RKS 2023 Wine: Another Try of Pinot Noir from Ontario

Hoping not to be stoned to death by Ontario Pinot Noir fundamentalists as far as Canadian Pinot Noir goes it takes a back seat to British Columbia, particularly the Okanagan. But refusing to shut doors we venture on to a Magnotta 2017 Limited Edition Pinot Noir from Niagara.

Aroma: Not one of those light, elegant and sensual Pinot Noirs. More of a heavy and brooding type. Instead of readily apparent strawberry and raspberry we have some heavy-set black cherry with a tinge or two of milk chocolate.

Palate: First impressions are that the aroma of the wine does not really do justice to the wine. Although it is not a light and elegant Pinot Noir it has its own personality. Smooth with notes of black currant, cactus pear and some black cherry. Moderately long finish with a bit of heat.

Personality: Ok if you are looking for a stereotypical Pinot Noir you are handcuffed by a lack of creativity. Expand your mind or at least let me try to have you think differently and positively about an Ontario Pinot Noir. Who says a Pinot Noir must be this or that? Damn wine writers…..

Food Match: This is no salmon wine! Chicken Cacciatore or Beef Bourguignon. Vegheads think about a Mushroom Bourguignon.

Cellarbility: I sense a wine that can benefit from ageing to loosen it up a bit. At its price point it might be justified to age it over the next three years so it can be consumed prior to 2026-year end.

Price: $18.95 CDN.

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 88/100.

(Magnotta 2017 Limited Edition Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Magnotta Wines, Ontario, 750 mL, 13%)

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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