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.  (****+)