Ontario Wine Reviews - Weekly Wine Notes and Video: Henry of Pelham

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.

Click here to listen to the Podcast.

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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Henry of Pelham 2005 Merlot - $19.95

This week we check out a wine that I thought was not longer on the shelves at Henry of Pelham - but luckily I bumped into Paul DeCampo (Key Accounts Representative for HOP), who informed me that indeed it still is available, just in rather limited quantity - so let me advise you to take a take a trip to St. Catharines to pick up a few bottles of this rare (for 2005) beauty. Take a listen to the Podcast to hear why this wine is a rarity, or, if you choose the more boring route, you can just read the tasting notes below (the Podcast is always more fun):

After spending 14 months in French and American oak (1/2 of which was new) the wine has emerged as a real gem. The nose is seemingly simplistic with blackberry, cherry and red fruits. In the mouth, you’ll find a smooth, rich wine with blackberries and black cherries, a nice tannin structure, a touch of cedary-oakiness and a delicious dark chocolate finish. Sit for 5+ years if you like … but drinking now is not a problem.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Henry of Pelham 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir - $24.95

Finicky, fickle, fine and fragrant – all defining words for Pinot Noir. This beauty starts with the use of older blocks of vines and the thinning of the crop to 2 tons per acre. Then it is aged for 9 months in 30% new wood. Ron Giesbrecht (winemaker) has really put something special into this bottle of Pinot, bringing out the best fragrances from this fine, finicky and fickle grape. The nose has such sweet raspberries, strawberries and beet root smells; while on the palate you’ll find that telltale-Pinot earthiness followed by sweet oak and a great finish – like raspberries plucked straight from the vine. Good acidity and balanced tannins round this one out perfectly and set it up for a 3-6 year aging potential.

To listen to the Podcast of this review click here.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Henry of Pelham 2006 Gamay - $14.95

Gamay is such an under-rated grape … in fact it just might be the Rodney Dangerfield of grapes … it gets no respect at all. Most people think of it as a light, fruity, simple wine for drinking now thru the end of next week. But that’s not always the case, especially for those who decide to make a serious Gamay wine. I have tasted some wonderful Beaujolais-Village from France and Gamays from Ontario that have shown potential for longevity and also had real depth and character. Speaking of depth and character this Henry of Pelhem Gamay seems to have plenty of both, in fact my notes say “intense” on both the nose and taste. Earthy-strawberry on the nose; pleasant earthy raspberry-strawberry mixture in the mouth, all culminate in a black licorice finish. For added enjoyment I would suggest chilling this one down in the fridge for half or even a full hour … you’ll end up making a completely different wine out of it, and I bet you find yourself liking it both ways.

To listen to the Podcast of this review click here.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Henry of Pelham 2006 Sauvignon Blanc - $15.00

Here’s a wine destined to help curb the heat of summer, when and if, we finally get there. Reviewed back in the summer of 2007 here's what I said: On July 7, 2007 Vintages will be releasing the 2006 Henry of Pelham Sauvignon Blanc (if they already haven’t), this wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. VEC wines are always available in Vintages stores year round, although not necessarily the same vintage year. This is one of Ontario’s liveliest Sauvs, crisp and minerally with lots of grapefruit and grass smells - good enough to rival any from New Zealand. A good zingy stream of acidity runs right down the center of the tongue, while the citrus apple notes caress your tastebuds … there’s also hints of hay and grass thrown in for good measure. This is one of those lazy days wines … you know the kind of day where the sun is beating down on you and all you have to do is lie there and take it … with a glass of this in your hand, it’ll make it even easier to take that kind of punishment. To know how it is drinking now listen to the podcast.

To listen to the Podcast of this review click here.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.