Years ago, it was 2011, I rated the CREW 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon a 91/100 and for an Ontario Cabernet Sauvignon that’s remarkable. I can recall Bernard Gorski, proprietor of Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW), telling me the grapes had been harvested as late as November. Since that date I have rarely had a great Ontario Cabernet Sauvignon. In the last few years I don’t even bother with Ontario Cabernet Sauvignons but I saw a 2019 CREW Cabernet Sauvignon on the shelves and asked can history somewhat at best repeat itself?
Aromatics: Blueberry, blackberry and mocha.
Palate: Tannins are broad and moderate. Although the blackberry and blueberry are present they are anemic and the wine has an unfortunate tart characteristic. The tannins seem to gang up after each sip. The acids are not out of whack but with wine lacking fruit they certainly do nothing to add to the wine.
Personality: I am so sorry but I am suffering from anemia and need fruit injections to bring me up to snuff. You know I have a 2022 Wine Align Silver Medal Award! Last thing I need is a hot shot wine writer dissing me. Let’s not discuss the business of wine medals here and deflect everything by saying Robert K. Stephen just can’t respect Lake Erie North Shore terroir! Being obsessed with Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon wines with their richness and depth and great value is besides the point. Buy Ontario and who cares if your palate suffers. Be patriotic!
Food match: If I recall correctly Canadian wine critic Natalie Maclean wrote for the CREW 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon that it was a pizza and burger wine. I thought that inappropriate but for the 2019 I say that observation is right on.
Cellarbility: No potential.
In a nutshell: The only hope for a great Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon rests in British Columbia. History did not repeat itself!
Price: $24.95 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 81/100. Toronto Star Carolyn Evans Hammond 92/100.
(CREW 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, VQA Lake Erie North Shore, Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, Harrow, Ontario, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 328385, 14.2%, 750 mL)
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