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.

 

Niagara College 2020 Gastronomy Shiraz (Ontario Wine)

Shiraz? In Ontario? Is this a bottle of misnamed wine? I'll let you know talking about this 

Niagara College 2020 Gastronomy Shiraz

 

 

How I hate to see the word Shiraz on a label of Ontario Syrah - it's confusing - and I thought we had passed that; then again, maybe not. The wine itself was aged 20 months in French and American oak, bottled unfiltered and from the toasty 2020 vintage, which should also tell you how the wine is. But there's still no excuse for the name, especially from the Teaching College, of all places. The actual wine in the bottle has notes of raspberry and pepper - both red and black - on the nose; palate is full of spicy-black fruit and that peppery goodness comes through as well. If only it was named properly, then I could relax and be a bigger fan than I already am.  (****+)

Niagara College 2018 Balance Merlot (Ontario Wine Review #436)

Ontario Merlot is an unusual beast, 

it needs time to really become something you want to take to dinner, then there is this : 

Niagara College 2018 Balance Merlot 

($18.95 - available at the winery and online)

Niagara College 2018 Tom Thomson Red (Ontario Wine Review #431)

It's a red blend with a cool label on the bottle and an even cooler wine inside : 

 

Niagara College 2018 Tom Thomson Red 

 

($22.95 - available at the winery and online).

 

Niagara College 2018 Balance Gamay Noir (Ontario Wine Review #420)

I love seeing more wineries getting into the Gamay Game, 

and this one in particular is a game changer, here's why : 

 

Niagara College Teaching Winery 2018 Balance Gamay Noir 

 

($18.95 each - available at the winery and online)

 

Niagara College 2017 President's Red (Ontario Wine Review #407)

This wine made the College's Dean List and there is a reason for it : 

 

Niagara College 2017 President's Red

 

Niagara College NV Balance Brut Rose (Ontario Wine Review #400)

This week my 400th official Ontario video review is a bubbly to celebrate: 

Niagara College NV Balance Brut Rose

 

Ontario Wine Review Video #173: Niagara College Teaching Winery 2012 Dea...