Ontario Wine Reviews - Weekly Wine Notes and Podcast

Lot 30 Winery 2008 Peace & Harmony

2011-02-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Lot 30 Winery 2008 Peace & Harmony - $18.95
Price: $18.95 – Rating: ***½

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Lakeview 2009 Kerner Reserve - $17.95

2011-02-21T12:06:00.002-05:00

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Lakeview 2009 Kerner Reserve
Price: $17.95 – Rating: ****

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Reif Estate 2009 Pinot Shiraz - $ N / A

2011-02-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

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Reif Estate 2009 Pinot Shiraz
Price: $ N / A at time of review – Rating: ****+

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By Chadsey's Cairn 2009 Rubanesque - $22.00

2011-01-31T11:34:00.000-05:00

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By Chadsey's Cairn 2009 Rubanesque - $22.00
Price: $22.00 – Rating: ****

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Lailey Vineyard 2009 Sauvignon Blanc - $20.00

2011-01-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

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Lailey Vineyard 2009 Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $20.00 – Rating: ****

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Flat Rock Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir - $19.95

2010-12-17T11:31:00.000-05:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Flat Rock Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir
Price: $19.95 – Rating: ****

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The Weekly Wine Note can now be heard on FOX-FM and CHOK ... and also on YouTube, complete with video and a word from our sponsor - Schott Zwiesel (Fortessa Canada) ... of course you can also listen to it above on the usual Podcast site.

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Black Bear Farms 2007 Mama's Delight - $25.00 / 375ml

2010-12-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

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Black Bear Farms 2007 Mama's Delight
Price: $25.00 / 375ml – Rating: ****1/2

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Palatine Hills 2007 Juliette (Blanc de Blancs) - $29.95

2010-12-03T00:01:00.016-05:00

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Palatine Hills 2007 Juliette (Blanc de Blancs)
Price: $14.95 – Rating: ****1/2

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Coffin Ridge 2009 Sparkling Pear - $18.80

2010-11-26T12:29:00.002-05:00

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Coffin Ridge 2009 Sparkling Pear
Price: $18.80 – Rating: ****

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Cattail Creek 2009 Catastrophe Red - $14.20

2010-11-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Cattail Creek 2009 Catastrophe Red
Price: $14.20 – Rating: ****

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The Weekly Wine Note can now be heard on FOX-FM and CHOK ... and also on YouTube, complete with a word from our sponsor - Schott Zwiesel (Fortessa Canada) ... of course you can also listen to it above on the usual Podcast site.

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Coyote's Run 2009 Five Mile White - $13.95

2010-11-12T07:18:00.001-05:00

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Coyote's Run 2009 Five Mile White
Price: $13.95 – Rating: ****

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Pelee Island Winery 2008 Alvar Pinot Noir - $14.95

2010-11-05T08:33:00.000-04:00

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Pelee Island Winery 2008 Alvar Pinot Noir
Price: $14.95 – Rating: ****

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Cave Spring Cellars 2008 CSV Riesling - $29.95

2010-10-29T06:31:00.000-04:00

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Cave Spring Cellars 2008 CSV Riesling
Price: $29.95 – Rating: ****

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Fielding Estate Winery 2009 White Conception - $18.95

2010-10-22T06:33:00.001-04:00

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Fielding Estate 2009 White Conception
Price: $18.95 – Rating: ****

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Flat Rock Cellars 2007 Riddled - $24.95

2010-10-15T07:06:00.001-04:00

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Flat Rock Cellars 2007 Riddled
Price: $24.95 – Rating: ****½

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Karlo Estates 2008 Van Alstine Port - $29.00 / 500ml

2010-10-08T03:18:00.003-04:00

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Karlo Estates 2008 Van Alstine Port
Price: $29.00 / 500ml – Rating: ****1/2

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13th Street Winery 2009 Old Vines Riesling

2010-10-02T10:03:00.001-04:00

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13th Street Winery 2009 Old Vines Riesling
Price: $23.95 – Rating: ****1/2

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Malivoire 2009 Gulity Men White - $14.95

2010-09-23T01:08:00.003-04:00

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Malivoire 2009 Guilty Men White
Price: $14.95 – Rating: ****1/2

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Pillitteri 2009 Pinot Grigio - $13.00

2010-09-14T06:06:00.000-04:00

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Pillitteri 2009 Pinot Grigio - $13.00
Price: $13.00 – Rating: ***½

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Pondview 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay - $17.00

2010-09-07T19:58:00.000-04:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Pondview 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay - $17.00
Price: $17.00 – Rating: ****

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Stoney Ridge 2009 Excellence Pinot Gris - $24.95

2010-08-31T17:51:00.000-04:00

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Stoney Ridge 2009 Excellence Pinot Gris - $24.95
Price: $24.95 - Rating: ***½

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Pillitteri 2008 Bianco Merlot - $12.00

2010-08-24T16:19:00.000-04:00

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Pillitteri 2008 Bianco Merlot - $12.00
Price: $12.00 – Rating: ***½

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Calamus 2007 Reserve Riesling - $15.95

2010-08-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

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Calamus 2007 Reserve Riesling - $15.95
Price: $15.95 – Rating: ***½

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Pondview 2009 Cabernet Franc Rosé - $15.00

2010-08-10T00:01:00.003-04:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Pondview 2009 Cabernet Franc Rosé - $15.00
Price: $15.00 - Rating: ***½

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Huff Estates 2008 Gamay Reserve

2010-08-03T00:00:00.003-04:00

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Huff 2008 Gamay Reserve - $24.95
Price: $24.95 – Rating: ***½

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Hillebrand 2009 Artist Series Muscat - $11.95

2010-07-27T00:01:00.001-04:00

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Hillebrand 2009 Artist Series Muscat - $11.95
Price: $11.95 – Rating: ***½

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Sandbanks 2009 Dunes - $12.95

2010-07-20T12:33:00.001-04:00

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Sandbanks 2009 Dunes - $12.95
Price: $12.95 - Rating: ***½

Konzelmann 2008 Sparkling Secco - $12.75

2010-07-13T22:26:00.000-04:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Konzelmann 2008 Sparkling Secco - $12.75
Price: $12.75 – Rating: ***½

Inniskillin 2009 Pinot Noir Rosé - $14.95

2010-07-06T08:14:00.000-04:00

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Inniskillin 2009 Pinot Noir Rosé - $14.95
Price: $14.95 – Rating: ***½

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Cave Spring Cellars 2009 Estate Gewurztraminer - $16.95

2010-06-29T09:18:00.001-04:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Cave Spring Cellars 2009 Estate Gewurztraminer - $16.95
Price: $16.95 – Rating: ***½

Recent Tasting (01/28/2011) has raised the mark by a full point to 4.5

Chateau des Charmes 2008 Estate Bottled Riesling - $12.45

2010-06-22T11:50:00.002-04:00

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Chateau des Charmes 2008 Estate Bottled Riesling - $16.95
Price: $12.45 – Rating: ***½

Peninsula Ridge 2007 Reserve Viognier - $29.95

2010-06-14T21:24:00.000-04:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Peninsula Ridge 2007 Reserve Viognier
Price: $29.95 - Rating: ***½

Henry of Pelham 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve - $24.95

2010-06-07T21:21:00.000-04:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Henry of Pelham 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve

Price: $24.95 - Rating: ****

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Fielding Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Noir - $24.95

2010-06-01T09:01:00.000-04:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Fielding Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Noir

Price: $24.95 - Rating: *** 1/2

Fielding Estate 2009 Rosé - $15.95

2010-05-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

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Fielding Estate 2009 Rosé

Price: $15.95 - Rating: ***1/2

Jackson-Triggs 2004 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Methode Classique Brut - $22.95

2010-05-18T16:08:00.000-04:00

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Jackson-Triggs 2004 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Methode Classique Brut - $22.95
Price: $22.95 – Rating: ***½

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Henry of Pelham 2008 Gamay - $14.95

2010-05-11T07:50:00.003-04:00

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Henry of Pelham 2008 Gamay
Price: $14.95 – Rating: ****

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Cattail Creek 2009 Serendipity Rosé - $14.20

2010-05-04T18:53:00.000-04:00

I'm giving you the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Cattail Creek Family Estate Winery 2009 Serendipity Rosé

Price: $14.20 - Rating: ****

Closson Chase 2007 CCV Chardonnay - $29.95

2010-04-27T05:50:00.002-04:00

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Closson Chase 2007 Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay
Price: $29.95 - Rating: ***1/2

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Vineland Estates 2007 Elevation Chardonnay - $25.00

2010-04-20T08:12:00.001-04:00

Once again I am giving the rating and the wine - now, head over to the podcast and check out what I have to say about it.

Vineland Estates 2007 Elevation Chardonnay

Price: $25.00 - Rating: ***1/2

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Huff Estates 2008 Merlot - $19.95

2010-04-13T07:23:00.001-04:00

I'm gonna stick with the rule change for a bit: No tasting notes for the wine - if you want to learn about it you'll have to listen to the Podcast, all I'll give you it the star rating. Let me know your thoughts on this new format.

Huff Estates 2008 Merlot
Price: $19.95 - Rating: ***½

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Casa-Dea Estate 2008 Cabernet Franc - $18.95

2010-04-06T07:44:00.000-04:00

A little change in the rules today - No tasting notes for the wine - if you want to learn about it you'll have to listen to the Podcast, all I'll give you it the star rating. Let me know your thoughts on this new format.

Rating: ***½

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Willow Springs 2007 Merlot - $14.00

2010-03-23T17:56:00.000-04:00

Today we step outside the usual wine regions and trek north of Toronto to check out a wine made at Willow Springs.

The Tasting Notes: It’s a smoky, toasty, chocolaty blackberry fruited number that’s tasty and drinks well right now – at a price worthy of a multiple purchase. Price: $14.00 – Rating ****

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Flat Rock Cellars 2007 Reserve Chardonnay - $35.00

2010-03-16T15:32:00.000-04:00

Today it's something new from Flat Rock, this one celebrates the awesome 2007 vintage.

The Tasting Notes: Right now you’ll get delicate floral and buttery notes on the nose, with hints of melon, baked apple, cinnamon and vanilla on the palate – all balanced with good acidity and a long finish. Price: $35.00 – Rating: ****

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Hernder Estates 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - $14.95

2010-03-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

The time is right for something easy drinking ... and what could be more easy drinking than this Cab from Hernder.

The Tasting Notes: This one’s easy drinking, with light fruit flavours; mainly raspberry and strawberry notes. There’s some wood tannins and nic espice that also follows through on the palate. This one is for drink now enjoyment. Price: $14.95 – Rating: ***½

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Stratus 2007 WildAss Red - $19.95

2010-03-02T01:00:00.002-05:00

Today in the podcast I get to say the word "ass" over and over again ...

The Tasting Notes: This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamay aged 2 years in French oak – it’s full of ripe red fruit like cherries with cranberry back up for tartness and acidity; there’s also cinnamon, spice and nice tannins. Price: $19.95 – Rating: ****

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Stoney Ridge 2008 Petit Verdot - $28.00

2010-02-22T19:26:00.000-05:00

Today's Weekly Wine Note is about a grape variety that we seldom see on a label of Ontario wine.

The Tasting Notes: This wine is fairly easy going, with lots of sour cherry and raspberry fruit, and a touch of spice. For the record 10% Cabernet Sauvignon was added to the wine. Price: $28.00 – Rating: ***½

Cattail Creek 2007 Merlot Reserve - $40.00

2010-02-16T18:25:00.000-05:00

For those of you on the hunt for more 2007 reds, and ones to lie down for a little bit ... this one's for you; on the other hand, if you have a decanter or a big glass and a big piece of meat - this one would be for you too.

The Tasting Notes: The aromas are smoky, black raspberry with hints of cocoa; on the palate there’s the blackberry and smokiness with that cocoa wrapped in vanilla and all layered with a touch tannins for structure. Price: $40.00 – Rating: ****

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Stoney Ridge 2006 Warren Classic Pinot Noir - $15.00

2010-02-09T12:30:00.002-05:00

The week before Valentine's Day seems the perfect time to have the Love it or Hate it grape, Pinot Noir, otherwise known as the Heartbreak Grape.

The Tasting Notes: Smoky, leathery and barnyard aromas lead to classic flavours of cherry, cranberry and earthy nuances all wrapped up in some pretty drying tannins. Price: $15.00 – Rating: ***½

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Daredevil Wines 2007 Cabernet - $36.00

2010-02-02T16:29:00.004-05:00

Another virtual winery has hit the market, so it's time to take a look at their inaugural vintage ... this Cabernet is from that monster 2007 vintage you've heard so much about. I think that's a good omen for a winery to make their debut wine in a good year and bodes well for the future.

The Tasting Notes: I got cranberry, sour cherry, black licorice and earthy aromas, followed by red fruit, some spice, slight yet smooth tannins and good acidity. Price: $36.00 – Rating: ***½

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Pillitteri Estates Winery 2008 Viognier - $20.00

2010-01-26T17:28:00.002-05:00

Here's a grape that is not only starting to show up in Ontario, but is becoming more prominent on the world stage.

The Tasting Notes: This wine has great fruit: bosc pear, peach and a sweetened lemonade flavour along with good acidity and a delicious finish. Price: $20.00 – Rating: ***½

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Creekside 2007 Life is Good Cabernet Merlot - $12.95

2010-01-19T23:45:00.002-05:00

The message of this wine could not be any clearer - Life is Good, especially when you have a tasty glass of wine in your hand - see what I mean by listening to this week's Podcast.

The Tasting Notes: Lots of red fruit dominates both the nose and the palate. Price: $12.95 – Rating: ***½

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Huff Estates 2007 South Bay Chardonnay - $29.95

2010-01-12T09:21:00.004-05:00

Week two of the new year sees us wondering over to Prince Edward County to taste a delicious local Chardonnay.

The Tasting Notes: The nose is delicate with peach and pear and hints of buttered-vanilla. The fruit is very up front and in the nose, pretty impressive considering it is aged 16-months in new and used French oak. The palate is where the barrel ageing truly shows, creamy and smooth with vanilla cream, lemon curd and peach pit nuances. There’s also a nice bite on the tongue from the acidity and a wonderful lingering finish. Price: $29.95 – Rating: ****

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Vineland Estates 2007 Pinot Noir - $20.00

2010-01-05T08:30:00.004-05:00

Welcome back all. The grind begins again for a new year, but that does not mean you have to drink the same-old-same-old, tune into the Weekly Wine Note every Tuesday to see what's new and worth drinking. Today it's a Pinot Noir from Vineland.

The Tasting Notes: Delivering cherry, cranberry and other red berries on the nose; the palate also seems a little more classic for this hot growing season bringing cherries and cranberries to the fore with a smooth mouth feel and decent acidity. Price: $20.00 – Rating: ***½

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A Message from Al's Liquor Store

2009-12-22T07:34:00.003-05:00

Wishing you all a very happy holidays.
Here's a little holiday cheer
to put a smile on your face.
See you in the New Year.

Click here to listen to this Podcast.

Last time you'll see this message ... I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

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Featherstone 2008 Red Tail Merlot - $19.95

2009-12-15T09:11:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, I would have thought we'd have a lot more snow on the ground and colder temperatures at this time of year ... it's kinda putting a damper on any kind of big reds I might want to recommend. So instead here's a medium bodied Merlot that goes lovely with all kinds of dinner-stuffs.

The Tasting Notes: The snout on this wine is sweet cranberry and cherry aromas, while in the maw you’ll find sour cherry, red currant and plenty of mouthwatering acidity. Price: $19.95 – Rating: ***½

Click here to listen to this Podcast.

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

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Lailey Vineyard 2008 Counterpoint - $20.00

2009-12-08T08:41:00.000-05:00

I heard this morning that snow is in the forecast, that means it's time for something exotic to drink, like this white blend from Lailey.

The Tasting Notes: The nose is floral and sweet while the palate is dry with a lovley tangerine note on the finish; needs some time to settle in the bottle and could use a decanter to open it up. Price: $20.00 – Rating: ****

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Strewn Winery 2008 Rogue's Lot Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon - $13.95

2009-12-01T20:54:00.002-05:00

First day of December, what that really means is that there is one week till my birthday ... but it also means winter is right around the corner ... so to prepare it is time to look at a red wines you'll be able to enjoy when the weather gets cold.

The Tasting Notes: This wine has a kind of sour red fruit quality, think canberry and cherry with a slightly earthy note. The cranberry remains firmly on the back-palate with a good acid backbone. Price: $13.95 – Rating: ***½

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Hillebrand 2008 Trius Cabernet Franc - $14.95

2009-11-24T08:40:00.003-05:00

Considering the lousy summer we had I find it kinda funny we are having a fall that is giving us temperatures well above the normal (I think today we are 5 degrees above the average). Speaking about above average, this Hillebrand Trius Cabernet Franc certainly fits that description.

The Tasting Notes: The nose is loaded with tobacco and cherry, while on the palate the tobacco-cherry relationship lives on with a nice hint of chocolate for a real taste treat … there’s also good acidity and a real nice finish to this wine. Price: $14.95 – Rating: ****

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13th Street 2007 Sandstone Old Vines Gamay - $28.00

2009-11-17T19:12:00.001-05:00

This time of year wine tastes are like a pendulum, one day you feel like red the next you feel like white, that seems to be the way we're going here on the Weekly Wine Note, today we swing into the realm of red.

The Tasting Notes: The smells and tastes are earthy, minerally and raspberry dominated. Price: $28.00 – Rating: ****

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Thirty Bench 2008 Riesling - $18.00

2009-11-10T08:07:00.003-05:00

Suddenly we are in the midst of a warm spell so I thought it quite apropos to bring you a nice Riesling to enjoy this last, and rare, gasp of the warmth of fall, soon that chill we dread will be in the air, so enjoy now while you still can.

The Tasting Notes: The nose is beautiful and loaded with citrus, green apple, lanolin and floral notes; the palate has a little something for everyone: lime rind, crisp green apple, good clean acidity and the sweetness of peach on the finish. Price: $18.00 – Rating: ****

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Fielding Estate Winery 2007 Cabernet-Syrah - $24.95

2009-11-03T13:06:00.003-05:00

Today we'll take a look at a typical Aussie blend with an Ontario twist.

The Tasting Notes: This wine is loaded with the smells of pepper and black fruit on the nose; on the palate the wine shines with very approachable flavours: strawberries, white pepper, red fruit and a peppery finish. Price: $24.95 – Rating: ****

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Colio Wines 2008 Girls Night Out Riesling - $12.95

2009-10-27T07:25:00.002-04:00

Today, simple is good. This is the most recent Riesling from the wildly successful "Girls Night Out" line of wines from Colio. How successful have they been with this wine you might ask? So successful they have spawned copy-cats across this great province of ours.

The Tasting Notes: Sippable and fruity; slightly sweet, yet tarty – like any good date should be, of course that's my misogynistic male opinion. Price: $12.95 – Rating: ***½

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Angels Gate 2007 Mountainview Chardonnay - $18.95

2009-10-20T18:32:00.001-04:00

I hear what you're saying, with the cool weather we've been getting shouldn't we be focusing on warming reds ... but I'm looking at the weather forecast for the next few days and it looks like we're going to be above normal for this time of year ... which means hot days are ahead - and that can only mean one thing: bring on something white!

The Tasting Notes: The results here are exactly as the winemaker wanted – nice fruit with gentle oak notes: peach and apple fruit with the subtlety of oak and vanilla. Price: $18.95 – Rating: ****

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Stoney Ridge 2008 Chardonnay Musque - $17.00

2009-10-13T08:27:00.003-04:00

With Thanksgiving behind us fall is most definitely here, and since we had such a miserable summer with little to no heat and ... heck you probably lived through it too ... so I thought I would bring summer to you in the form of a glass of wine.

The Tasting Notes: The aromas are peachy, perfumed, tropical and even a bit grassy; the flavours follow along, minus the grass: peach, apple, tropical with a touch of sweetness and a real long persistent finish. Price: $17.00 – Rating: ****

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Oak Heights 2007 Cabernet Franc

2009-10-06T07:21:00.004-04:00

If you think it's all about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in and around Prince Edward County, think again.

The Tasting Notes: The wine is very easy going on the palate – the nose, or lack thereof, leaves a little something to be desired, but the palate more than makes up for it with raspberry, black cherry - sweet juicy fruits. Rating: ****

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Coyote’s Run 2007 Red Paw Syrah - $24.00

2009-09-29T20:30:00.000-04:00

I read an article lately about how Syrah could become the next big Ontario grape - not sure I fully agree with that but the folks at Coyote's Run are doing their best to make me a believer.

The Tasting Notes: This wine shows real finesse, with smoky bacon, white pepper and creamy vanilla – great mouth-feel and nice fruit … deliciously done. Price: $24.00 – Rating: ****

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33 Vines 2007 Cabernet Franc - $24.00

2009-09-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

Here's a wine I tried during the wine writers trip to Prince Edward County ... turns out the County isn't just about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The Tasting Notes: The nose is cherry, blackberry with a touch of vanilla-oak and some floral-smokiness. The palate was also quite good, offering up cherry-tobacco, black fruit toasty-smoky oak, hints of mineral with good acid and tannin grit on the finish. Price: $24.00 – Rating: ***½

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Pelee Island 2008 Riesling - $10.95

2009-09-15T08:51:00.003-04:00

What the heck, one more from the Lake Erie North Shore.

The Tasting Notes: This Riesling is delish. Crisp with great acid balance … green apple and peach start it off, while melon and green apple are on the finish – refreshing for the nose, the palate and the wallet. Price: $10.95 – Rating: ****½

Click here to listen to this Podcast.

As of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

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Aleksander Estate 2007 Baco Noir - $11.95

2009-09-08T07:00:00.003-04:00

This coming weekend, September 11-13, 2009, is the Shores of Erie Wine Festival - a great opportunity for you to get out there (near Windsor) and try the wonderful wines from this unsung region of Ontario. To get you in the mood I have reviewed another wine you might find interesting and enjoyable, all for an amazing price.

The Tasting Notes: Big black raspberry notes with port-like cherry-chocolate smell and flavours, with just a hint of vanilla from the 20% oaking … delicious and smooth – wow, I’m totally impressed here. Price: $11.95 – Rating: ****½

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Mastronardi Estate Winery 2007 Cabernet Franc - $12.95

2009-09-01T07:39:00.004-04:00

The Shores of Erie International Wine Festival (held just outside Windsor) is drawing closer, so I thought we should visit the area together, taste some wine and see if I can't lure you out to taste more.

The Tasting Notes: From the almighty 2007 vintgae comes this beauty of a wine with spiced oak, vanilla, cinnamon and black raspberry on the nose … Palate-wise there’s tobacco, raspberry, vanilla, black cherry and a lovely smooth-through-the-moth finish. Price: $12.95 – Rating: ****½

Riverview Cellars 2008 Gewurztraminer - $18.95

2009-08-25T07:02:00.004-04:00

Over here at OntarioWineReview we are in the planning stages for our November Grape Challenge which will ask the question: Who makes Ontario's Greatest Gewurztraminer? Here's a preview.

The Tasting Notes: The nose is rich and aromatic with rosewater, wildflower and lychee. On the platate it’s flowery and pleasant with bits of orange peel and spice. Prince: $18.95 – Rating: ****

Stoney Ridge 2008 Inspiration - $17.00

2009-08-18T09:21:00.004-04:00

Today's intro will be short and sweet ... Hot weather is the best inspiration for a cool refreshing white ... it's hot outside (finally) so here's your cool refreshing white.

The Tasting Notes: 5 grapes make up this blend (Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay Musque, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc). A very inviting nose of peach pear, floral and citrus that has a sniff-all-dayedness to it; the palate is also very inviting with fruity sweetness, good acidity along with pear and tropical fruit notes. Price: $17.00 – Rating : ****

Malivoire Wine Company 2008 White & 2008 Red - $14.95

2009-08-11T06:48:00.003-04:00

Today is a rarity on the Weekly Wine Note, a two-fer: two-fer-the-price-of-one. The upcoming week looks like it's going to be "mostly sunny" across the province of Ontario and I have some good news for you, something coming out of Malivoire to an LCBO near you.

The Tasting Notes (White): The white is a blend of Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Riesling. The nose is floral, apple, pear, peach and tropically fruited, and what you get on the nose follows on the palate with a spicy tingle – this is an easy sipping wine that’s delightful and calls for hot weather. Price: $14.95 – Rating: ****½

The Tasting Notes (Red): The red, a mix a Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamay, come together wonderfully with the simplicity of black fruit on the nose, while the palate shows more complexity: red fruit, spice, cinnamon, herbs, black cherry and more spice. Lovely. Price: $14.95 – Rating: ****½

Pillitteri 2007 Bradshaw’s Bottled Blonde Reserve - $23.00

2009-08-04T06:49:00.003-04:00

I keep hearing about the powers of positive thinking ... so with that in mind I have decided to stop thinking of the summer we are having as horrible and am concentrating on what lies ahead. Join me as we think of the best summer (what's left anyway) possible, and let's start that off with a drink of a nice white wine.

The Tasting Notes: This blonde is made up of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and Riesling. Smells are plentiful with vanilla, apple, floral and quince notes on the nose. This flavours come through on the palate, so there’s lots of fruit with a long floral finish. Price: $23.00 – Rating: ****

Erie Shore Vineyard 2007 Cabernet - $12.65

2009-07-28T08:15:00.002-04:00

Today's Weekly Wine Note takes us to the Lake Erie North Shore ... next month their (new) Vintage tasting is taking place on August 9 and I am sure this wine, along with plenty of others, will be there ... here's just a taste of what you'll find:

The Tasting Notes: The nose is chalky, minerally and earthy with whiffs of black currant. The palate is more open with the black currant leading the way along with white pepper and a mineral-chalkiness and good tannin structure. This wine has yet to fully integrate between the fruit, the minerals and the wood, but when it does it’s going to be great; an excellent value and perfect candidate for your cellar. Price: $12.65 – Rating: ****

Rosehall Run 2007 Cuvee County Cabernet Franc - $18.95

2009-07-21T08:23:00.003-04:00

Summertime, and the living is easy ... or so the song goes. This summer has been less than easy, especially for those seeking a few consecutive days of sun. In 2007 that was no problem - so today we're looking at an '07 red from Prince Edward County.

The Tasting Notes: This 2007 version is not about terroir, it’s about the fruit. It’s not about minerals, tobacco, sour cherry or green pepper, it’s about beautifully ripe fruit that smells of fresh raspberries and delivers the same big jammy sensation on the tongue. This wine is all about pure pleasure and simple enjoyment. Price: $18.95 – Rating: ****

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Kawartha Country Wines 2008 Shiro Plum - $9.80

2009-07-14T21:42:00.000-04:00

4I tried this wine at the Archibald Fruit Wine and Food Festival and I would have to say I was very impressed, even if I have no idea what a Shiro plum is.

The Tasting Notes: According to John Rufa, owner and winemaker at Kawartha Country, the Shiro has a very bitter skin but a really sweet middle – and that’s exactly what he’s going for in this wine a sweet mid-palate with a tart finish – and he’s accomplished it nicely. Price: $9.80 – Rating ****

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By Chadsey’s Cairn 2008 Muscat - $21.80

2009-07-07T15:34:00.002-04:00

I just spent the last 5 days up north, Pine Island near North Bay to be exact, and I had to keep asking myself "Where is Summer?" We had one day with about 3 hours in the 20's (that's about 70 for all my American readers) the rest was cool and breezy - which means no bugs, but very little sunshine. Had I had a bottle of this with me I would have been able to open summer with the simple pop of a cork.

The Tasting Notes: Beautifiul smells come from the glass – tropical fruit, floral, grapy sweetness, hints of lemonade and some delicious apple. The taste doesn’t complicate things, grapy-citrus-tropical sweetness with some great apple sensations. The perfect patio sipper. The only thing that stops this wine from getting a 5-star rating is the short finish. Price: $21.80 – Rating: ****½

Huff Estates 2007 First Frost Vidal - $18.95

2009-06-30T09:16:00.003-04:00

Today it's time for a re-taste ... I previously reviewed this wine about a year ago; but at this year's Terroir event I got another sip of it, and with a year under its belt I think its even better than the first time. If you would like to read about more re-tasted wines check out my Taste It Again Grape Guy blog.

The Tasting Notes: This delicious semi-dry wine is luscious on the palate. The nose is melon, pineapple, fresh peach and white flowers – the palate bursts with apricot, melon and grapefruit – the acidity and sweetnes are so well balanced that it doesn’t taste sweet at all, just smooth and fruity. Price: $18.95 / 500ml – Rating: *****

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

Peller Estates 2007 Private Reserve Meritage - $22.00

2009-06-23T07:56:00.004-04:00

Some folks don't have a BBQ, and I find that sad. Others have decided to forgo meat, and that's sad too, because this wine screams for BBQ meat - if you're without or abstain you will still enjoy this wine, but I think you'd enjoy it more with a great grilled steak.

The Tasting Notes: Lots of black fruit and berries with tons of pepper on the nose. The palate is full of toasted cinnamon, black pepper, blackberries and currants. A blend that contains 50% Cabernet Franc and aged 12 months in mainly American oak – and tastes better in quiet more intimate surroundings. Price: $22.00 – Rating: ****

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

County Cider Company Peach Cider - $9.95 / 1L

2009-06-16T16:27:00.003-04:00

This week we go to Prince Edward County to try an apple-based cider that has summer fresh peach juice added ... what could be better as we head in summer?

The Tasting Notes: This apple based cider has about 1-2% Niagara peach concentrated added – hard to believe there’s so little peach in it with all that big peachy flavour. Refreshing and downright yummy. Price: $9.95 / 1 Liter – Rating: ****

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

Lailey Vineyard 2007 Vino 50 Chardonnay - $20

2009-06-09T09:20:00.003-04:00

This week we taste a Chardonnay crafted by Lailey in honour of York University's 50th Anniversary.

The Tasting Notes: The nose and taste seem to follow right in step with vanilla, butter, almond and caramel taking the lead. The palate also adds a little woodiness to that mix. I would recommend giving this wine a little time to settle down, say a year or two. Price: $20.00 – Rating: ****

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

The Grange of Prince Edward County 2007 Cabernet Franc Northfield Block - $29.80

2009-06-02T06:56:00.003-04:00

Today it's off to Prince Edward County to try a single vineyard Cabernet Franc ... let's see how my favourite Ontario grape does in the best vintage Ontario has ever seen.

The Tasting Notes: The nose seems almost simplistic, with cherry, tobacco and vanills taking charge of the olfactories. The palate offers up a little something extra – nice sweet fruit flavours, soft on the palate, with no harsh tannins – along with hints of mocha, vanilla and cherry on the finish. Price: $29.80 – Rating: ****

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Calamus 2007 Vinemount Ridge Falls Vineyard Riesling - $16.95

2009-05-26T08:27:00.002-04:00

It's Riesling season ... that's right. As the weather gets warmer and your thoughts turn to activities outside your drinks get paler in colour and crisper in flavour - which means: it's Riesling season, so drink up.

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

The Tasting Notes: The Tasting Notes: The nose is rich with mineral and mac apple – the palate doles out similar flavours, mineral and mac along with citrus and great acidity. The wine is listed at a 2 on the sugar code but with all that minerality and acidity it barely registers as a 1. Price: $16.95 – Rating: *** ½

Vineland Estates 2007 Elevation Cabernet - $25.00

2009-05-19T06:50:00.005-04:00

Over the next little while, here on the Weekly Wine Note, I have a feeling we are going to be ping-ponging between '07 reds and '08 whites and rosés. This time it's on to Vineland to take a taste of a wine that was very good in 2005 (another great vintage for reds) and now even better in its 2007 form.

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

The Tasting Notes: The nose starts off a little shy with blackberry, get a little air in there and you’ll find black cherry, vanilla, a touch of some and some cinnamon. The palate also requires a little coaxing, red and black cherry, a bit of leather, licorice and tobacco all wrapped in fine dusty tannins that end silky smooth in the mouth. Price: $25.00 – Rating: **** ½

Rosewood Estates 2007 Riesling Reserve - $25.00

2009-05-12T07:53:00.002-04:00

With spring in full swing its time to look at those refreshing whites that'll quench the palate in the heat. There will be plenty of good ones to come from the '08 vintage, but let's taste a reserve one from 2007 before we move on.

Tasting Notes: This Riesling is deemed a Reserve because it is made with heavily-thinned estate fruit, as little as one cluster per vine … the nose is heavenly, with sweet peach and apple notes. The palate shows poise with balancing acidity, a hint of petrol and lovely peach and melon fruit. Price: $25.00 – Rating: ****

Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2006 Small Lot Cabernet Franc - $35.00

2009-05-05T07:23:00.002-04:00

Today we'll head over to Thirty best to try what might be the best Cabernet Franc made from the 2006 Vintage ... but don't just take my word for it, the winemakers who judged Cuvee 2009 also believed it to be true.

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

The Tasting Notes: This wine is loaded with dark fruit and layers of smoky, toasty oak – but the oak doesn’t dominate or overpower. Big tannins dry the palate while lots of black fruit and smokiness fills the mouth. Price: $35.00 – Rating: *****

Wayne Gretzky No.99 2007 Unoaked Chardonnay - $13.95

2009-04-28T01:00:00.001-04:00

When I was a kid I was a huge fan of Wayne Gretzky ... I have 4 of his rookie cards, but of course being a kid I played and bent the cards so they are worth little ... I often wonder if his rookie wine will be worth something, bet not. Anyway, here is a sophomore effort from Mr. Gretzky, and it sure does make for a nice patio wine.

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

The Tasting Notes: A fruit driven unoaked Chardonnay that delivers pure refreshment. Smells are tropical, pineapple and apple; the palate delivers a quick zap of vanilla to the tongue with freen apple zestyness and nice citrus acidity. Price: $13.95 – Rating: *** ½

Southbrook 2008 Cabernet Rosé - $18.95

2009-04-21T07:42:00.002-04:00

So I'm looking at my calendar and sitting there, like so many holidays do, is the words "Earth Day". If you listen to the Podcast you'll learn how I plan to celebrate Earth Day.

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

The Tasting Notes: The colour is gorgeous – a pinky-orange that reflects the light beautifully. The nose is very inviting with raspberry, strawberry and apple. It’s the palate that needs some getting used to – big biting acidity, once you get it to soften the wine revels a refreshingly dry palate with a raspberry and tart green apple finish. Price: $18.95 – Rating: *** ½

Henry of Pelham Sibling Rivalry 2007 Red and 2008 White - $13.95

2009-04-14T09:23:00.003-04:00

Quite a change from last week - there's sun in the sky and the temperature is warming up. For those of you who packed away you BBQ for the winter it's time to dust it off and get it ready for grilling season. Grilling season also means you're going to need wine to serve with all that great BBQ-fare; and your friendly neighbourhood Grape Guy has the answer right here. Take a listen to the Podcast to learn about these two new wines from Henry of Pelham, and why they are so attractive for the hot season ahead.

I am thrilled to announce that as of February 24, 2009, each Podcast has its own unique player - so you can listen to whichever Podcast you want to. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast, of course.

The Tasting Notes: The white is ultimately quaffable and an easy drink-now blend; the red has got a lot going for it including spices, blue and black berries, cinnamon, cedar and good tannin structure that'll see it age for a few years at least.

Cattail Creek 2007 Merlot - $18.00

2009-04-07T07:24:00.003-04:00

I can't believe there is snow on the ground - it's usually March that gives us that last blast of winter ... must be our delayed April Fool's joke from mother nature. Anyway, this week we're going to check out a 2007 wine that should warm your insides. You'll be thrilled to know that for the first time you will be able to listen to the Podcast of this review directly. I finally learned how to put a unique player onto each Podcast from now on - I am thrilled and so should you be. So without further ado I will leave you with this week's Podcast, or if you decide not to check out the new format you can read the tasting notes below ... I recommend the Podcast,of course.

The nose is big on cherry right from the get go – while in the mouth it’s more complex, but still with those cherries: black cherry with a little blackberry mixed in, there's also a bittersweet chocolate note and firm yet approachable tannins. Smooth and delicious, this one’s ready to go right now, but will also benefit from some ageing, say 5-plus years.

Twenty Twenty-Seven Cellars 2008 Featherstone Vineyard Riesling - $25.00

2009-03-31T03:00:00.000-04:00

This week we'll take a taste of Kevin Panagapka's Featherstone Vineyard Riesling ... who is Kevin Panagapka you ask? Well, if you're that curious maybe you should listen to the Podcast and find out ... on the other hand maybe you just want to take the easy road and read the tasting notes below; but let me give you some free advice (the best kind) - the Podcast is always more informative and more fun. So up to you: tasting note below or Podcast? I know which one I would take.

The fruit for this wine is sourced from the old vines section of the Featherstone vineyard. The nose has lots of mineral, melon, peach and apple - the palate also shows a lot of finesse with while peach, great acidity and a mineral driven finish - very elegant and balanced.

Pillitteri Estate Winery 2007 Sticky Beak - $50.00 / 200ml

2009-03-24T09:16:00.005-04:00

This week's wine is something special in the Icewine category ... now, if I told you why then you wouldn't have to listen to the Podcast, so I'll leave it up to you, Podcast or take the easy way out and read the brief tasting note below (the Podcast is always more interesting, and on occasion, amusing):

The nose is pleasant with lots of red berries - mainly strawberries and cherries ... bt I think the taste delivers even more: raspberry, strawberry, cherry and a kick of something spicy ... very nice.

Jackson-Triggs 2007 Proprietors' Grand Reserve White Meritage - $24.95

2009-03-17T07:03:00.003-04:00

Here's another for those who visit the Vintages section of the LCBO. In the March 14th release the focus was on Ontario whites, this one popped up and I thought you just might be interested in a White Meritage wine because you don't see them all that often. This week's Podcast explains what a White Meritage is, and as always it's worth a listen ... for those who chose the easy way out, you can read the brief tasting note below (the Podcast is always more interesting):

This wine is loaded with fruits like lime, apple and pear, which you'll find on both the nose and palate. The citrus is in the nose while the palate offers up a plethora of fruit … great mouthfeel that coats and fills with rich flavours.

Cave Spring Cellars 2007 Estate Riesling - $17.95

2009-03-10T09:39:00.003-04:00

For those who frequent the Vintages section of the LCBO, you'll be glad to know that the LCBO is focusing some attention on Ontario wines, whites to be exact. This week's Podcast is about a Riesling ... and it's worth a listen ... for those who chose the easy way out you can read the brief note below (the Podcast is always more interesting):

Currently, there's a great peach, over ripe apple, lime along with a fantastic minerality and acidity. The wine is delicious right now, for those who like their Riesling with lots of petrol hold onto it for about 3 years, if you prefer them fresh and fruity drink up now.

Magnotta Winery 2007 Vidal Classic Sparkling - $8.95

2009-03-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

Today I show my restrained side, first, no singing, second I present a wine that is both economical and celebratory for these recessionary times ... you can choose to listen to the Podcast (it costs you nothing), or, if you can go the more boring eye-straining route of reading the tasting notes below (the Podcast is always more fun):

A simple off-dry bubly made from the Vidal grape ... there is nothing complicated here, a touch of sweetness on the palate with floral, apple peach and mango on both the nose and especially on the taste. The finish is fairly lengthy without being overly sweet and cloying.

Lailey Vineyard 2007 Syrah - $25.00

2009-02-24T07:46:00.004-05:00

Not sure what in God's name came over me today - but I would kindly ask that you not listen to the Podcast, you'll save me a lot of embarassment ... as Ricky used to say to Lucy - "You got some s'plainin' to do!" ... Now avoid the Podcast at all cost, and just read the more boring tasting notes below (the Podcast is always more fun - but not this time):

The nose is smoky and blackberry with hints of floral. The palate delivers complexity with vanilla-caramel, smoky black fruit, a little cherry, some herbs, oakiness and a smoked meat quality that's very delicious.

Angels Gate 2007 Snow Angel - $23.00

2009-02-17T00:32:00.003-05:00

Snow, snow go away come again another day ... from what I hear more snow is coming this week - and so in honour of more snow I give you this beauty. Now go listen to the Podcast, or, if you choose the more boring route, you can just read the tasting notes below (the Podcast is always more fun):

The smells are reminiscent of fresh strawberries and raspberries, while the taste delivers strawberries in spades. Light, refreshing and a barely noticeable 4 makes this a wine the whole family will love.

Click here to listen to the Podcast.

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Pillitteri Estates 2006 Gamay Rosa - $12.00

2009-02-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

We seem to be in the midst of our Janauary thaw ... in February. So with that in mind I put on theoretical shorts and a t-shirt and trek out to the patio, where my friends have congregated, glasses in hand, waiting for me to pour some liquid sunshine. But keeping in mind there will still be a blast of winter to come we can't go full fledge white again, so here is a nice light red that should please everyone. Now go listen to the Podcast, or, if you choose the more boring route, you can just read the tasting notes below (the Podcast is always more fun):

The nose of this wine is very fruity, dominated by cherry and cranberry; the taste pretty much mirrors the smell with cranberry and sour cherry ... this is easy drinking and downright gulpable. Put simply it is a wine to chill and enjoy with friend, while you're all sittin' around chillin'.