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.