New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc hits the right Savvy B notes for me - I find it refreshing, light, easy to drink and perfect for a hot summer day. I know there are fans of the other versions from places like the Loire and California, but for me ... Today, it's the SOHO Winery 2024 Peggy Sauvignon Blanc
I know, as a Canadian, I am not supposed to be promoting American alcohol, but I have been sitting on this video for almost a year. Over the summer I opened a bottle of this, sitting on a dock at a lake, and it was super inspiring - and now it's just time to let the cat out of the bag ...
Today, it's the Hillick & Hobbs 2021 Estate Dry Riesling
Viognier? What the help is it? It is a grape, a white (green) grape that makes very interesting wines in the south of France. But what happens when you take it many miles away from its home. Does it still make interesting wine? Today, it's the Wending Home 2021 Viognier - and I answer that question
With white wines on the rise globally, we are starting to see some producer we never thought would make white wines, make white wines - this is one such story. Today it's the Boscarelli 2022 Il Bianco
Coming off the i4C (International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration) this past weekend, reminded me of how good the Chardonnays in Ontario are; none has rattled my cage most in the last year than this Leaning Post 2020 Chardonnay, Clone 96
Long overdue to tell you about this beautiful wine for summer. This one hails from Greece and is a beauty for those looking for something clean, refreshing and made from a grape we don't hear enough about ... Today it's the Kir-Yianni 2023 Assyrtiko, Le Nord
Sauvignon Blanc should not be a controversial wine, but it seems some like the New Zealand style and some ... not so much. I happen to enjoy them, especially on a hot summer day - a chilled bottle of Savvy B by my side, makes the day all that much better. Today, I recommend the
SoHo Wine 2023 Stella Sauvignon Blanc
In a world full of mediocre Chardonnay this was one of the first I tried that opened my eyes to what Chardonnay could be. Now, many years later, Montague Vineyard Chardonnay is still one of those eye-popping Chardonnays - and that it is from here, in my own backyard (so to speak) makes it even more exciting ... It is time to reveal the newest edition of the Inniskillin 2021 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay.
Maybe you have noticed, I'm on a Canadian Viognier kick here. So far I have pointed you in the direction of three other Canadian Viogniers, with more on the way; like this one today ... Let me tell you about the Bordertown Winery 2023 Viognier ... available at the winery (and fine wine stores). Thank you to the All Canadian Wine Championships for putting me on this panel during the judging. Judging is happening soon, so get your Canadian wines in for the MAY 16, 2025 deadline - maybe I'll find more great wines like this.
When I tasted this Chardonnay I was knocked off my feet, almost literally, so fresh, so vibrant so ... today it's the Alois Lageder 2001 GAUN Chardonnay
For those white wine drinkers looking for something different, unique and totally unexpected; might I point you in the direction of today's wine, the Montonale 2021 Orestilla Lugana DOC
Chardonnay because of what you tried at Lailey, you have Derek to blame. Derek has moved on to create his own label, and for a guy who has made some memorable Chardonnays in his day - this one might be one of his best (or at least up there).
Today, it's the Meldville Wines 2022 Chardonnay
Not too long ago, I mentioned a Viognier from Ontario, and once again Viognier raises its beautiful face, but this time from the other coast. Are we looking at a new darling-grape in Canadian whites ... or are some wineries just getting lucky? Today, it's the Hester Creek 2023 Viognier
For those of you looking for an alternative grape to Chardonnay in Ontario, maybe, just maybe, I have one for you - will it be a continuous thing or a one off, remains to be seen?
Today, it's the 13th Street Winery 2022 Viognier Reserve
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is getting all the hype,
but there is room for others to step in too. Here's one from
Concha y Toro in Chile: 2020 Diablo Crystal Sauvignon Blanc
California Chardonnay is making the turn towards fresher, fruitier wines.
It's been a slow roll out, but it's getting there.
This wine is pointed in the right direction
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2019 Karia Chardonnay
... WRITTEN REVIEW ...
The chill here was perfect and brought out so many of this white's cool temperature loving characteristics. “Karia” is Greek for graceful and that's just what this wine was: super-pleasant from beginning to end. Rich, smoky, oaky, but with a fruit core, that doles out salinity and good acidity; vanilla and some butterscotch also join the show. The wine is made in what Marcus called “a less intervention style”. Only 9 months in barrel, 34% new, all French, with 8% going into stainless steel to retain a modicum of freshness. There's also 0.5% Muscat Canelli that sneaks in - just enough to give it a floral aspect.
Pecorino, a great cheese, an even better wine (sometimes) -
this is one of those wines :
Agricola Pasetti 2022 Collecivetta, Abruzzo Pecorino
Entry-level wines are rarely this good,
but Cave Spring has raised the bar here's why
Cave Spring Vineyard 2021 Chardonnay
THE WRITTEN REVIEW
This is not a straight Chardonnay it is Chardonnay (65%) and Chardonnay Musque (35%); it is 52% estate (grown on the Beamsville Bench) while the rest is grown in the Lincoln Lakeshore sub appellation (closer to the lake). A majority of the wine is fermented in stainless steel; another 5% sees neutral oak and the final 5% sees new oak. Ageing happens for 6 months on lees and only 15% of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation - keeping the wine fresh and fruity. Melon, apple, floral all meet up with good acidity and hints of minerality. You'd be hard pressed to find as good a Chard for the price.
Chardonnay from Chablis is not your same old-same old.
There is something about these wines that just sing in the mouth :
William Fevre 2020 Petit 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
