Friday, September 9, 2022

Rosehall Run 2019 UV - Nedelko Vineyard (Ontario Wine)

Grapes come from Niagara, but Dan Sullivan makes this wine all his own
 
Rosehall Run 2019 UV - Nedelko Vineyard
 

... THE WRITTEN REVIEW ...
This Niagara-based Meritage blend comes from Niagara's Nedelko vineyard - and for 2019 it delivers so much more then I would have expected it to Cherry and sour cherry meet strawberry, but without being over the top, then there's mocha and pencil shavings with a juicy drink-ability that carries it right down the middle. It's quite a lovely bottle, proving Dan Sullivan can work with both Prince Edward County and Niagara fruit - but I think we've known that from his past endeavours.  ( **** )

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Le Mortelle 2018 Poggio alle Nane (Italian Wine)

Such a cool wine made from a cool blend of grapes from a very special vineyard 
own by a legendary winery: 
 
Le Mortelle 2018 Poggio alle Nane 
 
 
 
 
THE WRITTEN REVIEW ...
 
2018 Poggio all Nane - Le Mortelle

The "Le Mortelle" property was purchased in 1999, consisting of 170 acres and is home to three whites (Viognier / Vermentino / Ansomica) and three reds (Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc / Carmenere) - you read that last one correctly, the grape that Chile is attempting to make famous also resides in an Antinori vineyard in Maremma, Italy. This Cabernet Franc dominated blend has Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere in the mix, which was added for the first time in the 2016 vintage, after 5-to-6 years of research to see if the variety was viable in this location - obviously it was, and is. The first vintage of Poggio Alle Nane was in 2009 - but was certainly made better with the addition of Carmenere in 2016. It is age 16 months in barrique, of which ⅓ is new. This was my favorite wine of the tasting with a complexity that blew me away: mocha and black fruit on the nose with a palate that delivers dark fruit, pepper, tobacco and the promise of so much more to come. It's a wild wine from its make up to its aromas right down to the flavours. I walked out thinking "Carmenere in Italy, who 'da thunk it?" - well Antinori obviously.  (**** ½)