1. From Southbrook Winery, a quick tour through their new biodynamic
releases. I was mightily impressed with their Connect Red 2011 ($14.95,
90+), less so with the Connect White 100% vidal 9% ABV ($14.95, 85 –
87). Also at this level was the Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rose 2011
($19.95, 85 – 87). I enjoyed the Southbrook Whimsy! Chardonnay 2010
($34.95, 88 – 89) and the Triomphe Chardonnay 2010 ($21.95, 88 - 89).
Amongst the dinner reds, I liked the Whimsy! Renewed Vows Cabernet
Franc 2009 ($34.95, 88 – 89) and the Whimsy! Uncloaked Merlot 2010
($34.95, 88 – 89). The Whimsy! names are getting more poetic (the name
of another Southbrook series: you can take this both ways). I'm just
sayin'.
releases. I was mightily impressed with their Connect Red 2011 ($14.95,
90+), less so with the Connect White 100% vidal 9% ABV ($14.95, 85 –
87). Also at this level was the Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rose 2011
($19.95, 85 – 87). I enjoyed the Southbrook Whimsy! Chardonnay 2010
($34.95, 88 – 89) and the Triomphe Chardonnay 2010 ($21.95, 88 - 89).
Amongst the dinner reds, I liked the Whimsy! Renewed Vows Cabernet
Franc 2009 ($34.95, 88 – 89) and the Whimsy! Uncloaked Merlot 2010
($34.95, 88 – 89). The Whimsy! names are getting more poetic (the name
of another Southbrook series: you can take this both ways). I'm just
sayin'.
2. Le Cidre St-Nicolas Rose, +275362, $19.95: Out just in time for
Mother's Day, this fine apple cider from Quebec runs at 7% ABV. It is a
gold medal winner. The apples are crushed cold pressed with raspberries
and strawberries for added complexity and, of course, colour. A
terrific social drink or with dessert, even brunch. A Mum's Day Treat.
The agency, ExquisiTaste also brings in apple products from Vergers St-
Nicolas, such as Geneva Crabapple Butter (deliciously tart and sweet at
the same time), Ice Cider Jelly (great on top of baked brie), and Apple
Syrup for ice cream or pancakes. Usually they are in 200 mL jars at
about six dollars or so. You can find them at the Cheese Boutique or
equisitaste@sympatico.ca.
3. Terra Andina Chardonnay 2010 Central Valley Chile, +234443, $9.95
General List: a generous 13.7% ABV plus a twist top makes this a great
party wine, or served with a first course. It's got good balance with
nuances of wood, vanilla, pineapple, tropical fruits, finishing dry.
General List: a generous 13.7% ABV plus a twist top makes this a great
party wine, or served with a first course. It's got good balance with
nuances of wood, vanilla, pineapple, tropical fruits, finishing dry.
4. J.P. Chenet Chardonnay Reserve 2009 Vin de Pays d'Oc, +255885, $9.95
General List is smooth and balanced, with a bit more vanilla and oak
nuance. It's also a mevushal wine, good with fish and poultry. 12.5%
ABV.
General List is smooth and balanced, with a bit more vanilla and oak
nuance. It's also a mevushal wine, good with fish and poultry. 12.5%
ABV.
5. Rodney Strong Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, +226944 Vintages,
$21.95: This has always been one of my fave Cal cabs at this price
level. 13.5% ABV, 17 months in oak (one-quarter French), a ton of black
fruit – but needs airing or double-decanting. Mocha tones as well.
$21.95: This has always been one of my fave Cal cabs at this price
level. 13.5% ABV, 17 months in oak (one-quarter French), a ton of black
fruit – but needs airing or double-decanting. Mocha tones as well.
6. Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007 St. David's Bench
VQA, at winery or LCBO May 26 Vintages, $19.95: dark, deep, and rich,
but needs more time. Expect lots of black fruit and colour, finishing
with vanilla nuances. Double-decanting a necessity at this point.
Ontario Wine Award Silver Medal in 2011.
VQA, at winery or LCBO May 26 Vintages, $19.95: dark, deep, and rich,
but needs more time. Expect lots of black fruit and colour, finishing
with vanilla nuances. Double-decanting a necessity at this point.
Ontario Wine Award Silver Medal in 2011.
7. Lakeview Cellars Syrah Reserve 2007 St. David's Bench VQA, at winery
or LCBO June 9 Vintages, $19.95: dark, deep, and rich, cedary and
jammy, mocha tones, some leather. Double-decanting a necessity at this
point. Ontario Wine Award Silver Medal in 2011.
8. 20 Bees Late Harvest Vidal 2009 VQA Ontario, +274704, $9.95 for
375mL: cold pressed and cold stabilized all in stainless. Pure fruit
extraction, a compelling dessert wine with ripe orchard fruit and some
botrytis nuances. 11.5% ABV.
9. From Stoney Ridge there is the latest line of Excellence wines. The
wine was launched in 2009, and there have been many medals scored.
a) Stoney Ridge Excellence Meritage 2009 VQA Niagara: 13% ABV, blend of
cabbies and merlot, full-bodied keeper that needs aging, 3200 bottles
at winery, $39.95.
b) Stoney Ridge Excellence Cabernet Franc 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench:
elegant and fruity, slight whiff of saviouriness, 12.8%, cellar it for
food. 1450 bottles at winery. $37.95.
c) Stoney Ridge Excellence Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Kasper Vineyard VQA
Niagara Lakeshore: 13% ABV, light oaking tames down the herby zest
usually associated with savvies. But there is still some tang and
lemons to the finish. $29.95 at winery.
d) Stoney Ridge Excellence Pinot Gris 2010 VQA Niagara Lakeshore: 12.5%
ABV, full-bodied in almost Alsatian mode, orchard fruit and citric
tones, some light oak. 1560 bottles at winery, $29.95.
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