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.