If you are looking to buy Canadian wine here in Ontario on a Liquor Commission Board of Ontario Vintages bi-monthly release the bias (if not obsession) is for wines produced in the Niagara region. Tokenism is extended to wines from Prince Edward County and Lake Erie North Shore and as for wines from British Columbia, Quebec and Nova Scotia dream on.
Mastronardi Wines is in the Lake Erie North Shore wine producing region of Ontario.
We try a Mastronardi 2021 Merlot Cabernet and note with a hem and haw the wine is VQA Ontario and not VQA Lake Erie North Shore. Please don’t tell me the wine is made from gapes trucked in from Niagara!
Aroma: One senses a preponderance of Merlot in the blend with a rather lush aroma with loads of black cherry and lesser amounts of blackberry and blueberry.
Palate: Light but broad tannins with a solid jolt of black cherry complimented by blueberry and cassis with a smidge of milk chocolate. Moderately long finish.
Personality: I am proof with skillful use of oak a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend can be appealing. Unlike many Ontario Merlot/Cabernets I won’t disappoint. I am also a fine sipper in addition to a wonderful accompaniment with food.
Food Match: Haddock or Cod Japanese curry.
Cellarbility: Drinking window closes mid 2027.
Price: $19 CDN.
RKS 2025 Canadian Wine Rating: 90/100.
(Mastronardi Estate Winery 2021 Merlot Cabernet, VQA Ontario, Mastronardi Estate Winery, Kingsville, Ontario, 750 mL, 14%).
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