INSPIRING: De Simone Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Ontario Wine)

I would not call 2019 a blockbuster vintage in Ontario, 

and yet what Vincenzo De Simone has pulled off with this Cab is nothing short of amazing

De Simone Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

 ... Written Review ...

2019 was some kind of vintage in Ontario, nothing to write home about, but those who managed their vineyard properly got out with they put in. Here De Simone must have been painstakingly careful, because they have crafted a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon that should not be possible. Picked on November 19th, aged in 50 / 50 American / French oak of which the French was new and the American 3 years old. The wine is a triumph, especially when considering the vintage. A sweet mid palate with complexity to spare: black cherry, cassis, mocha, white pepper and a lovely acidity that helps carry the weight of the wine. I'd say amazing for the vintage, but it's just an all-around great wine. Only 112 cases made.  (**** ½)

 

AMAZING bottle of Montes 2020 Alpha M (Chile)

One of the most consistent wineries in terms of quality Chilean wines does it again

Montes 2020 Alpha M 

 

 WRITTEN REVIEW

An absolute ripper ... Tasty and full of flavoured ... Layered and lovely with all its dark fruit. Drink now or hold. This tickles and tingles the tastebuds, it’s everything I'd want in a Chilean wine.  (**** ½)

 

Bachelder Wines 2020 Gamay Noir - Bai Xu Vineyard (Ontario Wine)

Bachelder wines go quick, and this one might be gone; 

but let's shine a light on a new Gamay Noir vineyard, in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Bachelder Wines 2020 Gamay Noir - Bai Xu Vineyard

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

Right on the label Thomas tells us what he did: a 32% whole cluster pressing on this wine- it's amazing to see this die-hard Pinot Noir/ Chardonnay producer latch onto Gamay as hard as he has; he's really showing this "lowly", "disloyal" grape some real love and respect. The nose is floral and red berry, while the palate displays a juicy core of red fruit, a spicy finish that leaves peppery notes battling it out with subtle baking spices. And let’s not forget the great length to the finish.  (****+)

 

MIND-BLOWING: Domaine de Nerleux 2018 Les Loups Noirs (Loire, France)

A brilliant bottle of Cabernet Franc that simply blew my mind

Domaine de Nerleux 2018 Les Loups Noirs

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

Vines planted back in 1997, 70% of the wine spends 18 months in oak, 10% new, the other 30% remains in stainless steel and is then back-blended into the wine to create a fruitier character; the result is a wine of wonderful depth and character: dark berry fruit, nicely spiced with hints of vanilla. The dark fruit comes across as cassis and blackberry – this wine just sings in the mouth.  (**** ½)

Lighthall 2020 Cabernet Franc (Ontario Wine)

It's Cabernet Franc from Prince Edward County, 

and it is really good Cabernet Franc from the County

Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Franc

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

This Cabernet Franc was made in a similar fashion to Lighthall’s 2020 Merlot: 12 months in 75% new oak, but it took very differently to its temporary wooden home. The fruit proves to be dark fruit in nature and also has tobacco and smoke with some bittersweet chocolate on the finish. There's also some pretty hearty tannins, but the fruit is still very much present, some sips later and it feels like it’s just taking a nap in the background. Give this one three to five years to settle down, then pop the cork and enjoy.  (****+)

Flat Rock 2020 Rusty Shed Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

It's from a vintage for the ages - and this is a Chardonnay you're gonna love: 

Flat Rock 2020 Rusty Shed Chardonnay 

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

I actually tasted this wine in the confines of its namesake – did it taste better? Nope, but it's still a tasty wine with or without the sheds presents. Beautiful notes of tropical fruit sweetness, with creamy vanilla, apple, pear and nectarine, plus a dose of acidity and spice on the finish. This leans a little more Cali than Ontario, but it's kind of what I expect from a hot vintage Chardonnay from The Rock.  (****)

Gianni Gagliardo 2017 Barolo, Mosconi (Piedmont, Italy)

Another Barolo that rocked my world and this will do the same for yours

Gianni Gagliardo 2017 Barolo, Mosconi

 

>>> Written Review <<<

A mere 1100 bottles output from this southern exposed, warmer area ... This is a fruit forward number and while the nose leans on the dark side of the fruit spectrum along with mint and balsamic aromas; the palate shows off that dark fruit with a lovely freshness to it, and while there is a pleasant herbal character, it is suppressed by that dark fruit explosion.  (****+)

Terre de la Custodia 2016 Exubera (Umbria, Italy)

Do you have thoughts on what Sagrantino is all about? 

Let me introduce you to a wine that'll turn those notions on their head

Terre de la Custodia 2016 Exubera

 

 

Trius 2020 Red - The Icon (Ontario Wine)

This wine is an almost perennial addition to the video series, 

but 2020 takes it to another level: 

Trius Winery 2020 Red - The Icon

Rosehall Run 2019 JCR Vineyard Chardonnay

Oops, he's done it again, yet another wonderful bottle of 

Rosehall Run 2019 JCR Vineyard Chardonnay

 

>>> THE WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Here’s a surprise. I just got a chance to taste this wine again – the first time was just after its bottling, and not some months later I was implored to try it again (by a Chardonnay loving friend who will remain nameless) … Dan Sullivan continues his winning streak with Chardonnay from his own vineyard. This 2019 has a beautiful mix of minerality and acidity to go along with the white fruit (apple and pear) plus notes of peach and pineapple. There's a little vanilla on the back end and creamy-esque mouthfeel that comes across rich and delicious. This is another JCR Chardonnay I could sit and sip on all day.  

Rating: ****+

Cono Sur 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon - No. 18 Suelo de Piedras (Chile)

Cabernet and Chile go hand-in-hand, don't believe me? Then you need to get a taste of this one

Cono Sur 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Single Vineyard - No. 18 Suelo de Piedras

 

WRITTEN REVIEW

Super cherry-mocha and spiced-red plum start, and it just keeps getting better from there as it opens up in steps: subtle oak, cinnamon, more spiced plum, this time it's of the darker variety and some strawberry – cherry finishes it all off and lingers a long time. This fine bottle of Chilean Cab hits all the right notes, all that's missing is the mint, maybe it just needs time.  (****+)

Vineland 2020 Cabernet Franc (Ontario Wine)

Consistency is key to this value priced Franc, but some years it just elevates to another level

Vineland Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Vineland Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc
Not since the 2016 has the basic Cabernet Franc from Vineland been this good ... Once again it feels like you're stealing from them at this price, so buy a bunch. Juicy with some rugged tannins that will make this one age a decade or more especially under screwcap. There's also some mocha, tobacco, chocolate-cherry and even some bittersweet chocolate on the finish. The fruit really is the signature here, but when that chocolate kicks in it takes it to the next level.  Rating: ****+

Domaine Merceron-(Martin) 2019 Gamay Parcelles (Loire, France)

Gamay in the Loire Valley? It's a thing, and it's a good thing : 

Domaine Merceron (Martin) 2019 Gamay Parcelles

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Domaine Merceron Martin 2019 Parcelles Rouge
100% Gamay … Lovely red berry fruit, lively acidity, subtle shake of pepper, black and boysenberry finish - 1 week carbonic (any longer and you take away the fruitiness and risk bitterness) - needs 2-3 years to meld and come together.  (****+)

 

Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Merlot (Ontario Wine)

Ontario Merlot may not be your cup of ... 

well, I think you'll change your mind after your second sip of this : 

Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Merlot

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Probably would not expect a Merlot that sat in 75% new oak to be this fruit-driven, especially from Prince Edward County- but Holy Moses, would you be wrong to underestimate this one. Fruit hit 24.9 bricks in the South Bay Vineyard, now owned by Lighthall, and achieved an intense ripeness, then aged in cognac-style barrels with a high toast. The result is a rich and black-fruited wine with loads of cassis and blackberry. There's a slight smoky note that adds another layer. Never have I had a Merlot like this from Prince Edward County, proving once again that 2020 was a very special year. (**** ½)

 

Masi 2018 Campofiorin (Veneto, Italy)

They don't always give themselves a 5-star vintage, but this one they did : 

Masi 2018 Campofiorin

 

>>> THE WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Rated as a five-star vintage by Masi themselves, probably one of the toughest ratings to get – judging yourself is never easy – they then proudly display this rating above the vintage date for all to see. The good news is, this wine does not disappoint. Lots of plum and black cherry lead things off as the aromas and palate are very fruit-forward and the balance is there, as the wine is listed at 13%. There's subtle herbal and great spice notes - and the acidity is totally on point. Will only get better with age, but is drinking very well right now.  (**** ½)