80x Wine Company Le P'tit Funk Sparkling Cider (Ontario)

My last "wine" video of 2021 is not for a wine - but for the best damn cider I have tasted in years

 

80x Wine Company Le P'tit Funk Sparkling Cider 

 

($22.00 / 750ml - available at Rockway Vineyards and online).

 

 

THE WRITTEN REVIEW:

 

Look, I rarely review ciders, I've done it a few times in the past (Twin Pines comes to mind), but really what can you say about something that's supposed to taste like apples and does. But sometimes one comes along that has that little bit extra and deserves a shout out. The 80X Wine Company (a virtual project in Niagara) wants to be known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rosé, and they've done an admirable job with all three, but if they don't watch out cider will be their calling card. This one is an unintentional bomb (in a good way). It was supposed to be a nod to those funky Normandy, France ciders, but instead they ended up with one of the best tasting ciders in the province. Great intensity of apple taste and smell with a long finish. The promised “funk” is so subtle (if even there), that it adds a layer of drinkability that is unmatched in many ciders that are made in Ontario - but the apple and the acidity pack a real punch of gulpable flavour, it's a real sipping cider that may turn into something quaffable the more you drink it. And at 9% a few goes down quite easy. The label mentions some pears, so maybe that's the secret, but I'm not a cider-maker I just drink the stuff and this one's damn good. Priced $22.00 / 750ml - Rating: ****+

 

Lakeview Cellars 2017 Malbec (Ontario Wine Review #450)

Malbec? in Ontario? Yes it can be made, and it can be made well - I give you exhibit A :

 

Lakeview Cellars 2017 Malbec 

 

($34.75 - available at the winery and online)

 

 

 

The Written Review ... 

 

Hard to see an Ontario Malbec from a vintage that had no hope in hell of ripening that grape ... until September that is – that’s when things started to turn around. Very dark fruited with its blackberry and black cherry core and a mocha linger. It’s a surprising and very delicious wine from a miracle of a vintage.  Price: $34.75 - Rating: ****

 

 

Escudo Rojo 2018 Origine Cabernet Sauvignon (The Wine Review - #326)

To many Rothschild is synonymous with France, but should we also be equating it to Chile

 

Escudo Rojo 2018 Origine Cabernet Sauvignon

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

 

 

Escudo Rojo 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Origine
(The Written Review)

This is a special cuvee of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the most storied part of the vineyard. It spends 12 months in barrel (25% new) with additional resting in bottle for another year. Lovely expression of Chilean Cabernet with plenty of minty notes on the nose along with black cherry - the palate is delicate with that mint, but loads up on blackberry and black cherry along with a lovely note of chocolate on the finish. Fresh, long and elegant.  (****+) 

Chateau des Charmes 2017 Chardonnay, Paul Bosc Vineyard (Ontario Wine Re...

These Chardonnay grapes come from the vineyard across the road from the winery - in the Paul Bosc vineyard

 

 Chateau des Charmes 2017 Chardonnay, Paul Bosc Vineyard 

 

($28.95 - available at the winery and online)

 

 

The Chardonnays from 2017 seem to have something special about them - a certain elegance of fruit core backed by good acidity. Here peach, apple, vanilla and Christmas spices mingle with a creamy mid-palate and good acidity on the finish. The nose is not as expressive as the palate, but it should open more with time once the cork is popped; factor in the nice length to the finish and this is one tasty Chardonnay for any time of year.  Price: $28.95 - Rating: ****

M Chapoutier 2019 Belleruche Rouge, Cotes du Rhone (The Wine Review - #325)

This wine took me by surprise, grabbed my tongue and wouldn't let go - and here's why

 

M Chapoutier 2019 Belleruche Rouge, Cotes-du-Rhone

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

M Chapoutier 2019 Belleruche Cote Du Rhone Rouge Belleruche Rouge

Nice dark fruit and floral notes hit the nose ... Repeat on the palate while adding in white pepper, mocha, black cherry, blackberry and a layered finish that shows nice depth and age-ability.  (**** ½)

 

Cornerfield 2019 Farmer & Frenchmen Red (Ontario Wine Review #448)

A five grape blend that is more than just the sum of its parts

 

Cornerfield 2019 Farmer & Frenchmen Red 

 

($22.00 - available at the winery and online)

 

 

Read it - Watch it - or Both:

 

A five grape blend that's both Hybrid and Vitis based: Petit Pearl and Marquette join Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Merlot to create a port-like nose that doles out deep black fruit, like blackberry, with an interesting cola note. Seemingly thick in the mouth with good acidity, it has a richness (like port) with cassis/kirsch and black cherry ... It's a pretty big red for those who like their reds with a little chew.  Price: $22.00 - Rating: ****

Prisoner Wine Co 2018 Unshackled Cabernet Sauvignon (The Wine Review - #...

The Prisoner un-cuffs a wine that easier on the pocketbook - but still damn tasty : 

 

Prisoner Wine Co 2018 Unshackled Cabernet Sauvignon

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

Prisoner Wine Co. 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Unshackled

Sweet red fruit with a good acidity... Typically big alcohol for California (14.5%) but with a juicy dark fruit, and chocolate and subtle spice ... Sure it has that California fruit, it's a seductive wine with all that sweet fruit, but there's also a milk chocolate note that really sways your taste buds and the core is all dark fruit. (****+)

Malivoire 2020 Demo Series Analog (Ontario Wine Review #447)

Time to try something new with a label from the way-back machine

 

Malivoire 2020 Demo Series Analog 

 

($27.95 - available at the winery and online)

 

 

 

These are “hand labeled” / “handwritten” wines (at least the first one was) ... But the gimmick is to make you feel that you really are truly a drinking a demo wine (like a demo tape, remember those?) complete with crossed out words and augmented hand-written lettering (like doodles). This co-fermented and aged Cabernet Franc and Gamay is done in ceramic and old barrels so as not to impart too much into the wine. There's a juiciness to those red berries (Gamay - 27%) but also hints of tobacco (Cabernet Franc - 73%) ... It's very simple and really enjoyable. A beauty to chill and perfect for Christmas dinner or just sipping on the patio in the late fall weather.  Price: $27.95 – Rating: ****

 

Barnard Griffin 2018 Merlot (The Wine Review - #323)

Long time Washington winemaker makes a delightful Merlot

 

Barnard Griffin 2018 Merlot

 

 available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

Merlot sourced from three vineyards in Washington: Black Rock, Vinagium, and Lonesome Spring Ranch - two located in Yakima and the other from Red Mountain ... All age 17 months in a mix of new and neutral European oak barrels. Now, this is pure Washington Merlot pleasure as notes of violet meet black fruit helping to drive the wine forward - there's a smooth delicacy across the palate with subtle smoke ... But when all is said and done this is a drinkable, almost crushable, bottle of Merlot that's balanced and has enough complexity to please oenophiles and newbies alike.  (****+)

Le Clos Jordanne 2019 Jordan Village Chardonnay (Ontario Wine Review #446)

A new line of wines from Le Clos, this time it's not vineyard specific

Le Clos Jordanne 2019 Jordan Village Chardonnay 

($24.95 - available at the winery and online)

Le Clos Jordanne 2019 Chardonnay, Jordan Village

A new wine for the Clos but this one is not a single vineyard offering, instead it's a three-vineyard blend taken from the Estate vineyard plus Talon and Claystone vineyards. This 2019 Chardonnay has beautiful acidity that helps to balance this intensely fruit-forward wine that has notes of saline plus peach, apple cobbler, hints of pineapple all culminating with a buttery-spicy feel to the finish. The fruit comes across sweet across the mid-palate, but that acidity helps to keep everything in check and manages to balance it out ... Bottom line here: nice complexity with a long finish. Price: $24.95 – Rating: ****+

Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata (The Wine Review - #322)

Time to look at a single vineyard, or "cru" Barolo

 

Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

 

Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo, Rocche dell'Annunziata

 

This single vineyard, or “cru”, Barolo is aged extra time in barrel, cask and bottle - a total of 42 months before release and most of the wood is of the older French variety (between 12 and 18 years) large casks with no toast ... When all is said and done only 20% is new, meaning the wood does not play a significant role in flavouring. The Rocche is just a baby at the moment with aromas of rose petal, mocha, black cherry, black cranberry and all those smells translate to the palate, but with a power and weight on the tongue – plus there’s great structure and a hint of smoke. Ready in another couple of years, but will age well for a decade or more (many more) but it’s all going to depend if you want to keep that fruit profile intact.  (****)

 

Leaning Post 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Ontario Wine Review #445)

Looking for that last gasp of "nice weather" wine - I've got you covered

 

Leaning Post 2019 Sauvignon Blanc 

 

($28.00 - available at the winery and online)

 

Bleasdale 2018 Broad-Side (The Wine Review - #321)

Looking for an Aussie fruit-bomb? This ain't it : 

 

Bleasdale 2018 Broad-Side

 

available at the winery 

(and other fine wine stores).

 

Henry of Pelham 2019 Estate Pinot Noir (Ontario Wine Review #444)

One of the best Estate Pinot Noirs from this winery I have tried - they are upping their own bar

 

Henry of Pelham 2019 Estate Pinot Noir 

 

($24.95 - available at the winery and online)

 

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Syrah (The Wine Review - #320)

British Columbia Syrah? Yes Please! And here's another great example : 

 

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Syrah

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Lundy Manor 2016 Lundy Red (Ontario Wine Review #443)

A red blend that misses the mark being called a Meritage, but hits the mark as a really good wine

 

Lundy Manor 2016 Lundy Red 

 

($21.95 - available at the winery and online).

Speri 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano

Here's a single vineyard Amarone that shows some refined elegance

 

Speri 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Featherstone 2019 Canadian Oak Chardonnay (Ontario Wine Review #442)

Chardonnay in Ontario can be a magical thing - 

now add Canadian oak and you elevate it to something else : 

 

Featherstone 2019 Canadian Oak Chardonnay 

 

(available at the winery and online)

Badia A Coltibuono 2018 Chianti Classico (The Wine Review - #318)

Not just a wine review, but also a comment on global warming : 

 

Badia A Coltibuono 2018 Chianti Classico

 

De Simone 2017 Stallion Limited Edition (Ontario Wine Review #441)

This unique blended red has its inspiration in the Veneto and its roots in Ontario

 

De Simone 2017 Stallion Limited Edition 

 

($125.00 - available at the winery and online).

 

Torres 2016 Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (The Wine Review - #...

Torres is back on the videos series, but this time with a more "value" priced wine, 

proving they make good wine at every level : 

 

Torres 2016 Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

 

available at the winery 

(and other fine wine stores)

 

Commisso 2017 Rosso (Ontario Wine Review #440)

It's a brand new winery on the video series today coming at you with a value priced Red

 

Commisso Estate Winery 2017 Rosso 

 

($14.95 - available at the winery and online)

 

Piaggia 2017 Carmignano Riserva (The Wine Review - #316)

What is Carmignano? Should I even care? Yes you should and here is why

 

Piaggia 2017 Carmignano Riserva

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

Fogolar 2018 Cabernet Franc, Oppenlaender Vineyard (Ontario Wine Review ...

It's another look into the mind of those making great Cabernet Franc in Ontario

 

Fogolar 2018 Cabernet Franc, Oppenlaender Vineyard 

 

($24.95 - available at the winery and online)

Moraine Winery 2019 Pinot Noir (The Wine Review - #315)

I made this discovery a few years back and I'm still digging this wine today, that's called consistency

 

Moraine Winery 2019 Pinot Noir

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Domaine Queylus 2017 Signature Chardonnay (Ontario Wine Review #438)

This is usually a restaurant only wine, but because of the pandemic it became available to the public

... can you say "bargain

 

Domaine Queylus 2017 Signature Chardonnay 

 

($24.95 - available at the winery and online).

Tenuta Monteti 2016 Toscana (The Wine Review - #314)

This wine came out of nowhere during a Zoom-Tasting and won me over - 

now I introduce it to you: 

 

Tenuta Monteti 2016 Toscana

 

 available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Ravine Vineyard 2017 Cabernet Franc (Ontario Wine Review #437)

During the height of the pandemic I ordered a lot of food from these guys - 

and their wine is pretty good too - like this one : 

Ravine Vineyard 2017 Cabernet Franc 

($36.00 - available at the winery and online)

Aurelio Settimo 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo (The Wine Review - #313)

Having just visited this winery I can tell you that this wine has a special place in their portfolio, here's why: 

Aurelio Settimo 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

Niagara College 2018 Balance Merlot (Ontario Wine Review #436)

Ontario Merlot is an unusual beast, 

it needs time to really become something you want to take to dinner, then there is this : 

Niagara College 2018 Balance Merlot 

($18.95 - available at the winery and online)

Xige Estate 2017Jade Dove Red (The Wine Review - #312)

Chinese wine to rival the best wines of France? That's the goal. Today I'm looking at the 

Xige Estate 2017Jade Dove Red 

a pretty impressive red blend from an unexpected source.

Inniskillin 2017 Reserve Cabernet Franc (Ontario Wine Review #435)

Cabernet Franc is Ontario's grape top promote - 

it grows well in every vintage and makes wines like this : 

 

Inniskillin 2017 Reserve Cabernet Franc 

 

($25.95 - available at the winery and online)

McPherson 2017 MWC Shiraz-Mourvedre (The Wine Review - #311)

Something that is missing from many Aussie wines is balance; now let's talk about the 

 

McPherson Wines 2017 MWC Shiraz-Mourvedre

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Le Clos Jordanne 2018 Pinot Noir, Le Grand Clos (Ontario Wine Review #434)

Le Clos Jordanne is back in business and with their original winemaker at the helm 

 

Le Clos Jordanne 2018 Pinot Noir, Le Grand Clos 

 

($44.95 - available at the winery and online).

 

Tenute Sette Ponte 2017 Crognolo (The Wine Review - #310)

The winery of 7 bridges does it again with this beauty : 

 

Tenute Sette Ponte 2017 Crognolo

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Adamo 2016 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Lenko Vineyard Reserve (Ontario ...

Why do we search out and covet "Old Vines" fruit? 

For this very reason : 

 

Adamo 2016 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Lenko Vineyard Reserve 

 

($85.00 - available at the winery and online)

 

SunRock Vineyards 2016 Red Meritage (The Wine Review - #309)

Time to find out why it's called SunRock and when it became its own brand : 

 

SunRock Vineyards 2016 Red Meritage

 

 available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Kacaba 2017 Cabernet Franc Escarpment (Ontario Wine Review #432)

An Ontario staple, when put in the right hands can be magical, this hits those notes : 

 

Kacaba 2017 Cabernet Franc Escarpment 

 

($32.95 - available at the winery and online).

Vina Tarapaca 2018 Gran Reserva Merlot (The Wine Review - #308)

Merlot is a staple grape in so many countries, Chile is one of those - 

and they know how to do it right : 

 

Vina Tarapaca 2018 Gran Reserva Merlot

 

 available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Niagara College 2018 Tom Thomson Red (Ontario Wine Review #431)

It's a red blend with a cool label on the bottle and an even cooler wine inside : 

 

Niagara College 2018 Tom Thomson Red 

 

($22.95 - available at the winery and online).

 

Tenuta di Arceno 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva (The Wine Review - #307)

Can a US company come into Italy and make Chianti? Of course. 

Can they do it well? I Present Exhibit A: 

 

Tenuta di Arceno 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

Westcott 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir (Ontario Wine Review #430)

Let's look at yet another great wine from this Bench winery's line-up : 

 

Westcott Vineyards 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir 

 

($44.95 - available at the winery and online).

 

Salcheto 2017 Nobile di Montepulciano (The Wine Review - #306)

The name has changed (and will change again) but the wine remains as tasty as ever 

 

Salcheto 2017 Nobile di Montepulciano

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Featherstone 2020 Pinot Grigio (Ontario Wine Review #429)

This first time wine for Featherstone is a home run - but it's not Pinot Grigio, let me explain

 

Featherstone 2020 Pinot Grigio 

 

($17.95 - available at the winery and online).

 

 

Errazuriz 2018 Max VIII (The Wine Review - #305)

Something brand new from this iconic Chilean producer 

 

Vina Errazuriz 2018 Max VIII

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Bachelder 2018 Chardonnay "Les Villages" (Ontario Wine Review #428)

This really shows that blending is not just for red wines - whites can benefit too : 

 

Bachelder 2018 Chardonnay "Les Villages" 

 

($34.95 - available online)

 

Casale del Giglio 2020 Anthium Bellone (The Wine Review - #304)

What is Bellone? Is it a meat? Is it a fish? Time to find out as I look at the 

 

Casale del Giglio 2020 Anthium Bellone

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Henry of Pelham 2019 Estate Gamay (Ontario Wine Review #427)

As a Gamay Noir fan I love seeing well-made version of this wine from Ontario, here's yet another : 

 

Henry of Pelham 2019 Estate Gamay 

 

($19.95 - available at the winery and online).

 

Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo (The Wine Review - #303)

Is Barolo supposed to be so approachable right out of the gate? 

 

Looking at the Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo - 

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

De Simone 2018 Cabernet Franc (Ontario Wine Review #426)

It's another wine from this young winery that really impresses - Franc is definitely Vincenzo's grape

 

De Simone 2018 Cabernet Franc 

 

($35.00 - available at the winery and online)

 

Bleasdale 2018 Mulberry Tree Cabernet Sauvignon (The Wine Review - #302)

There's something in this bottle of Aussie wine that I found very surprising (and out of character?)

 

Bleasdale 2018 Mulberry Tree Cabernet Sauvignon

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

Meldville Wines 2018 Pinot Noir (Ontario Wine Review #425)

This winemaker has made some awesome Pinot in his day, this might be one of his best : 

 

Meldville Wines 2018 Pinot Noir 

 

($27.00 - available at Legends winery and online)

 

Fattoria Le Pupille 2018 Morellino di Scansano (The Wine Review - #301)

One of my favourite grapes to pronounce makes an appearance in today's video : 

 

Fattoria Le Pupille 2018 Morellino di Scansano

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Pondview 2016 Bella Terra Cabernet Sauvignon (Ontario Wine Review #424)

Ever wonder how Pondview gets all that goodness into their Bella Terra wines? 

I'm about to tell you with this review of the 

 

Pondview 2016 Bella Terra Cabernet Sauvignon 

 

($44.95 - available at the winery and online)

Vale da Mata 2017 Red WIne of Lisboa (The Wine Review - #300)

Today I hit the big 3-0-0 with this very cool bottle of Portuguese wine: 

 

Vale da Mata 2017 Red Wine of Lisboa (Herdade do Rocim)

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

iCellars 2017 Pinot Noir (Ontario Wine Review #423)

Not really known for Pinot Noir, but this year's version might be their best yet 

and a bellwether of things to come - it's the 

 

iCellars Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir 

 

($50.00 - available at the winery and online?)

 

Domaine de la Cendrillon 2018 Atypique (The Wine Review #299)

How about we look at an atypical wine today that wears that moniker on its sleeve (or label) : 

 

Domaine de la Cendrillon 2018 Atypique 

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Flat Rock Cellars 2017 Gravity Pinot Noir (Ontario Wine Review #422)

They make great Pinot Noir, but this Gravity might be their best ever, it's the 

Flat Rock Cellars 2017 Gravity Pinot Noir 

($34.95 - available at the winery and online?)

 

Montes Alpha 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Cuvee (The Wine Review - #298)

Montes Alpha Cabernet might be a staple on store shelves, but what is "Special Cuvee" : 

 

Montes Alpha 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Cuvee

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

Creekside Estate 2017 Laura's Red (Ontario Wine Review #421)

It's as iconic as any wine from Ontario, it just flies under the radar, it's the 

 

Creekside Estate 2017 Laura's Red 

 

($25.00 - available at the winery and online)

 

Durant & Booth 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (The Wine Review - #297)

An affordable (and tasty) bottle of Napa Valley Cab : 

 

Durant & Booth 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Niagara College 2018 Balance Gamay Noir (Ontario Wine Review #420)

I love seeing more wineries getting into the Gamay Game, 

and this one in particular is a game changer, here's why : 

 

Niagara College Teaching Winery 2018 Balance Gamay Noir 

 

($18.95 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Bersano 2017 Costalunga Barbera D'Asti (The Wine Review - #296)

A wonderful "wine of the people" best describes this : 

 

Bersano 2017 Costalunga Barbera D'Asti 

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

Kacaba 2017 Syrah Proprietor's Block (Ontario Wine Review #419)

This Syrah is made by one of the pioneering vineyards for this grape in Ontario

 

Kacaba 2017 Syrah Proprietor's Block 

 

($32.95 each - available at the winery and online)

 

San Pedro 2018 Tayú 1865 Pinot Noir (The Wine Review - #295)

While there is never a bad time to talk Pinot Noir, this one has a special story to tell

 

 San Pedro 2018 Tayú 1865 Pinot Noir 

 

Pondview 2017 Bella Terra Chardonnay (Ontario Wine Review #418)

This Chardonnay is made from some pretty old vines, 

yet they say nothing about it on the label - let me tell you about : 

 

Pondview 2017 Bella Terra Chardonnay 

 

($39.95 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Seghesio 2018 Sonoma County Zinfandel (The Wine Review - #294)

As a fan of really good Zinfandel (meaning: NOT sweet and NOT pink) 

I am happy to recommend wines from this winery :

 

Seghesio 2018 Sonoma County Zinfandel

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Queenston Mile 2018 Viognier (Ontario Wine Review #417)

Viognier is not common in Ontario but as this winery proves, it can me made really good : 

 

Queenston Mile 2018 Viognier 

 

($35.00 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Culmina 2018 Chardonnay, Stan's Bench No. 11 (The Wine Review - #293)

A British Columbia Chardonnay experiment - one bottles tops the chart (for me anyway)

 

Culmina 2018 Chardonnay, Stan's Bench No. 11 

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Bachelder 2017 Pinot Noir Old Vines - Lowrey Vineyard (Ontario Wine Revi...

This week I look at a Pinot Noir from some of Ontario's oldest Pinot Noir vines : 

 

Bachelder Wines 2017 Pinot Noir Old Vines, Lowrey Vineyard 

($47.95 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Jim Barry 2017 Barry Bros Shiraz Clare Valley (The Wine Review - #292)

Shiraz out of Australia is showing more character these days - here's one example : 

 

Jim Barry 2017 Barry Bros Shiraz Clare Valley

 

Westcott 2017 Pinot Noir Estate (Ontario Wine Review #415)

Up the Beamsville Bench to a sub-app called Vinelount Ridge, 

where they make some pretty exciting Pinto Noir, like this one : 

 

Westcott 2017 Pinot Noir Estate 

 

($29.99 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Laughing Stock 2017 Portfolio (The Wine Review - #291)

I've talked Portfolio before, time to do it again with this vintage : 

 

Laughing Stock 2017 Portfolio 

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Adamo 2017 Merlot Reserve - Edgerock Vineyard (Ontario Wine Review #414)

Back to Adamo and this time it's an amazing red, part of their Grower's Series : 

 

Adamo Estate 2017 Merlot Reserve - Edgerock Vineyard 

 

($45.00 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Palliser Estate 2018 Pencarrow Chardonnay (The Wine Review - #290)

This week's video has a new twist, by popular demand I taste the wine on screen : 

 

Palliser Estate 2018 Pencarrow Chardonnay

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Le Clos Jordanne 2018 Chardonnay, Le Grand Clos (Ontario Wine Review #413)

They're back, this is their second vintage, and it is better than the first : 

 

Le Clos Jordanne 2018 Chardonnay, Le Grand Clos 

($44.95 each - available at the winery and online).

 

Lungarotti 2018 L'U (The Wine Review - #289)

Second time this wine has appeared on the video series (different vintage of course) : 

 

Lungarotti 2018 L'U 

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Hubbs Creek 2017 Pinot Noir Reserva (Ontario Wine Review #412)

This is one of those limited edition wines that only gets made in "great vintages" : 

 

Hubbs Creek 2017 Pinot Noir Reserva 

($39.95 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Errazuriz 2018 MAX - Cabernet Sauvignon (The Wine Review - #288)

This redesigned "reserva" is one of the best in this line I have tried : 

 

Errazuriz 2018 MAX - Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Foreign Affair 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Ontario Wine Review #411)

Looking for a wine with some dried grapes involved? This one will do the trick : 

 

Foreign Affair 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon 

 

($39.95 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Peter Lehmann 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, The Barossan (The Wine Review - #...

Think Australia is all about Shiraz? I have news for you, it's not : 

 

Peter Lehmann 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, The Barossan

 

Rockway 2017 Small Lot Syrah - Alter Ego (Ontario Wine Review #410)

This wine by the former winemaker was his swan song, and his "drop the mic" moment : 

 

Rockway Vineyards 2017 Small Lot Syrah - Alter Ego 

($28.00 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Massolino 2016 Barolo, Serralunga D'Alba (The Wine Review - #286)

A great vintage, a great wine - it's Piedmont in 2016 and it's a delight : 

 

Massolino 2016 Barolo, Serralunga D'Alba

 

Bachelder 2017 Pinot Noir, Saunders Vineyard - Two Barrels (Ontario Wine ...

A very special, very limited wine from Bachelder - of course it's a Pinot Noir : 

 

Bachelder 2017 Pinot Noir, Saunders Vineyard Two Barrels

 

Calmel & Joseph 2019 Chardonnay, Villa Blanche (The Wine Review - #285)

It's a Chardonnay that comes from a region of France not known for the grape : 

 

Calmel & Joseph 2019 Chardonnay, Villa Blanche

 

Adamo Estate 2016 Petit Verdot Edgerock Vineyard (Ontario Wine Review #408)

The Grower's Series is not grown on the property, but it is made with the same tender love and care : 

 

Adamo Estate 2016 Petit Verdot Edgerock Vineyard 

($49.00 each - available at the winery and online).

 

Backyard Vineyard 2017 Syrah Reserve (The Wine Review - #284)

Another Syrah in a series of Syrahs that I have highlighted from British Columbia : 

 

Backyard Vineyards 2017 Syrah Reserve

 

Niagara College 2017 President's Red (Ontario Wine Review #407)

This wine made the College's Dean List and there is a reason for it : 

 

Niagara College 2017 President's Red

 

Chombart & Speck 2018 Cave Mystere (The Wine Review - #283)

This is a cools wine from Bordeaux with an Ontario, Canada twist : 

 

Chombart & Speck 2018 Cave Mystere

 

Westcott 2018 Chardonnay, Block 76 (Ontario Wine Review #406)

Clone 76 from Block 76 - but there's a lot more behind this wine : 

 

Westcott Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay, Block 76 

($44.99 each - available at the winery and online)

 

San Pedro 2018 Sideral (The Wine Review - #282)

My wine today is a red blend from Chile that over-delivers : 

San Pedro 2018 Sideral

De Simone Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Ontario Wine Review #405)

Looking at a first here from : 

 

De Simone Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon 

 

($40.00 each - available at the winery and online).

Chateau Bellevue La Foret 2018 Fronton (The Wine Review - #281)

Ever heard of Fronton? Or the special grape of the region? Time to find out : 

 

Chateau Bellevue La Foret 2018 Fronton 

 

- available at the Winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Trius 2017 Red (Ontario Wine Review #404)

Time to look at one of Ontario's most iconic wines :

 

 Trius 2017 Red

 

Deep Roots 2018 Syrah (The Wine Review - #280)

Time to look a grape that British Columbia should be known for, Syrah : 

 

Deep Roots 2018 Syrah

 

2027 Cellars 2016 Blanc de Blancs (Ontario Wine Review #403)

This week I'm kicking off the new year with some bubbles : 

 

2027 Cellars 2016 Blanc de Blancs

 

 ($40.00 each - available at the winery and online).

 

Rotari 2014 Sparkling Wines (The Wine Review - #279)

Today's I'm starting the year with two bubbly wines from Italy : 

 

Rotari 2014 Sparkling Wines, a Platinum Brut and a Rose Brut