Vintages Release: June 24, 2917

  
Southbrook ‘triomphe organic’ Cabernet Franc 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (275958) 12.5% alcohol
A lifted nose of black currant, pencil shavings and mixed spice set the table for a glorious smorgasbord of ripe, red fruit flavour—red cherry, red plum and cranberry—mingling with piquant spice. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and deftly balanced, spirited finish and aftertaste with added spice, excellent tang and plenty of charm. Pour with chicken parmesan. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: July 8, 2017

• The back label text of the following Southbrook organic Chardonnay pays homage to the two Niagara, family growers providing the fruit for this wine—the Saunders family and Heather Laundry.

   
Southbrook ‘triomphe organic’ Chardonnay 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (172338) 12.5% alcohol
Sexy aromas of baking spice, exotic incense, apple and pear precede a rich, creamy-smooth wash of lemon pie filling and grilled pineapple robed in nutmeg, vanilla and ginger bathing the palate infusing the long, dry finish along with toasty bits. It’s medium-bodied with a lengthy, balanced, refreshing aftertaste. Pour now to 2020 with roast or rotisserie chicken and roasted potato wedges. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: July, 2017

  
Featherstone Rosé 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (117861) 13.5% alcohol
Fresh fruit aromas of strawberry, red plum and pink grapefruit rise from the glass in this blend of Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Medium bodied, off-dry, with a round, weighty texture, it offers a flavourful palate of watermelon, crab apple and ripe peach finishing medium-long with a pleasant savoury aftertaste. Pair with grilled chicken brochettes. (Lisa Isabelle)

Vintages Release: September, 2017

  
Featherstone ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (149302) 13.0% alcohol
Truly Canadian made, this unique offering was produced with Niagara fruit, fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in Canadian oak barrels before bottling. Medium-gold in colour, aromas of baked apples, citrus zest, butterscotch and vanilla entice the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied with a round, creamy texture and a slight tannic edge, flavours of Golden Delicious apple, pineapple, vanilla and spice persist through the long, flavourful finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

Vintages Release Date: TBD

  
Featherstone ‘Cuvée Joy’ Sparkling Rosé Non-Vintage 2015
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $29.95 (450700) 12.5% alcohol
Salmon-pink in colour, this lively sparkling was made in the traditional method with 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Aromas of strawberry, cranberry and grapefruit with a hint of summer flowers lift from the glass. Light bodied and off-dry, it’s juicy and vibrant with sweet, red berry flavours supported by tangy citrus through the mid-length, mouth-watering finish. (Lisa Isabelle)