Tasted: Pinot Noir & Riesling from Home
Canada can, and does, produce world-class wine. In British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island, Pinot Noir shines. The variety, although known for its finicky nature, can showcase terroir in a way few other grapes can. This can translate to a unique and fine wine, especially when the Pinot is grown in ideal conditions and crafted with the help of talented winemakers.
Like Pinot Noir, Riesling has the ability to impart its terroir very well. In addition, it is a very food-friendly wine, often pairing with otherwise difficult to match dishes. Of the three Rieslings listed below, two are typical of Ontario while one is, as our reviewer states, “an individual wine”.
Starling Lane Pinot Noir 2009
Reviewed by: Harry Hertscheg
Editor Rating: Very Good
$28
Vancouver Island
Review Summary:
Fine expression of their south Vancouver Island vineyards, exhibiting both richness and delicacy. Engaging aromas of red berries, herbs, cola and subtle spice. Bright acidity with mouth-puckering cherry flavour fills the medium-bodied frame. Finishes with hints of chocolate. Match with local lamb.
Tantalus Pinot Noir 2010
Reviewed by: Harry Hertscheg
Editor Rating: Very Good
$30
Okanagan
Review Summary:
Fragrant floral, Bing cherry and caramelized spice aromas. Vibrant acidity bolsters lively plum, tangy raspberry and earthy rhubarb flavours. Allspice, cinnamon and quinine linger long on the elegantly tannic finish. Delicious with duck.
JoieFarm “En Famille” Reserve Pinot Noir 2011
Reviewed by: Harry Hertscheg
Editor Rating: Excellent
$30
Okanagan
Review Summary:
Complex aromas feature smoky scents, fragrant floral, woodsy forest and earthy spice. Impeccable balance, enhanced by complex black fruit, red berries and savouriness. Finishes with ripe sweet fruit flecked by liquorice and mineral notes. Age-worthy, so will evolve gracefully up to the end of this decade.
Inniskillin Dry Riesling 2009
Reviewed by: Tony Aspler
Editor Rating: Very Good
$13
Ontario
Review Summary:
The wine is very pale in colour with a lifted floral, grapefruit nose; it’s fresh and lively on the palate with an engaging honeyed note to offset the zesty grapefruit flavour. Serve it with pork loin or onion tart.
Cornerstone Riesling Reserve Barrel Aged 2009
Reviewed by: Evan Saviolidis
Editor Rating: Very Good
$20
Niagara
Review Summary:
When I was first presented this wine, I wanted to write it off immediately since new barrels and Riesling are generally two concepts that don’t work together. Well, I was wrong. This edition is a wild ride consisting of toast, spice, flowers, honeyed peaches and cream. There is very good length with some noticeable residual. Indeed, this is an individual wine.
Tawse Wismer Vineyard Riesling Lakeview Block 2010
Reviewed by: Evan Saviolidis
Editor Rating: Very Good
$25
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara
Review Summary:
This Riesling possesses a bit more weight than the Sketches but is not as long on the taste buds. The colour, once again, is a pale green/yellow, and a profile of minerals, peach, Asian pear and lanolin resonate on the nose and palate.
[…] The team at Quench dive into two of our favourite things: West Coast Pinot Noir and Ontario Riesling. […]