RKS 2026 CANADIAN WINE: Oxley 2021 Syrah from Lake Erie North Shore

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

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s 11April2026 Vintages catalogue describing this wine states, “Syrah is challenging to grow in Ontario, flourishing in only a select few ideal climates.” Very true.

Aroma: Black fruit predominates primarily black currant and blackberry. Root beer. A certain smokiness.

Palate: Tart red cherry. Lacking in richness. Mild tannins and acids that are in balance. Short finish.

Personality: Not a Rhône Ranger if you are looking for one. Perhaps call me a Syrah Lite? If Lake Erie North Shore and Niagara can’t get it right British Columbia certainly can.

Food Match: Japanese shrimp curry.  Serving chilled on a warm summer day might work best.

Cellarbility: Drink in 2026.

Price: $19 CDN.

RKS 2026 CANADIAN WINE RATING: 84/100.

(Oxley Estate Winery Syrah 2021, VQA Lake Erie North Shore, Oxley Estate Winery, Harrow, Ontario 750 ml, 12%).

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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