Bersano 2018 Nizza DOCG Cremosina (The Wine Review - #329)

I'm a fan of Barbera, but I became a bigger fan when I learned about Nizza

 

Bersano 2018 Nizza DOCG Cremosina

 

 

The Written Review ...

 

Bersano 2018 Nizza DOCG - Cremosina
This Nizza Barbera comes from the oldest vines of Barbera owned by Bersano (55 plus years) was aged the prerequisite 12 months in big oak casks and achieved 14.5% alcohol. Not only is the color of the wine dark, but it has a dark soul as well: mocha, spice, blackberry, cassis with good acidity and a lovely smokiness ... On the palate it's smooth, silky and dare I say sexy with a beauty mocha, black cherry finish. This was my second Nizza and I was already falling in love with these wines.  (****+)

The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey Review

For my first Spirits Review I'm going to try my hand at 

 

The Sexton, a Single Malt Irish Whiskey 

 

(available at fine liquor stores)

Rockway 2017 Cabernet Franc, Small Lot (Ontario Wine Review #452)

Kicking off the 2022 series with a fun video for a wine from Rockway, you'll see what I mean

Rockway 2017 Cabernet Franc, Small Lot 

($27.00 - available at the winery and online)

 

The Written Review ... 

A very palate friendly Cabernet Franc endeavour that opens up nicely and delivers from the nose to the palate: aromas of raspberry, cherry, mocha and tobacco with a subtle woodiness ... On the palate there's a plethora of fun including black cherry, tobacco leaf, mocha, and white pepper with a good tannin structure on the finish. It's pretty much a ready to drink wine, but still has the potential for another 3-plus years of cellaring.  Price: $27.00 - Rating: ****

Gagliardo 2016 Barolo "La Morra" (The Wine Review - #328)

Gagliardo's "La Morra" Barolo is a real gem in the crown of this wineries portfolio

 

Gagliardo 2016 Barolo "La Morra"

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

The Written Review ...

 

Gianni Gagliardo 2016 Barolo - La Morra

This is their “village” Barolo that encompasses two parcels in the final blend. This very aromatic offering shows notes of cherry, blackberry and floral ... On the palate it's soft and gentle with a medium length finish. Key notes here are cherry blossoms, blackberry, spiced plum, and gentle tannins - such a pretty and elegant wine that, like so many of these wines, is so very drinkable right now.  (****+)

 

Subscribe to the video review 

 

Westcott 2020 Estate Chardonnay (Ontario Wine Review #451)

We've seen wines from Westcott before and we will see them again - no doubt

 

Westcott 2020 Estate Chardonnay 

 

($29.99 - available at the winery and online)

 

 

The Written Review ...

 

Oh snap! This is another well-made Chardonnay from Westcott, it has everything one wants in their Chardonnay: starting with some buttery - butterscotch notes and a good spicy nuance on the finish. Mid-palate we have the complexity of Mac Apple, pear, peach with a few other summer fruits emerging. Complex, and rich with a long finish and good acid punch to keep it from being weighed down.  Price: $29.99 - Rating: ****+

 

Badel 1862 - Korlat 2016 Syrah (The Wine Review - #327)

Syrah? From Croatia? Yup, and here is a wonderful example to show it's a viability in Croatia

 

Badel 1862 - Korlat 2016 Syrah

 

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

 

 

 

The Written Review ...

 

Croatian Syrah, yep that's a thing - from vines planted between 2005 / 2006 from seeds acquired in France - because of the rocky terrain at 300 m above sea level. This is extreme vineyard growing and what makes these plants struggle is what makes them so interesting and the grapes so much better. The resulting pressed juice goes into barrique for " no less than 2 years " - 70% of it does at least - the wine produced is most definitely Syrah in character: blueberry, raspberry, cassis and pepper with good spice, great mouthfeel and a long finish. Croatian Syrah! Yeah I can go for that. (****+)  (****+)