NEW YEAR's BOTTLE Blue Moutain 2019 Brut (Canadian Wine)

You wanna bring in the New Year in style and drink Canadian in the process? 

Have I got the bottle for you  

Blue Mountain 2019 Brut

CLASSIC Masciarelli 2022 Villa Gemma Cerasuolo Superiore (Italy)

Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is used to make Rosé, or is it light red? 

This is the rosé of Abruzzo and a delicious version at that

Masciarelli 2022 Villa Gemma Cerasuolo Superiore

ICONIC Montes Wines 2020 Purple Angel (Chile)

Rediscovered in 1994, Carmenere has become the icon grape of Chile (like it or loathe it) - 

here is one of the country's icon producers doing it justice, in a big way

Montes Wines 2020 Purple Angel

 

 

Spicy, earthy and coffee bean notes mix it up with blackberry, cassis and black cherry - there's a whole lot of more-ish-ness about this wine and age ability too.  (****+)

TEXTBOOK Ravine Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc (Canadian Wine)

This wine has all the hallmarks of great Cabernet Frank in Ontario, 

it's the Ravine Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc

 

 

The amazing 2020 vintage brings about another winner in the Franc category. The Ravine FranC has all the hallmarks of good Ontario Cabernet Franc... Tobacco, black cherry, blackberry with a hint of vanilla... There are also subtle notes of earth, a little char from the barrel and some toasty smoky notes on the finish; those should hopefully settle in time.

Chateau Boucasse 2017 Les Jardins Philosophiques (France)

For a part of the country known for wines made from the Tannat grape, 

how does Madiran do with white wines? Let me tell you

Chateau Boucasse 2017 Les Jardins Philosophiques

 

... The Written Notes ...

A white blend made from the indigenous Petit Courbu and Petit Manseng from Boucassé’s 85-hectare vineyard. The vines are 45 years of age and these grapes take up nine hectares of the vineyard, at no more than 110 m above sea level. It is fermented in stainless steel and then aged in same for 12 months, but on fine lees.

The note … Grapefruit peel and pith that plays off of an oxidized sensation on the tongue. Great acidity back stops the wine giving it an exceptional length on the finish. A beauty of a sipper.

CELLAR WORTHY Mission Hill 2018 Quatrain (Canadian Wine)

They've changed the 'formula' of Quatrain and it is for the better

Mission Hill 2018 Quatrain

 

 

Written Review ... Syrah 47% / Cabernet Sauvignon 26% / Merlot 18% / Cabernet Franc 8%    
Quatrain was looking for an identity and it has found it - 2016 they made the change to Syrah dominant.
Smooth and silky with a peppery backbone, blue and black fruit notes includes: blueberry, blackberry, smoked-plum, all with a delightful length to the finish with spicy-tannic notes.

WONDERFUL La Chablisienne 2019 Les Venerables Chablis

Have we all forgotten about the wonderful world of Chablis? 

I have thankfully been reminded about it - you're welcome 

Les Chablisienne 2019 Les Venerables Chablis

EYE-OPENING Niagara College 2020 Dean's List Merlot (Canadian Wine)

Here's an Ontario Merlot that defies the norm for this grape in the province; find out why

Niagara College 2020 Dean's List Merlot

 

 

Written Review ... So far, my tasting of 2020 Merlots have been one of revelation. Over the years, I have learned that Ontario Merlot is one of those wines that needs time to mellow, they are usually not ready for a few years. But here's another that bucks that trend, this time from Niagara College. Sure, you can age this beauty, but it's also ready right now. Rich with blue and black berry fruit, plus notes of vanilla, smoke and hints of cherry on the finish, where it has a nice round, easy mouthfeel.

 

PALATE PLEASING Clotilde Legrand 2017 Les Terrages (France)

The new generation is female. Watch the video to find out what I'm talking about : 

Clotilde Legrand 2017 Les Terrages

TERRIFIC 2027 Cellars 2020 Grimsby Hillside Chardonnay

Chardonnay from a very sought after vineyard, you'll see what I mean

2027 Cellars 2020 Grimsby Hillside Chardonnay

TASTY Tenuta Ulisse 2022 Terre di Chieti Pecorino (Italy)

Don't know the story about how Pecorino got its name? 

Let's fix that, and other notions about the wine 

Tenuta Ulisse 2022 Terre di Chieti Pecorino

AMAZING De Simone Vineyards 2020 Merlot (Canadian Wine)

Small producer, hand harvesting, single vineyard, great vintage ... 

it all makes for one hell of a wine

De Simone Vineyards 2020 Merlot

 

 

WRITTEN REVIEW ... Any question that 2020 was a good vintage; heck, a great vintage, should be put to bed; especially after I tasted this awe-inspiring bottle of Merlot from De Simone - who has made some incredible wines in his short tenure on the Niagara wine scene. With 2 years in barrel, a mix of French and American oak, of which two-thirds was new. Aromas include notes of licorice, clove, vanilla and smoked cherry; and flavours that load on the blue and black fruit backed by vanilla and spices. It has a long finish with a robust richness that's elegant, smokey and spicy all at the same time... Great mouthfeel and acidity that's totally on point. Beauty. I thought his 2019 was good, but this 2020 is next level.

SATISYFYING M Chapoutier 2021 Belleruche Blanc (France)

Usually not a Cotes-du-Rhone white fan, but I think I found one worthy of the video series : 

M Chapoutier 2021 Belleruche Blanc 

Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc

ENJOYABLE Thomas Frissant 2022 Tout En Canon (France)

This Gamay is chillable and chuggable, let me tell you why : 

Thomas Frissant 2022 Tout En Canon

EXCITING Malivoire 2020 Stouck Farmstead Red (Ontario Wine)

From a winery famous for Gamay, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 

comes another in a steady line of Bordeaux blends : 

Malivoire 2020 Stouck Farmstead Red

 

 ... Written Review ...

A Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon blend the doles out a number of primary and secondary characteristics that are very appealing and approachable: dark fruit, like plum and blackberry meat up with licorice, vanilla and smoke, all the while it's plush with all that beautiful ripe fruit on palate. The real kicker, is the chocolate / mocha / latte finish and linger; that just makes this wine more unforgettable. It'll get better with some age, say 5 to 7 years.

SURPRISING Tenuta di Saragano 2017 Montefalco Rosso Riserva (Italy)

Riserva wines have a reputation of being over-oaked

and needing a long time to come around to be drinkable; 

time to change your mind

Tenuta di Saragano 2017 Montefalco Rosso Riserva

 

- WRITE UP -

There's some real complexity here that is not all wood derived - the spice and fruit play nicely on the long finish and there is age-ability of 5-10 years.

 

IMPRESSIVE Kacaba 2019 Syrah, Proprietors Block (Ontario Wine)

Does Syrah belong in Ontario? The short answer is: probably not - 

but there are certain pockets of the province (and in Niagara) that does this grape justice. 

Here's one : Kacaba 2019 Syrah, Proprietors Block

 

You would not think 2019 to be a year for Syrah; but if you were one of the first to plant the grape, that makes your material old vines, and here that helps. Here Syrah was combined with 10% Viognier, all estate grown, then aged in a mix of American and French oak for 17 months, giving the wine elements of floral and hints of fruit sweetness in the process. Peppery and smoky notes lead things off, before the fruit really kicks in: raspberry, blackberry and creme de cassis ... This is elegant and stylish version Syrah - that's not just good for the vintage, but really good in general ... Vintage be damned. 

FLAVOURFUL Domaine de la Citadelle 2020 Le Chataignier (France)

From the Luberon area of France comes this jazzy little number, 

and yes, I just used the word jazzy to describe a wine: 

Domaine de la Citadelle 2020 Le Chataignier

WONDERFUL : Mission Hill 2019 Oculus, Legacy Collection

Off to British Columbia, where Mission Hill is creating amazing "Legacy Wines"

Mission Hill 2019 Oculus, Legacy Collection

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

Merlot 52% / Cabernet Franc 30% / Cabernet Sauvignon 17% / Petit Verdot 1%    

First vintage 1997 - Beautiful fruit: blueberry, mocha, dark and red, layered and lovely; red licorice and anise seed join in mid-palate to the finish. Also has notes of tobacco, with silky and elegant tannins. Very classy wine.

SURPRISING: Westmount 2019 Pinot Noir (Oregon)

When I first tasted this wine I thought it was from a completely different place, 

showing you can't judge a wine by it's label

Westmount 2019 Pinot Noir

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

A real step up for Oregon Pinot Noir; lots of depth in the dark fruit department, and lovely complexity from first to last sip. Sure, it has those signature characteristics — earthiness and cherry notes—but then it doubles down on that Oregon beauty with concentration and exuberance. Cellar potential of five-years-plus.

SERIOUS Claymore Wines 2018 You'll Never Walk Alone

Mataro is Mourvedre, so this is a GSM blend with a different name; 

but this is a different kind of wine and wine company - let me explain: 

Claymore Wines 2018 You'll Never Walk Alone

 

 

This is a GSM blend (but call it Mataro, not Mourvedre), is full of black pepper, blackberry, dark and brooding fruit that keeps giving the more it stays open. Rich and close to unctuous, yet well-balanced with acid and tannins bringing it all together. It still has a few years ahead of it, but drinks well right now. It is 14.7% alcohol, so just beware.

Big Head Wines 2020 RAW Syrah (Ontario Wine)

In my books this is a rare bottle of wine, one you NEED to put your hands on, 

and represents the epitome of Syrah in Ontario

Big Head Wines 2020 RAW Syrah

 

THE WRITTEN REVIEW ...

It's hard not to assume that during a 20-plus wine tasting at Big Head with wine maker/owner Andrzej Lipinski, you’ll come away with some favourites; but the big surprise here was just how much this one stood heads and tails above all the rest. That was the case this 2020 Syrah, part of the Raw series, which see concrete with no wood being introduced. The wine is also bottled unfiltered, but even before that Andrzej co-fermented it with 5% Viognier with the Syrah, along with a few other tricks of the trade, including carbonic maceration. Then leaving it in concrete for a year and a half. The results lay plain in the bottle: Floral aromas that lean slightly smoky ... A palate loaded with smoky-black cherry and raspberry and balsamic strawberries. It's pure, it's pretty, it's ... Damn near perfect?

SO GOOD : Nittardi 2020 Belcanto, Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)

If you have never heard of this winery, 

but are a fan of Chianti Classico, then you are in for a treat

Nittardi 2020 Belcanto, Chianti Classico

BRILLIANT: Montes Wines 2019 Wings (Chile)

Montes makes some amazing wines, this one was new to me, 

but it still delivered everything I expect from this winery in Chile

Montes Wines 2019 Wings

 

 

A nod to Paul McCartney or Red Bull, either way, this wine flew high to represent another really good offering from Montes. Smoky-black cherry and hints of coffee - the fruit just sores and sings, and it's stays a long time on the palate. Beauty.

GET TO KNOW: Zonte's Footstep 2021 Love Symbol Grenache (Australia)

Grenache on its own can be a pretty exciting wine, like this version: 

Zonte's Footstep 2021 Love Symbol Grenache

 

 

This is a very pretty wine with a boatload of raspberry built right in and for right now enjoyment. Grenache is normally a very light and fruity grape, something I learned while in Spain, and here Zonte’s brings out all that beautiful fresh fruit and acidity to balance it off. When you think Australia, you might think thick and jammy, but this wine is far from that. It’s light colour hints at its delicate flavour and it delivers on that promise: raspberry, tart cranberry and supremely juicy; it’s a wine to chill and enjoy.  (****+)

INCREDIBLE - Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2019 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon (C...

Many superlatives can be used to describe the Artemis Cabernet. 

I use a few of my own in this video for the 

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2019 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon

 

 

Marcus (winemaker) describes 2019 as a "challenging, but good. Vintage" overall. The wine has a drop (.5%) of Cabernet Franc and the blend spends 15 months in oak, 42%, new French and 6% new American, all the rest is in older French. The fruit is pure and robust: plum, black cherry, blackberry with notes of chocolate, white smoke and silky tannins. Through the evening, the wine opened and became even more silky and ultimately gorgeous for both sipping and sniffing – the grilled beef fillet was not let down by the wine, nor vice versa. Purity of fruit and complexity makes this wine and the cellaring potential sits at about 15 plus years.

 

WONDERFUL Malivoire 2020 Courtney Gamay

Gamay is Malivoire's thing, and this thing is one of Malivoire's best (ever) : 

Malivoire 2020 Courtney Gamay

 

 

The pinnacle of Malivoire Gamays is this single block/ single vineyard that lies just outside the wineries front door. It sees oak for 14 months mixing older, newer and larger barrels. It's named for the lady who owned the land on which the vineyard sits: Selma Courtney. She was Malivoire’s neighbour up until she sold the land and Martin - and it is in her honoured he named the wine. This is possibly the winery’s annual best. The first vintage was in 2002; and 18 years later, and this is a big statement: this might be their best to date, but certainly the best since 2015. Firm and full yet fresh with lots of fresh black cherry, blackberry, black raspberry and delicate spices: vanilla, clove, and even some smoky notes show up on the lingering finish. An absolute beauty that needs time to fully evolve.

CLASSIC - Tenuta San Guido 2020 Guidalberto (Italy)

An iconic producer creates a second tier wine 

to honuor a founder of the area, from a great vintage 

Tenuta San Guido 2020 Guidalberto

 

Tenuta San Guido 2020 Guidalberto

(60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Merlot)

First vintage 2000 … dry and round in the mouth, fruit is dried and dipped in balsamic. It’s young, so the wood dominates now, but there is also plenty of plush dark fruit, subtle balsamic & spice notes with the tannins nipping playfully. The acidity is on-point and the finish is long – this should turn opulent with time.

YUMMY Leaning Post 2020 Cuvee Winona (Ontario Wine)

This blend from Leaning Post is their 2020 Cuvee Winona,

 it combines the beauty of the vintage with great wine making skills

DELICIOUS - Duckhorn 2019 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

As a fan of this juicy Cabernet from Duckhorn it's time to talk about it; 

it's a second wine that drinks like top-shelf product

Duckhorn 2019 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon

 

This is Duckhorn Vineyards’ second wine, and it’s a real treat. Powerful fruit offering red plum and plush chocolate along with hints of spice and smoke. It’s dangerously drinkable, on its own or with … whatever you want.  (****+)

AWESOME - Matias Riccitelli 2020 Hey Malbec!

If Malbec is your thing, this HEY MALBEC is a wine you need; it's not just a fun label 

Matias Riccitelli 2020 Hey Malbec!

AMAZING Cave Spring Cellars 2019 Estate Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

This ABCer finds another Chardonnay that floats his boat 

Cave Spring Cellars 2019 Estate Chardonnay

 

This is a stunning wine that delivers a bit of spice along with some richness that pairs nicely with its acidity to keep it light on the palate. Thanks to a cool growing season, 2019 was a challenging vintage, but the folks at Cave Spring clearly didn’t get the memo. This may be the best Chardonnay in the LCBO at this price point from anywhere. 

STUNNING Stags' Leap Winery 2018 Petite Sirah (California, USA)

This is not a grape you seen on its own very often, 

but after tasting this my only question is - Why Not?

Stags' Leap Winery 2018 Petite Sirah

 

Stags’ Leap Winery 2018 Petite Sirah 

Now this is the bee's knees. Really good. Smile inducing – add your platitude here. Dark fruit and spice, subtle pepper, white smoke, cassis and black cherry; I love that spice on the end, the great length, I have much more to say about it, but I want to get back to the glass. You need this wine in your life.  (**** ½)

 

Niagara College 2020 Gastronomy Shiraz (Ontario Wine)

Shiraz? In Ontario? Is this a bottle of misnamed wine? I'll let you know talking about this 

Niagara College 2020 Gastronomy Shiraz

 

 

How I hate to see the word Shiraz on a label of Ontario Syrah - it's confusing - and I thought we had passed that; then again, maybe not. The wine itself was aged 20 months in French and American oak, bottled unfiltered and from the toasty 2020 vintage, which should also tell you how the wine is. But there's still no excuse for the name, especially from the Teaching College, of all places. The actual wine in the bottle has notes of raspberry and pepper - both red and black - on the nose; palate is full of spicy-black fruit and that peppery goodness comes through as well. If only it was named properly, then I could relax and be a bigger fan than I already am.  (****+)

Erath 2020 Oregon Pinot Noir - Wine Review

Ya gotta love a bottle of wine that delivers for not a lot of dough

Erath 2020 Oregon Pinot Noir

Westcott 2020 Estate Chardonnay - A Second Look

Just over a year ago, I looked at this very same wine 

Westcott Vineyards 2020 Estate Chardonnay

time to take a second look; here are my thoughts again

EYE-OPENING Domaine de la Paleine 2019 Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame (Loire, Fra...

A tiny sub-appellation in the Loire Valley is making outstanding Cabernet Franc

Domaine de la Paleine 2019 Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame

BEAUTY - Luca di Tomaso 2019 Montefalco Rosso (Italy)

A beautiful wine by an up-and-coming young winemaker from Umbria

Luca di Tomaso 2019 Montefalco Rosso

NAILED IT Cono Sur 2019 Carmenere La Rinconada (Chile)

Carmenere is a tough grape to get right; but I think Cono Sur nails it in this bottle of 

2019 Carmenere "La Rinconada"

 

Nice to see someone who knows their way around the finicky Carmenere grape. There's some earthy nuances here, plus some smoky and herbal characteristics. The fruit hits in the cassis realm and there's also coffee bean and spice all wrapped in a medium length finish. It's a lovely Carmenere from a grape that doesn’t see enough love and get enough respect.  (****)

TOTALLY TASTY Flat Rock 2020 Gravity Pinot Noir (Ontario wine)

Gravity Pinot from a hot vintage? Yes, please. 

Today it's the Flat Rock 2020 Gravity Pinot Noir.

 

 

This is what top-tier Pinot Noir tastes like, but without the top tier pricing. Black raspberry, black cherry, spiced cranberry, subtle earthy notes and ballsy tannins... It's a testament to good wine making and the amazing 2020 vintage – I’d also wax poetic about the great acid backbone, but this is Ontario, it's a given here.

SYRAH ON STEROIDS - Montes Wines 2020 Folly (Chile)

Folly is Montes' Ultra Premium Syrah and in 2020 it goes next level

Montes Wines 2020 Folly

 

 

This 100% Syrah has a meatiness about it; layered with mocha, blackberry, cassis, and black cherry with smoky, spicy and peppery nuances backing it all up. 

TOTAL TURNAROUND Morandin 2020 Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

This County winery's Chardonnay has taken a huge leap forward, 

find out why this Morandin Wine 2020 Chardonnay is the bomb 

 

 

Their 2019 was “not my Chardonnay", so when asked to taste the 2020 I was a little hesitant; but not for long. Now with winemaker Jonas Newman (of Hinterland fame) at the helm the Chardonnay has taken a drastic turn for the better. This is a really pretty Chardonnay with good spice notes on the finish and a rich mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Vanilla, apple, caramel and so much more; plus there are other fruits in here that take the form of those yellowish in nature. The oak, of which 33% is new, barely registers, as the leftover 67% goes into neutral oak and that seems to have won the day. This comes out late summer 2022, so be ready to pick some up.

 

Domaine Saint Landor 2019 L'Oblige (Loire, France)

Franc from Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame is special stuff; 

this was the first I ever tired, and it is memorable : 

Domaine Saint Landor 2019 L'Oblige

 

 

Cabernet Franc 100% - Fruit forward with lots of red berries: strawberry, raspberry, and hints of mocha - silky mouthfeel with an elegant finish.

TASTY : Aresti 2021 Trisquel Vichuquen Costa Chardonnay (Chile)

Chardonnay from Chile? It's a thing, and it's a good thing, especially with this wine

Aresti 2021 Trisquel Vichuquen Costa Chardonnay

 

 

Written Review:  This has some real punch, both of flavour and balance: spiced-tropical fruit and a lovely grilled-pineapple finish, which has some really good length (more details in video).

One of the most ICONIC wines: Torres 2016 Mas La Plana (Spain)

Today it's one of the most iconic wines in the world from Spain and the Family Torres : 

Familia Torres 2016 Mas La Plana

 

 

The Wine Note ... Lots of dark fruit like black cherry, kicks the wine off and continues to be at the heart of each sip – hits of mocha and spice also make an appearance with notes of violet on the finish. There's a nice purity and freshness to the wine with good acidity, while the cedar and tannins fight it out on the finish where a dichotomy of silky and gritty battle for supremacy.  Rating: ****

 

Romain Moreau 2021 Coteaux D'Ancenis Malvoisie (Loire, France)

Looking today at a "Malvoisie" from the Loire Valley, 

a white with character and personality - 

from a grape that rarely possesses such attributes : 

Romain Moreau 2021 Coteaux D'Ancenis Malvoisie

 

 

Domaine Romain Moreau 2021 Malvoisie

A little on the sweet side, but with a good fruit core: peach and white peach with nice hint of minerality ... the name has been around for over a century, denotes Pinot Gris harvested late and with some sweetness – so this is bang on what it should be.  (****)

Hinterbrook 2017 Cabernet Franc (Limited Release) - Ontario Wine

This wine might be sold out, but it does deserve to be looked at, 

especially because it was in such limited release; 

and quite possibly the best wine to come out of this winery in a long time : 

Hinterbrook 2017 Cabernet Franc (Limited Release)

 

 

This isn't the usual blank label, on-descript wine from Hinterbrook - this one has Cabernet Franc scrawled across the front, in what looks like the handwriting of someone using a fountain pen and being chased by a bear. This is from their reserve series, but it does not proclaim it's reserve status anywhere on the bottle – it’s just the price that that tells us the winery believes this is something special. 100% French oak, 75% new, bottled unfiltered and resting in oak for a whopping 34 months. There's lots of hidden dark fruit that weaves its way between tobacco, cigar box, cinnamon and there’s even a lovely layer of spiced raspberry on the finish. Not much of this wine was made: 966 bottles, and each is numbered; get it while it's around.  (****+)

 

Banfi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino - Vigna Marrucheto (Italy)

Something new from Banfi, another single vineyard Brunello, 

let the debate about Reserve vs Cru begin

 

Castello Banfi 

2017 Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Marrucheto

 

 

 

 

WRITTEN REVIEW

If at first you succeed, try and replicate what you did - not exactly the old saying, but this “new version” is exactly what should and did happen with Vigna Marucheto ... But this time with even better results. The nose is identical to the 2016 offering with its cherry, kirsch, dried cherry notes, but the palate is richer and fruitier, and the acidity hides behind some pretty robust tannins. This is a delightful version of a single vineyard wine and shows why they decided to make wine from this specific plot.  (****+)

 

INSPIRING: De Simone Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Ontario Wine)

I would not call 2019 a blockbuster vintage in Ontario, 

and yet what Vincenzo De Simone has pulled off with this Cab is nothing short of amazing

De Simone Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

 ... Written Review ...

2019 was some kind of vintage in Ontario, nothing to write home about, but those who managed their vineyard properly got out with they put in. Here De Simone must have been painstakingly careful, because they have crafted a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon that should not be possible. Picked on November 19th, aged in 50 / 50 American / French oak of which the French was new and the American 3 years old. The wine is a triumph, especially when considering the vintage. A sweet mid palate with complexity to spare: black cherry, cassis, mocha, white pepper and a lovely acidity that helps carry the weight of the wine. I'd say amazing for the vintage, but it's just an all-around great wine. Only 112 cases made.  (**** ½)

 

AMAZING bottle of Montes 2020 Alpha M (Chile)

One of the most consistent wineries in terms of quality Chilean wines does it again

Montes 2020 Alpha M 

 

 WRITTEN REVIEW

An absolute ripper ... Tasty and full of flavoured ... Layered and lovely with all its dark fruit. Drink now or hold. This tickles and tingles the tastebuds, it’s everything I'd want in a Chilean wine.  (**** ½)

 

Bachelder Wines 2020 Gamay Noir - Bai Xu Vineyard (Ontario Wine)

Bachelder wines go quick, and this one might be gone; 

but let's shine a light on a new Gamay Noir vineyard, in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Bachelder Wines 2020 Gamay Noir - Bai Xu Vineyard

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

Right on the label Thomas tells us what he did: a 32% whole cluster pressing on this wine- it's amazing to see this die-hard Pinot Noir/ Chardonnay producer latch onto Gamay as hard as he has; he's really showing this "lowly", "disloyal" grape some real love and respect. The nose is floral and red berry, while the palate displays a juicy core of red fruit, a spicy finish that leaves peppery notes battling it out with subtle baking spices. And let’s not forget the great length to the finish.  (****+)

 

MIND-BLOWING: Domaine de Nerleux 2018 Les Loups Noirs (Loire, France)

A brilliant bottle of Cabernet Franc that simply blew my mind

Domaine de Nerleux 2018 Les Loups Noirs

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

Vines planted back in 1997, 70% of the wine spends 18 months in oak, 10% new, the other 30% remains in stainless steel and is then back-blended into the wine to create a fruitier character; the result is a wine of wonderful depth and character: dark berry fruit, nicely spiced with hints of vanilla. The dark fruit comes across as cassis and blackberry – this wine just sings in the mouth.  (**** ½)

Lighthall 2020 Cabernet Franc (Ontario Wine)

It's Cabernet Franc from Prince Edward County, 

and it is really good Cabernet Franc from the County

Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Franc

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

This Cabernet Franc was made in a similar fashion to Lighthall’s 2020 Merlot: 12 months in 75% new oak, but it took very differently to its temporary wooden home. The fruit proves to be dark fruit in nature and also has tobacco and smoke with some bittersweet chocolate on the finish. There's also some pretty hearty tannins, but the fruit is still very much present, some sips later and it feels like it’s just taking a nap in the background. Give this one three to five years to settle down, then pop the cork and enjoy.  (****+)

Flat Rock 2020 Rusty Shed Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

It's from a vintage for the ages - and this is a Chardonnay you're gonna love: 

Flat Rock 2020 Rusty Shed Chardonnay 

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

I actually tasted this wine in the confines of its namesake – did it taste better? Nope, but it's still a tasty wine with or without the sheds presents. Beautiful notes of tropical fruit sweetness, with creamy vanilla, apple, pear and nectarine, plus a dose of acidity and spice on the finish. This leans a little more Cali than Ontario, but it's kind of what I expect from a hot vintage Chardonnay from The Rock.  (****)

Gianni Gagliardo 2017 Barolo, Mosconi (Piedmont, Italy)

Another Barolo that rocked my world and this will do the same for yours

Gianni Gagliardo 2017 Barolo, Mosconi

 

>>> Written Review <<<

A mere 1100 bottles output from this southern exposed, warmer area ... This is a fruit forward number and while the nose leans on the dark side of the fruit spectrum along with mint and balsamic aromas; the palate shows off that dark fruit with a lovely freshness to it, and while there is a pleasant herbal character, it is suppressed by that dark fruit explosion.  (****+)

Terre de la Custodia 2016 Exubera (Umbria, Italy)

Do you have thoughts on what Sagrantino is all about? 

Let me introduce you to a wine that'll turn those notions on their head

Terre de la Custodia 2016 Exubera

 

 

Trius 2020 Red - The Icon (Ontario Wine)

This wine is an almost perennial addition to the video series, 

but 2020 takes it to another level: 

Trius Winery 2020 Red - The Icon

Rosehall Run 2019 JCR Vineyard Chardonnay

Oops, he's done it again, yet another wonderful bottle of 

Rosehall Run 2019 JCR Vineyard Chardonnay

 

>>> THE WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Here’s a surprise. I just got a chance to taste this wine again – the first time was just after its bottling, and not some months later I was implored to try it again (by a Chardonnay loving friend who will remain nameless) … Dan Sullivan continues his winning streak with Chardonnay from his own vineyard. This 2019 has a beautiful mix of minerality and acidity to go along with the white fruit (apple and pear) plus notes of peach and pineapple. There's a little vanilla on the back end and creamy-esque mouthfeel that comes across rich and delicious. This is another JCR Chardonnay I could sit and sip on all day.  

Rating: ****+

Cono Sur 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon - No. 18 Suelo de Piedras (Chile)

Cabernet and Chile go hand-in-hand, don't believe me? Then you need to get a taste of this one

Cono Sur 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Single Vineyard - No. 18 Suelo de Piedras

 

WRITTEN REVIEW

Super cherry-mocha and spiced-red plum start, and it just keeps getting better from there as it opens up in steps: subtle oak, cinnamon, more spiced plum, this time it's of the darker variety and some strawberry – cherry finishes it all off and lingers a long time. This fine bottle of Chilean Cab hits all the right notes, all that's missing is the mint, maybe it just needs time.  (****+)

Vineland 2020 Cabernet Franc (Ontario Wine)

Consistency is key to this value priced Franc, but some years it just elevates to another level

Vineland Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Vineland Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc
Not since the 2016 has the basic Cabernet Franc from Vineland been this good ... Once again it feels like you're stealing from them at this price, so buy a bunch. Juicy with some rugged tannins that will make this one age a decade or more especially under screwcap. There's also some mocha, tobacco, chocolate-cherry and even some bittersweet chocolate on the finish. The fruit really is the signature here, but when that chocolate kicks in it takes it to the next level.  Rating: ****+

Domaine Merceron-(Martin) 2019 Gamay Parcelles (Loire, France)

Gamay in the Loire Valley? It's a thing, and it's a good thing : 

Domaine Merceron (Martin) 2019 Gamay Parcelles

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Domaine Merceron Martin 2019 Parcelles Rouge
100% Gamay … Lovely red berry fruit, lively acidity, subtle shake of pepper, black and boysenberry finish - 1 week carbonic (any longer and you take away the fruitiness and risk bitterness) - needs 2-3 years to meld and come together.  (****+)

 

Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Merlot (Ontario Wine)

Ontario Merlot may not be your cup of ... 

well, I think you'll change your mind after your second sip of this : 

Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Merlot

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Probably would not expect a Merlot that sat in 75% new oak to be this fruit-driven, especially from Prince Edward County- but Holy Moses, would you be wrong to underestimate this one. Fruit hit 24.9 bricks in the South Bay Vineyard, now owned by Lighthall, and achieved an intense ripeness, then aged in cognac-style barrels with a high toast. The result is a rich and black-fruited wine with loads of cassis and blackberry. There's a slight smoky note that adds another layer. Never have I had a Merlot like this from Prince Edward County, proving once again that 2020 was a very special year. (**** ½)

 

Masi 2018 Campofiorin (Veneto, Italy)

They don't always give themselves a 5-star vintage, but this one they did : 

Masi 2018 Campofiorin

 

>>> THE WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Rated as a five-star vintage by Masi themselves, probably one of the toughest ratings to get – judging yourself is never easy – they then proudly display this rating above the vintage date for all to see. The good news is, this wine does not disappoint. Lots of plum and black cherry lead things off as the aromas and palate are very fruit-forward and the balance is there, as the wine is listed at 13%. There's subtle herbal and great spice notes - and the acidity is totally on point. Will only get better with age, but is drinking very well right now.  (**** ½)

Carpineto 2016 Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon (Tuscany, Italy)

Fantastic vintages make for fantastic wines - and this fits the bill perfectly

Carpineto 2016 Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon

 

>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<

 This beauty in the Farnito-line is from the "perfect" 2016 vintage. It's pure elegance in the glass, with notes of leather, chocolate, cherry, blackberry and even a hint of strawberry. The combination proves magical in the mouth.  (**** ½)

Closson Chase 2019 Chardonnay, Churchside Vineyard (Ontario Wine)

Been a bit since we've seen a wine from Closson, 

so let's check in on a Chardonnay and why I'm liking this one : 

Closson Chase 2019 Chardonnay, Churchside Vineyard 

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

There's a slight smokiness here that plays well with the white peach and green apple; there's a subtle, spicy apricot note on the finish that helps to it elevate this Chardonnay out of the realm of merely typical into one of delicious. (****)

Domaine des Galloires 2021 Les Chailloux (Loire, France)

This was an absolute delight of a wine I tasted in the Loire Valley, right at the winery

Domaine des Galloires 2021 Les Chailloux

 

 

Domaine Des Galloires 2021 Les Chailloux
Fresh, lively, good acidity, lemon/lime, bright, hint of melon - stony/salty quality, perfect with oysters.  (****)

Querceto di Castellina 2018 SEI Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione (Italy)

High elevation vines? It's a thing, right? 

Sure, but it wasn't always this way. Let me explain and also tell you about this gorgeous wine

Querceto di Castellina 2018 SEI Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

high altitude fruit makes this a real winner with a delightful hit of acidty that keeps things fresh and lively, full of sour cherry and cranberry with a light touch of cherry cough drop, firm tannins, the wine is very approachable now, but has good aging potential ... **** 1/2

Zonte's Footstep 2018 Hills Are Alive Shiraz (Australia)

Zonte is a super-cool project created to "show off" different expressions 

of Shiraz from different regions throughout Australia - this is one of those stories

Zonte's Footstep 2018 Hills Are Alive Shiraz

De Simone 2019 Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

Not usually a fan of Vincenzo's version/style of Chardonnay, until now

De Simone 2019 Chardonnay

 

Boscarelli 2018 Vino Nobile Riserva DOCG (Tuscany, Italy)

Filmed on a noisy Florence balcony - you see none of the city - 

but you sense the beauty in this bottle of wine

Boscarelli 2018 Vino Nobile di montepulciano Riserva DOCG

 

> WRITTEN REVIEW <

Nice hints of floral on the nose lead to a palate with good concentration of dark fruits, by the third sip the acidity has come alive creating a lively finish.  (**** 1/2) - video does it better 😉