlot and cabernet sauvignon with a splash of cabernet franc is gorgeous and complex on the nose with its tertiary aromas—leather, pencil shaving, forest floor—dry cherry, jalapeño and licorice. The palate is treated to a soft and bright flow of mature flavours, tart dry cherry leading the way and earthy character with a nice layer of fine-grained tannin softened over 30 months of French oak ageing. This medium-full bodied red is perfect for a well-seasoned beef tartare or duck confit. (Louise Boutin)

92
Château Grivière 2015
AOC Médoc, France $27.95 13.0% alcohol
Twelve months of French oak maturation for this blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon showing exquisite aromas of cassis, blackberry, gingerbread and forest floor. Packed with dense flavours of black fruit, including ripe blueberry, plus wild mushroom and baking spice, all wrapped in polished yet grippy tannin, this red is sure to please mature Bordeaux enthusiasts. Pour alongside braised beef shanks with root vegetable or mild sausage-stuffed Portobello mushroom. (Louise Boutin)

89
Carmim Reguengos Red 2022
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $12.95 13.5% alcohol
You may not be too familiar with trincadeira, aragonez aka tempranillo and castelão grapes, but you don’t have to to enjoy this young and fresh red blend bursting with sweet cherry, cola aromas and a hint of wet gravel. Bright and light on its feet, with delicious flavours of red berry a touch of earthiness and soft tannins, it’s the perfect dry summer red for your grilled gourmet sausages on a bun or red sauce pizza. (Louise Boutin)

91
Carmim Monsaraz Tradiçao 2022
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $13.95 14% alcohol
There’s a lot to like in this red blend of about equal parts of Alicante Bouschet, trincadeira and aragonez, including the price tag. Fragrant on the nose with crushed mixed berry and hints of rose petal, it carries on with exquisite flavours of ripe black plum, blackberry and cola, adding a nice layer of fine-grained tannin mid-way through and showing excellent integration of alcohol. Impress your guests at your next barbecue party with this very affordable and delicious medium-full bodied dry red. (Louise Boutin)

91
Château Lamothe-Vincent ‘Intense’ 2018
AOC Bordeaux, France $15.95 14.5% alcohol
Intense couldn’t be more suited for this blend of 70% merlot and 30% petit verdot with a deep ruby robe and expressive aromas—ripe black cherry, cassis, sweet blackberry and beautiful floral notes. It glides on the palate with surprising lightness considering the alcohol level, offering ripe cherry, mixed berry compote flavour, a touch of earthiness and a nice soft grip in the dry persistent finish. This is an exceptional value and certainly a crowd pleaser for your next barbecue party. (Louise Boutin)

90
Château Maison Noble ‘St-Martin’ 2022
AOC Bordeaux, France $15.95 13.5% alcohol
Classic right bank Bordeaux blend of mostly merlot with cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, shows nice dark fruit aromas, a hint of kirsch liqueur and mineral notes, no oak maturation here. Expect a lively palate with dark fruit to the fore but also pleasant strawberry notes and a touch of cola, all wrapped in bright acidity and chalky tannins. There’s great value in this bottle and it will be perfect alongside duck confit or well-seasoned grilled flank steak. (Louise Boutin)

91 
3 Rings Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Barossa Valley, Australia $17.95 (36237) 14.5% alcohol
A very complex bouquet of eucalyptus and black pepper followed by cassis, ripe blackberry, tobacco and jalapeño make way to a mellow and cooling flow of blackcurrant, blackberry flavours and earthy notes with a persistent enjoyable peppery finish. The producer’s pairing recommendations include a kangaroo loin but lamb or beef will do just as well and might be easier to find! (Louise Boutin)

90 
Carmim Terra Lenta Premium 2021
DOC Alentejo $14.95 (646083) 14.5% alcohol
This classic Portuguese blend of hand-harvested Alicante Bouschet, trincadeira and aragonez aka tempranillo greets you with black plum, red cherry and dusty gravel aromas. Juicy on the palate with blackberry, a mix of red and black plum with a nice spiced layer and medium polished tannin. Quite balanced with the high-alcohol totally going under the radar, it is pleasant to sip or enjoy with lamb burgers or grilled gourmet sausages. (Louise Boutin)

92 
Roncolato ‘San Rocco’ Valpolicella Ripasso 2020
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $26.95 (36676) 14.5% alcohol
Ripasso is often described as a baby Amarone and this single vineyard one, definitely fits the bill. It shows beautiful aromas of dry cherry, potpourri, balsamic reduction and spice on the nose. The palate offers red cherry flavours with a replay of balsamic and spiced character with a lovely savoury/earthy warming finish. This medium-full-bodied nicely textured classic red will be perfect with simmered beef short-ribs with root vegetables or wild mushroom risotto. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Valpanera Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2022
DOC Friuli, Italy $17.95 (10080) 13.0% alcohol
A fresh nose of red plum, Swedish Berries™ and violet, makes this stainless steel fermented 100% red stem refosco grape very attractive. Über juicy and soft on the palate with a mixed berry profile, followed with a spark of tart cherry acidity and dusty tannin, shape this medium- bodied, very refreshing red into an ideal partner for charcuterie boards or stuffed red bell peppers. (Louise Boutin)

92
Château D’Espeyran – La Cantatrice 2022
AOP Costières de Nîmes, France $17.95 13.5% alcohol
Delightful aromas of black currant, juicy Bing cherry and baking spice mingle freely with palate flavours of cassis, blueberry and © Ribena. This is an inspired multi-blend of 75% grenache noir / 15% Marselan / 10% syrah along with attractive and decorative flavours on the finish and that includes tang and plenty of pizzazz with good balance and mouthfeel and plenty of flavour throughout.. Give this a go with grilled backyard burgers and/or gourmet sausages. (Vic Harradine)

93
Château D’Espeyran – Réserve des Illustres 2021
AOP Costières de Nîmes, France $23.95 14.5% alcohol
This red blend is 90% syrah and 10% grenache that was matured for 14 months in oak barrels. Alluring aromas of savory herbs and plenty of mixed cherry/berry aromas will command your attention and then keep your attention when it pours over the palate with an underpinning of ripe tannin and a lingering finish and aftertaste that will be very consistent throughout the imbibing experience. This is a special wine that should keep you pleased that you purchased it. (Vic Harradine)

90 
Domaine Fond Croze ‘Serre de la Garde’ 2022
AOP Côtes du Rhône, France $17.95 (28545) 14.5% alcohol
This is a beautiful southern-Rhône blend of 70% grenache and 30% syrah macerated and aged in concrete tanks. Ripe dark cherry and plum aromas with a hint of moss and dust, it glides on the palate with ease and freshness, unfolding ripe flavours of plum wrapped in powdery tannins and finishing on a nice slightly warm peppery-strawberry note. Pair with gourmet sausages and artisan mustards. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Domaine Fond Croze ‘Romanaise’ 2021
AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages France $21.95 14.5% alcohol
Grenache in all its splendor with an aroma blend of dark fruit, dry orange peel and floral notes. The palate is silky with more earthiness than anticipated yet still offering excellent dark fruit concentration—blackberry, black current—with a powdery tannin finish and long fruit and spice replays. Aerate decant this full-bodied red one hour and serve with wild mushroom gnocchi or braised beef shanks with root vegetables. (Louise Boutin)

91
Domaine Fond Croze Cairanne 2021
AOC Cairanne France $21.95 15.5% alcohol
Here’s a blend of 60% grenache and equal parts of carignan and mourvèdre, hand-harvested from old vines and matured in stainless steel vats. A vigorous swirl reveals profound aromas of Kirsch liqueur, mixed berry compote with overlying notes of violet and cured meat. Expect a very silky palate with dense ripe berry flavour, morphing to a more textured and broad profile adding rosemary and spice in the pleasant slightly warm finish. Pair this full-bodied delicious red with grilled rack of lamb or ratatouille after one hour of aeration. (Louise Boutin)

91
Domaine Fond Croze Vieilles Vignes Rasteau 2022
AOP Rasteau France $22.95 15.5% alcohol
Eighty percent of grenache and the rest syrah and mourvèdre make up this beautiful red blend aged 12 months in 500-liter French oak barrels. The nose is inviting with fragrant cherry, black plum, a touch of lavender and herbal notes. The palate is full-bodied and silky with fresh flavours of blackberry, dark chocolate-drizzled cherry and a spark of acidity in the dry and savoury finish. Pour alongside chicken liver salad or eggplant parmigiana. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Provolo Costa del Monte Bianco Organic 2022
IGT Bianco Veneto, Italy $17.95 13.0% alcohol
This is a blend of 60% muller-thurgau and 40% chardonnay farmed organically, that presents with aromas of peach, rose petal, lime peel and flint. Medium-bodied with chalky mineral character showing right away on the palate along with high acidity of white grapefruit, yellow plum and a nice bitter bite trailing in the mineral finish. Pair with seafood antipasti or fried calamari dusted with sea salt. (Louise Boutin)

92 
Provolo Tenuta Ca’Nove Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2019
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $18.20 (19650) 14.0% alcohol
There’s such a gorgeous intensity of balsamic reduction almost medicinal and botanical aromas as well as grilled plum and cedar in this Ripasso aged in barriques for 18 months. The palate is silky at first, transitioning to a more robust structure all in harmony with dry fruit and spiced flavours, finishing with a warm wave of delicious savoury notes. This calls for simmered, glazed beef short-ribs with roasted parsnips or a board of aged and smoked cheese. Incredible value at this price point. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Provolo Valpolicellia Organic 2022
DOC Valpolicella, Italy $17.95 (26250) 13.0% alcohol
This young, organic Valpolicella blend vinified and matured in stainless steel tanks screams freshness with its inviting red cherry, raspberry and red licorice aromas. The palate is smooth and vibrant at the same time with lots of red berry flavours and a nice herbal note developing in the delicious finish. Very well balanced and versatile at the table. Pop the cork with red sauce pasta or pizza. (Louise Boutin)

92 
Six Hats Shiraz 2022
W.O Western Cape, South Africa $14.95 (21193) 13.5% alcohol
This 100% shiraz from a fairtrade South-African winery is simply spectacular, especially at this friendly price. It’s generous on the nose with ripe black plum, mixed berry compote, freshly grated cinnamon and a lovely floral note in the background. There’s a cooling freshness on the palate that showcases the dark cherry and plum flavours with a hint of zesty orange beautifully. Tannins are fine and polished and the finish is fruit forward yet dry and slightly peppery. This is a great partner to lamb burgers or rich ratatouille. (Louise Boutin)

New in Ontario Wineries

Tawse

• The following wines from Tawse Winery can be purchased online at this link - Tawse Winery - or directly from the winery 3955 Cherry Ave, Vineland ON. Here’s a map.

91
Tawse Spark Brut 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.95 (384966) 10.5% alcohol
Recently awarded a silver medal at the 2023 National Wine Awards of Canada, this traditional method blend of 73% chardonnay along with pinot noir and pinot gris rested five years on its lees developing beautiful aromas and mineral character. Expect Granny Smith apple and white peach aromas coupled with almond and bread crust hints. A generous froth fills the palate with delicious tart summer apple flavour and lemon meringue pie, finishing very crisp with mineral notes and a desire to reach for more. Refreshing on its own, it’s even better paired with sea salt potato chips or seafood antipasto. (Louise Boutin)

Featherstone

• The following wines from Featherstone Winery can be purchased online at featherstonewinery.ca. Where an LCBO number is listed, previous vintages may still be available in the LCBO.

91
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Frostbite’ Select Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2022
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 13.5% alcohol
Honey, candied pineapple and delicate rose petal aromas make up the nose of this gorgeous vegan sweet wine. Berries were left on the vines a few weeks after the main harvest to concentrate the flavours and natural sugars. It’s bright and tangy on the palate with a contrasting sweet pineapple and mango flavour profile, complemented with candied lemon peel and a touch of piquant ginger in the finish and delicious aftertaste. This will pair perfectly with a cheese board showcasing, aged cheddar, blue-veined cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano. (Louise Boutin)

89
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Four Feathers’ 2022
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (341586) 12.5% alcohol
Four Feathers is a vegan, four-varietal blend of about half and half riesling and chardonnay, plus sauvignon blanc and a splash of pinot gris. Charming on the nose with tropical fruit aromas of pineapple, starfruit and mango plus a hint of green freshness in the backdrop, it treats the palate with an off-dry coating texture, similar fruity aroma/flavour profile and an added kick of white pepper and mineral character in the finish. This is a versatile medium-bodied, well-balanced white to pair with sushi, fresh seafood salad or fish tacos. (Louise Boutin) 

91
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Old Vine’ Riesling 2022
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 10.0% alcohol
Discrete on the nose at first, it reveals fresh aromas of red apple, field honey and a hint of minerality. Passion fruit and Meyer lemon come to mind when the racy acidity touches the tip of the tongue and travels all over the palate developing pear and fresh apricot flavour before closing on a delicious persistent mineral note. This is lovely with fried calamari under a squeeze of lemon juice or choucroute garnie. (Louise Boutin)

90
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Red Tail Merlot’ 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (131540) 12.5% alcohol
A pleasant nose of raspberry, field strawberry, blueberry and dry laurel aromas open the door to a generous wash of delicious vivid red berry flavours with cherry tang and a nice earthy layer, all wrapped in polished and soft tannins. This is a medium-bodied crowd pleaser aged 10 months in French oak (25% new) easy to pair with duck confit or mixed artisan sausages on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

• The following two wines from Featherstone are Reserve Wines. A tad more pricey than the non- reserve wines, but generally speaking they are worth the price as the winery has gone through all the barrels of their best wines to find and to bottle the best of their best wines making the availability of the wines quite small. Both of the following two wines have 5 to 10 years of potential aging.
  
  
• All the grapes for this next wine were machine harvested, crushed, destemmed and pressed into Canadian oak barrels to be fermented by wild, indigenous yeast. The malo-lactic conversion was 50% completed. The wine was matured in 100% Canadian oak barrels for 10 months with monthly stirring of the lees.

95
Featherstone Estate Winery - Chardonnay – Reserve 2021
VQA Ontario, $34.95 12.5% alcohol
Enticing aromas of orchard fruit—yellow Mirabella plum, juicy ripe apricot marmalade and ripe mango, mingling nicely with vanillin, toasty notes, Granny Smith apple and plenty of tang, tannin and smooth and mellow acidity. The palate is treated to buttery notes and tasty vanillin. This is full-bodied and full-flavoured with plenty of tang and pizzazz. Pick up a few and cellar for six months then give one bottle a try. It pairs well with roast chicken or a Thanksgiving roast turkey with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)

• The grapes for the next Reserve wine were sourced from the premium cabernet franc vineyards in the entire Niagara Peninsula. Grapes were machine-harvested optically sorted, destemmed to separate the ripest grapes. Cold-soaked on the skins for 24 hours and was pressed and fermented in the Featherstone Estate Winery temperature-controlled cellar.

95
Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc– Reserve 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $29.95 12.5% alcohol
This high-scoring cabernet franc reserve is also highly sought-after, with only 217 cases bottled and only available ordering online from Featherstone Estate Winery. The overall impression is a flavourful wine with plenty of elegance and pizzazz. It is smooth and mellow on the palate with Good balance and a lengthy delectable finish and aftertaste, keeps you coming back for more. Pour with coq au vin or cassoulet or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)

Malivoire

• Malivoire offers free shipping for orders over $99, when ordering from their website at malivoire.com.
  Phone 905-563-9253 Monday to Saturday 10 am - 4 pm for information and for locals to access curbside pickup instructions.
  
  
• The following Non-Vintage Malivoire ‘Bisous- Rosé - Non-Vintage - Sparkling Wine is sustainably farmed and fashioned from 100% handpicked, estate grown, pinot noir at 18.1 ° Brix, from the VQA Beamsville Bench sub-appellation. Fruit was whole-cluster pressed and fermented in pre-loved, neutral French oak barrels. Importantly, it was crafted Méthode Traditionelle, aka similar to Champagne, with the 2nd fermentation taking place in the bottle(s) you purchase with the lees remaining in bottle for 24 months then being disgorged in May, 2023.

94

Malivoire Wine Company ‘Bisous – Rosé - Non-Vintage’
VQA Beamsville Bench $34.95 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of exotic spice, mineral notes and plenty of tang and pizzazz capture your interest on the palate and persist through the finish and aftertaste, along with a saline and flinty mineral note that will tempt you to come back for more. You might want to pick up a few of these for the balance of 2023 and beyond to 2026. Give this a try with a plate of sushi, or a charcouterie board. (Vic Harradine)

93
Malivoire Wine Company ‘Rosé Moira ’ 2022
VQA Beamsville Bench $27.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry and cream soda provide segue to a tang-infused surge of palate flavours with Montmorency pie cherry and raspberry jam to the fore. It’s crisp, clean and refreshing thanks to a persistent linear line of mouth-watering tangy acidity juxtaposed to 8.0 grams per litre of residual sugar. Pour as an aperitif to get gastric juices flowing or with freshly shucked briny oysters or prawn ceviche. Paired mine with a cheese fondue that turned out to be a suitable match. (Vic Harradine)

Henry of Pelham

• Henry of Pelham wines can be purchased directly from the winery via their online store at henryofpelham.com.

93
Henry of Pelham ‘The Shadow Rock’ – ‘Estate-Grown’ Sauvignon Blanc 2021
VQA Short Hills Bench, $21.95 12.5% alcohol
A slight outcropping of the Short Hills Bench causes a shadow to remain on the sauvignon blanc estate vineyard in the early evening. This is a fresh and lively sauvignon blanc that lends itself to be matched with seafood, such as freshly shucked oysters, moules et frites and pan-seared calamari rings. This has a balanced citrus acidity with lemon curd. Pick up a few and enjoy the experience. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers!

Dave, Lisa, Louise, and Vic.