We here in Ontario are certainly familiar with Niagara’s Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay, Rosé, Gewurztraminer and Riesling all jolly well top end. How about their Pinot Noir? Having visited the winery within certain lockdown periods their Pinot Noir is good stuff! So let us get the cockfight going here with a sharp clawed Flat RockContinue reading “Pinot Noir Battle: Canada vs. South Africa”
Category Archives: Wine
Battle of The Pinot Noirs: Canada vs. The United States
We saw in the New Zealand vs. Canada fight recently there was a draw. In this corner from Pelee Island Winery in Ontario, Canada a Vinedressers 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir weighing in at 13%. On the nose a very familiar raspberry and red cherry aroma with a hint of blackberry all contained in a pureContinue reading “Battle of The Pinot Noirs: Canada vs. The United States”
Pinot Noir Battle: Canada vs. New Zealand
In this corner at 14% we have a contender from New Zealand from a veteran winery called Thornbury from the Central Otago region in New Zealand’s South Island. Wine fans you may know that New Zealand can be a top-quality producer of not only Sauvignon Blanc and now increasingly Pinot Noir. The nose suggests aContinue reading “Pinot Noir Battle: Canada vs. New Zealand”
Australian White Wines Speak!
Our first is a Marsanne from Tahbilk. Yes you see it occasionally as a single varietal in Australia but you also see it blended with Rousanne. On the nose apricot, peach, mango with some very sweet white grapefruit. On the palate Portuguese custard tart, canned pineapple, jasmine tea and apricot nectar. Light on the acidsContinue reading “Australian White Wines Speak!”
Cali Cab and an Exposé about wine consumption when the rooster was crowing!
Some people out there swear that California Cabernet Sauvignon is tops. That certainly is open for debate. One thing for sure a top growth Cali Cab is not cheap and so iconic you need to be put on a wait list. Now not being a neurologist, cardiologist or social media tycoon, I don’t think manyContinue reading “Cali Cab and an Exposé about wine consumption when the rooster was crowing!”
Back to Bordeaux: Disappointing this time
As for Bordeaux reds there is, as far as the Liquor Control Board of Ontario goes, a decent supply available at reasonable prices and you are almost assured good quality wines. You can spend a bundle for the “first growths” upwards and beyond $1,000 a bottle but you can be parsimonious and spend in theContinue reading “Back to Bordeaux: Disappointing this time”
Worthy from Walla Walla Washington!
It is grand not having to associate Washington with corruption, riots and Trump. I am referring to the state of Washington that has a good reputation for its Cabernet Sauvignon. This one is from Canoe Ridge Vineyard sourcing grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills. On the nose you get a sense of new French oakContinue reading “Worthy from Walla Walla Washington!”
British Columbia’s Okanagan Wines Power On!
From British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley we have a Meritage from Sunrock Vineyards which is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Okanagan does a splendid job with these grapes on a singe varietal basis so I expect that usual high quality in a blend! Unfortunately expectations can sometimes be shattered. A lushContinue reading “British Columbia’s Okanagan Wines Power On!”
The Battle of the Portuguese Sagrados
Several years ago after attending Port Wine Day in Porto, Portugal I had a fantastic lunch with the owner of Quinta do Sagrado José Marie Calem in an outdoor restaurant overlooking the Douro River. It was a warm September day and we really dug into some incredible seafood in the old section of Porto. AfterwardsContinue reading “The Battle of the Portuguese Sagrados”
British Columbian Blue Mountain Bubbles
British Columbia can produce some excellent sparkling wine. The Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut sparkling wine is made the same way Champagne is produced which is often referred to as the “traditional method”. Its riot of tiny bubbles is a good sign. On the nose lime, apple, pear with some guava. Very clean and sharpContinue reading “British Columbian Blue Mountain Bubbles”
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