Hello All!
The darker, chillier mornings signal the move into autumn – my favourite time of year! I like the weather, but I like the fruits of the Ontario harvest even more. This year’s growing season brings spectacular bounty – huge peaches and super-sweet corn. Ontario’s wine growers have experienced a stellar growing season and if all the stars align, it doesn’t get too cold too fast between now and October and if there is a huge, rainy deluge – 2007 will produce a plethora of quality grapes for our winemakers. The wines won't be released for a at least year - so remember the 2007 vintage as a great one!
This Saturday, Vintages is highlighting Ontario wines. The release catalog provides photos of some of the winemakers. They look like movie stars – who knew the Back Street Boys became winemakers?!?!
Marc Philip Bradshaw,
Winemaker, Pillitteri
I was pleasantly surprised by the Ontario offerings. Our wine industry is starting to come of age – the vines are getting older and we have a lot of imported wine making talent – who bring new and improved techniques and styles.
WHITE WINES
662601 Peninsula Ridge Viognier 2006 (VQA Niagara Peninsula) $13.95
This is a flavourful, mouth-filling, well-made Viognier. It sports balanced acidity with a fresh clean finish. Great value here!
55178 De Sousa Cellars Gewurtztraminer 2006 (VQA Niagara Peninsula) $15.95
This Gewurtz is slightly off-dry with a tropical fruit (mostly pineapple) notes on the palate.
557165 Henry of Pelham Off-Dry Riesling 2006 (VQA Short Hills Bench) $14.95
This vineyard gets the benefit of a southern exposure. The extra dose of sunshine means that maximum ripeness is achieved – especially when the grapes are picked mid-October. The wine boasts floral notes with a defined peach aftertaste. VALUE!!!
232439 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2005 (Washington State) $17.95
This is an interesting chard – rather atypical, but rather tasty. It’s fresh with only a hint of oak. Nutmeg predominates the palate. May be good to grab for Thanksgiving supper!
RED WINES
686162 Trumpour’s Mill Cab/Merlot 2005 (The Grange of Prince Edward County) $17.95
40% Cab Franc & Sauv., 20% Merlot. Raspberries and strawberries abound – a great “sipper” – but you will get the most out of this one if you decant for an hour before serving. This is one of my favourites in this release. Some will claim I am biased as I hang out in the County a fair bit – but honestly – I really liked it and I haven’t tried too many from the County that are this good!
49973 Willow Heights Tresette Meritage Reserve 2005 (VQA Niagara Peninsula) $19.95
This one is smooth with a beautiful finish. It is relatively austere for a New World effort!
998492 Dona Paula Estate Shiraz-Malbec (Argentina) $16.95
Big, dark fruits are surprisingly smooth going down.
721589 Elderton Tantulus Shiraz/Cab/Malbec/Merlot 2005 (Barossa Valley, AUS) $16.95
A paltry 5% Merlot versus 59% Shiraz spells BIG! Berries, pepper – a very yummy fruit bomb!
524926 Yalumba Barossa Shiraz & Viognier 2004 (Australia) $19.95
Blackberries alongside subtle floral notes. Intense – an outstanding effort!
43042 Abbotts Turrilite 2005 (Minervois, France) $14.95
Berries, plums and softness are featured in this well-balanced, easy drinking wine.
43075 Domaine de la Croix 2004 (France) $16.95
Light on length – don’t despair! Each sip is full of ripe, dark fruit. It’s full-bodied in an Old World style.
658369 Altesino Rosso 2004 (Tuscany) $18.95
80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot – Fantastic finish, full bodied – a well-priced Italian – Brunello wannabe at half the price!
718999 Bodegas Castano Hecula 2004 (Spain) $15.95
Smooth, yet full-flavoured. Baked plums with a hint of mocha on the long finish.
674465 Prado Rey Roble 2005 (Ribera del Duero, Spain) $16.95
Dark fruits, shtank are featured here. Medium-bodied with smooth tannins make this so easy to sip!
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