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.  (****+)