Winterlude Wine Tasting [Events]
2009 Feb 21
We were there, and I do agree that it's unfortunate that there was less food this time than there was last year. The cheeses that were there, though, were great.
I think the story of Ontario wineries hasn't changed that much over the last couple of years: you'll find some good things, and some terrible things, and some pretty OK things. It's no different here than anywhere else.
Totally agree with all of your recommendations, BDM, but I will say that I love CdC's Gamay Droit, expressly because of that earthy, rustic, food-loving "twang" it's got. (Niagara Gamays are, in my mind, world class.)
On top of the ones you've mentioned, I'd also like to give my regards to:
- Cave Spring's CSV Riesling and Cab Franc
- Cattail Creek's off-dry Riesling (no wonder so many restaurants sell it, and the people are so nice!)
- Black Prince's Muscadet (it's got way more tropical fruit than your standard French offering)
- Flat Rock's Nadja's Vineyard Riesling
The 2006 Stratus White is stunning, even at this very early point of development (they were just bottled recently, and I'm sure there's some bottle shock that needs to wear off). And remember that the Stratus wines are $38 if you pre-order before the end of the month. What a deal! ;)
I think the story of Ontario wineries hasn't changed that much over the last couple of years: you'll find some good things, and some terrible things, and some pretty OK things. It's no different here than anywhere else.
Totally agree with all of your recommendations, BDM, but I will say that I love CdC's Gamay Droit, expressly because of that earthy, rustic, food-loving "twang" it's got. (Niagara Gamays are, in my mind, world class.)
On top of the ones you've mentioned, I'd also like to give my regards to:
- Cave Spring's CSV Riesling and Cab Franc
- Cattail Creek's off-dry Riesling (no wonder so many restaurants sell it, and the people are so nice!)
- Black Prince's Muscadet (it's got way more tropical fruit than your standard French offering)
- Flat Rock's Nadja's Vineyard Riesling
The 2006 Stratus White is stunning, even at this very early point of development (they were just bottled recently, and I'm sure there's some bottle shock that needs to wear off). And remember that the Stratus wines are $38 if you pre-order before the end of the month. What a deal! ;)
2009 Feb 21
I wasn't there last year, so I can't compare the food selection with the previous edition, but I did attend the Australian, New Zealand, and California wine fairs last year, which had a similar format and (IMHO) much better food.
Re the Gamay Droit, I do have a bottle of the 07 on hand, and will have a chance to try it with suitable food soon. I agree that Niagara Gamays can be very fine, and are generally under-appreciated.
I hadn't tried the Cattail Creek Riesling before, and must admit that my first impression wasn't positive - I found it watery, and lacking in zip. I wasn't thrilled with the Cave Spring CSV, either - it had a very pronounced "lemon bread" aroma and taste. I find the same quality in many of the 07 Ontario Rieslings I've tasted. I think it's a characteristic that comes out more in warm vintages, and especially from warmer climates - nearly every Aussie Riesling I've tried has had that cooked lemon quality. I prefer the mouth-watering acidity and delicate balance of cool-climate Rieslings. Germany sets the benchmark here, but Ontario can also be in that class, especially in the cooler vintages. I really prefer 06 to 07 for Ontario Riesling (though the opposite is true for most other varietals, especially the reds). Anyway, that's just my particular taste, which doesn't seem to be shared by most of the wine pundits.
Cheers!
Re the Gamay Droit, I do have a bottle of the 07 on hand, and will have a chance to try it with suitable food soon. I agree that Niagara Gamays can be very fine, and are generally under-appreciated.
I hadn't tried the Cattail Creek Riesling before, and must admit that my first impression wasn't positive - I found it watery, and lacking in zip. I wasn't thrilled with the Cave Spring CSV, either - it had a very pronounced "lemon bread" aroma and taste. I find the same quality in many of the 07 Ontario Rieslings I've tasted. I think it's a characteristic that comes out more in warm vintages, and especially from warmer climates - nearly every Aussie Riesling I've tried has had that cooked lemon quality. I prefer the mouth-watering acidity and delicate balance of cool-climate Rieslings. Germany sets the benchmark here, but Ontario can also be in that class, especially in the cooler vintages. I really prefer 06 to 07 for Ontario Riesling (though the opposite is true for most other varietals, especially the reds). Anyway, that's just my particular taste, which doesn't seem to be shared by most of the wine pundits.
Cheers!
2009 Feb 22
Alas, I missed the Pillitteri... except for the Peninsula Cab Franc Icewine, I never got around to the sweeties. Maybe if they'd had some food to match...
I must say, though, that I was pleasantly surprised that there were Icewines available, along with some high end reds and whites from the likes of Stratus and Tawse.
I think both Ontario reds and whites are generally improving, but there is still lots of plonk out there. You have to do your homework to learn which wineries are on top of their game, and vintages are *very* important to take note of.
I must say, though, that I was pleasantly surprised that there were Icewines available, along with some high end reds and whites from the likes of Stratus and Tawse.
I think both Ontario reds and whites are generally improving, but there is still lots of plonk out there. You have to do your homework to learn which wineries are on top of their game, and vintages are *very* important to take note of.
2009 Feb 23
I generally like my Rieslings bone-dry as well: all full of lemon and mineral, but I'm working my away around some more off-dry styles to see if there are any others I like.
If you like your Rieslings to be like licking a wet rock, the Cave Spring Reserve Riesling and the Flat Rock "Nadja's Vineyard" one I mention above should suit your fancy. But they might be a bit off-balanced for you? We'll figure this out eventually ;)
If you like your Rieslings to be like licking a wet rock, the Cave Spring Reserve Riesling and the Flat Rock "Nadja's Vineyard" one I mention above should suit your fancy. But they might be a bit off-balanced for you? We'll figure this out eventually ;)
2009 Feb 23
Momo, I think we're on opposite sides of the fence on this one!
I generally don't care for the bone-dry, minerally style. I like my Rieslings off-dry, delicate, fruity, low in alcohol, and with just the right amount of mouth-watering acidity to deftly balance the sweetness. Like I said before, German Rieslings are still the benchmark. What I don't like, whether the style is sweet or dry, is when the grapes have been allowed to ripen too much - then the wine tends to lose its delicacy and be dominated by that "cooked lemon" aroma and taste. This is not a problem in Ontario in cool vintages like 2006, but it is quite common in the warmer vintages like 2005 and 2007, unless the winemakers intervened and picked at the right time.
There is plenty of good Riesling made in Ontario by the likes of Thirty Bench, Vineland, Cave Spring, Henry of Pelham, Tawse, etc., but they don't all hit the mark every year.
I generally don't care for the bone-dry, minerally style. I like my Rieslings off-dry, delicate, fruity, low in alcohol, and with just the right amount of mouth-watering acidity to deftly balance the sweetness. Like I said before, German Rieslings are still the benchmark. What I don't like, whether the style is sweet or dry, is when the grapes have been allowed to ripen too much - then the wine tends to lose its delicacy and be dominated by that "cooked lemon" aroma and taste. This is not a problem in Ontario in cool vintages like 2006, but it is quite common in the warmer vintages like 2005 and 2007, unless the winemakers intervened and picked at the right time.
There is plenty of good Riesling made in Ontario by the likes of Thirty Bench, Vineland, Cave Spring, Henry of Pelham, Tawse, etc., but they don't all hit the mark every year.
2009 Feb 24
The important thing is that we're having an open debate with the same end-point: Ontario wines aren't sucky.
I believe that Tawse and Vineland Estates have both stated that they craft their Rieslings in the Mösel style, so that would explain your tendencies towards them. I think Angel's Gate does, too, although I wasn't too taken by the one they were pouring that night.
Have you ever tried the Stratus Rieslings? They're a bit more full-bodied and off-dry, but still have a nice acidity to them. Roughly the same price-point as their top-tier ones ($35 each), so not an every day drinker. More a drink for dinner parties, or your local Jaguar owners' convention ;)
Niagara reds, well, that's another debate all-together, and one that may leave me out on the other side of the fence, too. Because I love the tannic "twang" that a lot of the (non-Pinot) Niagara reds have. It makes them more food-friendly, and don't make me want to have a nap after having a glass.
I believe that Tawse and Vineland Estates have both stated that they craft their Rieslings in the Mösel style, so that would explain your tendencies towards them. I think Angel's Gate does, too, although I wasn't too taken by the one they were pouring that night.
Have you ever tried the Stratus Rieslings? They're a bit more full-bodied and off-dry, but still have a nice acidity to them. Roughly the same price-point as their top-tier ones ($35 each), so not an every day drinker. More a drink for dinner parties, or your local Jaguar owners' convention ;)
Niagara reds, well, that's another debate all-together, and one that may leave me out on the other side of the fence, too. Because I love the tannic "twang" that a lot of the (non-Pinot) Niagara reds have. It makes them more food-friendly, and don't make me want to have a nap after having a glass.
2009 Feb 24
Hello guys/gals...
Is there any resources available on Ontario wines that you would point a novice to? I'd like some information regarding the best buys at a bunch of price ranges/varietals...including those which to avoid completely, and those that are the best representations of Ontario/Quebec viticulture. Thanks...I appreciate your above observations/recommendations.
Is there any resources available on Ontario wines that you would point a novice to? I'd like some information regarding the best buys at a bunch of price ranges/varietals...including those which to avoid completely, and those that are the best representations of Ontario/Quebec viticulture. Thanks...I appreciate your above observations/recommendations.
2009 Feb 24
I'm a big fan of Billy Munnelly's book, "Billy's Best Bottles." It's got other countries in it other than Canada, but definitely provides a good cross-section of what is good here and what is less good here, without any pretense.
www.billysbestbottles.com
There's a section at the back that has Niagara and Prince Edward County picks at each winery, as well, in case you're planning a visit.
Apart from that, your best resource is Ottawa Foodies. ;)
www.billysbestbottles.com
There's a section at the back that has Niagara and Prince Edward County picks at each winery, as well, in case you're planning a visit.
Apart from that, your best resource is Ottawa Foodies. ;)
2009 Feb 24
No, I haven't tried any Stratus Riesling... that's really out of my price range for Riesling. The most I've paid for Ontario Riesling is $28 for the 06 Thirty Bench "Wood Post", and $25 for the 06 Vineland Estates "Elevation". And those were a stretch... I don't often go above $20 for Rieslings, as there are quite a few good ones in the under $20, including some real bargains from Germany (but you have to watch the new introductions at Vintages - don't look for them in the meagre LCBO general listings). Fortunately, Riesling remains relatively unfashionable, and doesn't command (with a few notable exceptions from Germany, and of course, Icewine and some late harvest styles) the stratospheric prices that many other varietals do.
I still have fond memories of visiting Thirty Bench for the first time in 2002, and trying their 2000 semi-dry Riesling. It was spectacular, and priced at $10.95! I ended up carting off a case and a half, and enjoying them over the next year or so. Wine tastes better when it's good *and* cheap. :-) No bargains when I last visited TB in 2007, but they still make some fine Rieslings... and tasty reds, too.
I don't think Angel's Gate is in the same class as Thirty Bench, Tawse, et al. I tried their Gewurtz at the tasting, and found it to be remarkably bland, especially for a ripe vintage like 2007. I've never been impressed with their "Sussreserve" Riesling, so I steered clear of that one.
I still have fond memories of visiting Thirty Bench for the first time in 2002, and trying their 2000 semi-dry Riesling. It was spectacular, and priced at $10.95! I ended up carting off a case and a half, and enjoying them over the next year or so. Wine tastes better when it's good *and* cheap. :-) No bargains when I last visited TB in 2007, but they still make some fine Rieslings... and tasty reds, too.
I don't think Angel's Gate is in the same class as Thirty Bench, Tawse, et al. I tried their Gewurtz at the tasting, and found it to be remarkably bland, especially for a ripe vintage like 2007. I've never been impressed with their "Sussreserve" Riesling, so I steered clear of that one.
2009 Feb 24
Itchy Feet - "The Man" and I are big fans of Jackson-Triggs Proprieters Reserve Gewurtztraminer from the LCBO "Regular List" LCBO # 526269 $ 12.25 / 750 ml. Goes well with a variety of spicy foods including - Indian, Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.
As someone else said, the only thing better than good wine, is good wine at a great price.
Cheers!
As someone else said, the only thing better than good wine, is good wine at a great price.
Cheers!
2009 Feb 24
thanks F&T. i guess i should have clarified: is there anything in addition to J-T's Gewurtz (and Pelee Island's)? I've had both (sometime ago) and remember liking both (and will try J-T again soon). But, are there's lesser known options (from smaller wineries) that are comparable?
And yes, good + great price = great! (don't mind spending a tiny bit more, though, as necessary.)
And yes, good + great price = great! (don't mind spending a tiny bit more, though, as necessary.)
2009 Feb 25
Tracinho, I don't know of a resource that has everything you're looking for (especially what to avoid!), but check these sites out:
www.ontariowinereview.com
www.winecurrent.com
rodphillipsonwine.com
The first two have reviews of Ontario wines, and all three offer free newsletters that provide some coverage of new releases from Ontario. Rod Phillips' book "The 500 Best-Value Wines in the LCBO" likely includes some Ontario wines, but I haven't looked at it myself.
Itchy, regarding Ontario Gewurztraminer, the regular listings at the LCBO have pretty slim pickings, though I agree that J-T is perhaps the best of the lot. I would also give Hillebrand and Palatine Hills (if you can find it) a try. Better Ontario Gewurz does show up at Vintages from time to time, e.g., from Malivoire, Henry of Pelham, Chateau des Charmes, and (maybe) Calamus, Thirty Bench, and Ridgepoint. Of course, the optimum solution is a trip to Niagara to check them all out yourself!
www.ontariowinereview.com
www.winecurrent.com
rodphillipsonwine.com
The first two have reviews of Ontario wines, and all three offer free newsletters that provide some coverage of new releases from Ontario. Rod Phillips' book "The 500 Best-Value Wines in the LCBO" likely includes some Ontario wines, but I haven't looked at it myself.
Itchy, regarding Ontario Gewurztraminer, the regular listings at the LCBO have pretty slim pickings, though I agree that J-T is perhaps the best of the lot. I would also give Hillebrand and Palatine Hills (if you can find it) a try. Better Ontario Gewurz does show up at Vintages from time to time, e.g., from Malivoire, Henry of Pelham, Chateau des Charmes, and (maybe) Calamus, Thirty Bench, and Ridgepoint. Of course, the optimum solution is a trip to Niagara to check them all out yourself!
2009 Feb 26
Gewürz is a bit of a crap shoot in Ontario, depending on what you like. There's a fairly large selection of places that do it, ranging from light and fruity to heavy and floral. Fielding makes an interesting one, and I'm pretty sure that it's available at the LCBO.
I agree with BDM: best way to get an Ontario Gewürz is to visit Niagara. The Cave Spring one is really nice, but winery-only. Strewn makes one that's done in a lighter style than the Cave Spring/Fielding, but can be a bit hit-and-miss between years. Again, winery-only. And last year (here I go again) Stratus had enough good Gewürz to make a varietal bottling. It's bitchin'. Very Alsatian: it's finished in oak (as opposed to the usual steel tanks), and thus very full-bodied.
I should sear off some duck breasts some time soon, crack open a bottle of Gewürz, and go to town.
Dang I'm hungry.
I agree with BDM: best way to get an Ontario Gewürz is to visit Niagara. The Cave Spring one is really nice, but winery-only. Strewn makes one that's done in a lighter style than the Cave Spring/Fielding, but can be a bit hit-and-miss between years. Again, winery-only. And last year (here I go again) Stratus had enough good Gewürz to make a varietal bottling. It's bitchin'. Very Alsatian: it's finished in oak (as opposed to the usual steel tanks), and thus very full-bodied.
I should sear off some duck breasts some time soon, crack open a bottle of Gewürz, and go to town.
Dang I'm hungry.
2009 Feb 26
I agree with the others, a trip to Niagara is an absolute must, if one is to truly enjoy Ontario wines. There are indeed several wineries that produce Gewurztraminer in limited quantities (too little to interest the LCBO... not to mention that they have no problem selling it to select wine customers, and thereby keeping the LCBO out of their "profit pockets").
I believe I have had the Gewurz at Fielding that Momomoto is speaking of, as well as tastes here and there of a few others... we may well have even bought a bottle or two, but alas they are long gone, and I can't recall their names.
One that I do have noted in my "Wine Records" is a 2004 from Reif Estates it was an LCBO Vintages Release in 2006. My wine notes say that we really liked it.
As for the Jackson-Triggs it is a star performer, and a staple in our wine cabinet. This topic got "The Man" and I talking, and we believe we may have first got turned on to the J-T varietal on a trip to Niagara several years ago, when they had a small batch of "Delaine Vineyard" Gewurtztraminer being featured. We bought a few bottles, but have since had to make due with standard "Proprietor's Reserve" version from the LCBO.
And on that note, this post inspired us last night to cook Cajun and crack open a bottle... a 2005 that had been in the cellar quite awhile... it had an interesting golden colour (almost ice-wine-ish looking) and was as smooth as glass. Oh ya!
PS... I just now checked out the Jackson-Triggs Website and I see that they currently have a 2008 Delaine Vineyard Gewurtztraminer available (released July 2008). This wine comes in at a kick-@ss 13.3% alcohol (vs the Proprietor's Reserve at 11%). Delaine Vineyard is their absolute top of the line product.
PPS... Other wines currently listed as available from the Delaine Vineyard include - 2006 Chardonnay - 2005 Riesling - 2007 Sauvignon Blanc - 2006 Cabernet-Merlot - 2006 Merlot - 2006 Pinot Noir - 2006 Syrah and a 2007 Riesling Ice-Wine. It says the Delaine's are avaiable at the Winery, or at some Wine Racks (I always forget about those stores)... I may have to check it out.
www.jacksontriggswinery.com
Couldn't get the direct link to work... so you'll have to click thru via Wines, Niagara Estate & Delaine Vineyard.
I believe I have had the Gewurz at Fielding that Momomoto is speaking of, as well as tastes here and there of a few others... we may well have even bought a bottle or two, but alas they are long gone, and I can't recall their names.
One that I do have noted in my "Wine Records" is a 2004 from Reif Estates it was an LCBO Vintages Release in 2006. My wine notes say that we really liked it.
As for the Jackson-Triggs it is a star performer, and a staple in our wine cabinet. This topic got "The Man" and I talking, and we believe we may have first got turned on to the J-T varietal on a trip to Niagara several years ago, when they had a small batch of "Delaine Vineyard" Gewurtztraminer being featured. We bought a few bottles, but have since had to make due with standard "Proprietor's Reserve" version from the LCBO.
And on that note, this post inspired us last night to cook Cajun and crack open a bottle... a 2005 that had been in the cellar quite awhile... it had an interesting golden colour (almost ice-wine-ish looking) and was as smooth as glass. Oh ya!
PS... I just now checked out the Jackson-Triggs Website and I see that they currently have a 2008 Delaine Vineyard Gewurtztraminer available (released July 2008). This wine comes in at a kick-@ss 13.3% alcohol (vs the Proprietor's Reserve at 11%). Delaine Vineyard is their absolute top of the line product.
PPS... Other wines currently listed as available from the Delaine Vineyard include - 2006 Chardonnay - 2005 Riesling - 2007 Sauvignon Blanc - 2006 Cabernet-Merlot - 2006 Merlot - 2006 Pinot Noir - 2006 Syrah and a 2007 Riesling Ice-Wine. It says the Delaine's are avaiable at the Winery, or at some Wine Racks (I always forget about those stores)... I may have to check it out.
www.jacksontriggswinery.com
Couldn't get the direct link to work... so you'll have to click thru via Wines, Niagara Estate & Delaine Vineyard.
2009 Feb 26
I checked the LCBO for the Fielding Gewurz using their online search... there are a few bottles still around at their main downtown store and out in Orleans, but otherwise none left in the area. I checked my notes from my last trip to Niagara in the fall of 07, and see a note to self to try their 06 Gewurz, but it didn't happen... guess they were out of it, or it wasn't offered for tasting. Oh well, one of these days.
I haven't seen the Delaine Gewurz, but will keep an eye open for it. The Delaine wines are always worth a try... just enjoyed their 06 Chard a few weeks back.
Another Ontario Gewurz producer of note is Featherstone. Their 07 was at Vintages last year, and it was very impressive... none left locally, though.
Gewurz is a very promising varietal for Ontario... it's no newcomer here, either. I think Inniskillin was growing it back in the 70's. I remember seeing a TV program many years ago, probably around 1980, which featured Don Ziraldo, co-founder of Inniskillin, traveling to California to meet up with Robert Mondavi. To show his stuff, he took along a few bottles of his Gewurz... Mondavi was reportedly impressed with the product from this unknown upstart from the Great White North. No sign of Gewurz in their portfolio today, though.
I haven't seen the Delaine Gewurz, but will keep an eye open for it. The Delaine wines are always worth a try... just enjoyed their 06 Chard a few weeks back.
Another Ontario Gewurz producer of note is Featherstone. Their 07 was at Vintages last year, and it was very impressive... none left locally, though.
Gewurz is a very promising varietal for Ontario... it's no newcomer here, either. I think Inniskillin was growing it back in the 70's. I remember seeing a TV program many years ago, probably around 1980, which featured Don Ziraldo, co-founder of Inniskillin, traveling to California to meet up with Robert Mondavi. To show his stuff, he took along a few bottles of his Gewurz... Mondavi was reportedly impressed with the product from this unknown upstart from the Great White North. No sign of Gewurz in their portfolio today, though.
2009 Feb 27
Totally agree, BDM: we can make a damn good Gewürz. Let's see what I remember from conversations I've had with people in Niagara (and Wikipedia):
Gewürztraminer does well in Niagara because:
- It grows vigorously
- It likes fertile, non-chalky soil (which Niagara has an abundance of)
- It ripens late (which Niagara's climate can afford)
- It likes warm, dry summers
On the negative side, though, is that it buds early and is therefore subject to frost damage in our climate.
So the quality of your Gewürz will have a lot to do with what part of Niagara you're growing it in. (I guess that applies to almost every grape variety, but you know what I mean.)
Gewürztraminer does well in Niagara because:
- It grows vigorously
- It likes fertile, non-chalky soil (which Niagara has an abundance of)
- It ripens late (which Niagara's climate can afford)
- It likes warm, dry summers
On the negative side, though, is that it buds early and is therefore subject to frost damage in our climate.
So the quality of your Gewürz will have a lot to do with what part of Niagara you're growing it in. (I guess that applies to almost every grape variety, but you know what I mean.)
2009 Feb 27
BDM & Momomoto - Gewurztraminer is indeed a great Niagara wine (the other white being Riesling) easy enough to see why these two do so well, we have a lot of similarities with Alsace & Germany (climate wise).
Interesting to hear that the LCBO may still have some Fielding bottles around, I may have to investigate further.
As for Featherstone, I may have tasted that one as well... seeing as we see them as a bit of "hidden" gem in the Niagara Region... really they are a "family jewel" and in many ways can't compete with the BIG GUYS marketing, but they do have some outstanding wines (you might have to sniff and taste a bit... but that is part of the fun, eh). Not to mention a fantastic setting, big old white clapboard farmhouse with wrap-around veranda on which they serve freshly made soups, sandwiches, and cheese plates, and pitchers of sangria in the summertime. We sat there one afternoon in August, there was a warm rain falling, but the setting was marvellous, you are literally in the middle of a vineyard... rows of vines growing right alongside the veranda. As it was late summer, they had just put out the bird netting that morning, we had a chuckle watching the birds pecking at the netting frustrated that things had changed for them overnight.
Both of the aforementioned wineries are from our favourite area of Niagara... higher up on the bench, almost backing onto the ridge. We continually find wonderful wines from the producers in this region... small batches that you have to go to the winery to discover. Henry of Pelham, Featherstone, Crown Bench, Mountain Road, East Dell & Fielding have some beautys you just have to be willing to stretch your limits a bit (vs the Big Guys, who push their Big Producers / Sellers in your direction). Of course in your exploration you'll also find some duds, but I give these wineries a lot of credit, because they are willing to take the risk and experiment, they really are entrepreneurial in their spirit. I love it.
Interesting to hear that the LCBO may still have some Fielding bottles around, I may have to investigate further.
As for Featherstone, I may have tasted that one as well... seeing as we see them as a bit of "hidden" gem in the Niagara Region... really they are a "family jewel" and in many ways can't compete with the BIG GUYS marketing, but they do have some outstanding wines (you might have to sniff and taste a bit... but that is part of the fun, eh). Not to mention a fantastic setting, big old white clapboard farmhouse with wrap-around veranda on which they serve freshly made soups, sandwiches, and cheese plates, and pitchers of sangria in the summertime. We sat there one afternoon in August, there was a warm rain falling, but the setting was marvellous, you are literally in the middle of a vineyard... rows of vines growing right alongside the veranda. As it was late summer, they had just put out the bird netting that morning, we had a chuckle watching the birds pecking at the netting frustrated that things had changed for them overnight.
Both of the aforementioned wineries are from our favourite area of Niagara... higher up on the bench, almost backing onto the ridge. We continually find wonderful wines from the producers in this region... small batches that you have to go to the winery to discover. Henry of Pelham, Featherstone, Crown Bench, Mountain Road, East Dell & Fielding have some beautys you just have to be willing to stretch your limits a bit (vs the Big Guys, who push their Big Producers / Sellers in your direction). Of course in your exploration you'll also find some duds, but I give these wineries a lot of credit, because they are willing to take the risk and experiment, they really are entrepreneurial in their spirit. I love it.
2009 Feb 28
We whipped up a vegetarian lentil curry tonight, a perfect excuse to pop open a Gewurz! I chose a 2006 Cave Spring Estate Gewurz, a bottle I bought back in May of last year. Wow! This is world class stuff, touching all the right bases: rosewater, lychee, indefinable spices, beautiful balance with just a touch of residual sweetness. Lots of body and great mouth feel - surprising from such a cool vintage. Alas, this was the only bottle I had (I did manage to save some for tomorrow, though). I did a search on the LCBO site, and found that there is one bottle left in the entire province - according to the search, it's here in town at 640 Bank, so if you live in the Glebe, hustle on over and grab it!
bdm
Though it had been scheduled for the Govt. conference centre downtown, the Obama visit (even though it was the following day) caused it to be shifted to the old Ottawa city hall. This made it more challenging to get there by bus (my preference for events involving imbibing), but other than the longer travel time, it worked out okay.
I managed to taste 29 different wines. This probably sounds like a lot, but I did share tastes with my wife, and several of glasses were dumped unceremoniously after the first sip! Besides, I wasn't driving. :-) Quality was certainly all over the map - some of the wines were very good, and some were dreadful. Most fell in between these extremes - very drinkable, but not all that memorable.
The good news is that most Ontario wineries turned out a lot of good products from the celebrated 2007 vintage (though I did encounter a few duds). The 2006 wines were much more spotty in quality, and some were downright undrinkable. Some highlights:
Stratus: 05 Red and 06 White, both *very* nice, but they oughta be at $44!
Tawse: high quality across the board, with 07 Riesling (best of that varietal I tasted, $18), very tasty 07 Chardonnay ($20), and plush and fruity 07 Pinot Noir ($32).
Flat Rock: very well-made 07 Pinot Noir ($20), a cut above previous vintages, better value and more true to type than the Tawse.
Peninsula Ridge: very nice, zippy 07 AJ Lepp Vyd Sauvignon Blanc ($19), good value, fruity 07 Shiraz ($15), and 07 Cab France Ice Wine - delish!
Henry of Pelham: 05 Reserve Baco Noir ($25) still youthful, but drinking well, tasty Cuvee Catherine bubbly Rose ($30).
Chateau des Charmes: not totally sold on the 07 Gamay Droit (seemed a bit earthy, $17), but the 07 Aligote ($13) is very clean and refreshing, a good food wine.
Southbrook: 06 Cab Merlot Shiraz ($15) - good fruit and a decent value for the price. I noticed this one at the LCBO recently.
I've omitted a number of other "just okay" wines, and concerning the duds, the less said, the better!