RKS CANADIAN Wine: Reif Estate’s 2020 Niagara River Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inWineTags:, , , , , ,

 Ontario Cabernet Franc offers wine drinkers excellent results but with Ontario Cabernet Sauvignon it is “Brave New World”. It seldom impresses.

What about the REIF Estate 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Ontario’s Niagara River appellation?

Aroma: Blueberry, black cherry, licorice and charcoal.

Palate: Diffuse and moderate tannins. The intriguing aromas do not migrate to the palate in great intensity. Do we politely call this a “cold climate” Cabernet Sauvignon instead of labelling it weak kneed?

Personality: I am a Niagara Cabernet Sauvignon. I am lean and tough if you prefer that style.

Food Match: The label suggests a roasted leg of lamb but much depends on how that leg is seasoned. I think a duck roasted with Port, chicken broth, celery, carrots and freshly squeezed orange juice might work well.

Cellarbility: Some vague hope the wine might improve into 2029 .

Price: $35 CDN. You can fare much better with a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon at $25.

RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine Rating: 84/100.Matt Steeves 93.

(Reif Estate Winery 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, VQA Niagara River, Reif Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 750 mL,13.5%).

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."

Leave a comment