This wine is unofficially known as the “Bistro” Chardonnay and is only sold at restaurants. Barrel-fermented and aged for 12 months, the wine exudes ripe pear, apple, peach, honey, spice, white flower, vanilla, cream and toast. It is medium-bodied with excellent length and refreshing acidity. Lobster ravioli in a beurre noisette sauce or filet of halibut are well suited to this wine.
Good vintage. Good value. Straw-coloured with a nose of apple and vanilla oak; medium-bodied, dry, apple flavour with well-integrated oak. A versatile food wine.
This wine has graduated to the LCBO Vintages Essentials program. Rather easygoing, this Chardonnay features moderate aromatics in the form of peach, toast, apple, pineapple and anise. It is a carbon copy on the palate, with minerals and a slight nuttiness. Very good length and ready to drink.
The top red from Stratus, the point at which all other reds at the Niagara-on-the-Lake estate begin, is a classic blend of all 5 Bordeaux grape varieties, with the oak dialled back to 15% new barrels. This is a collector’s dream vintage, one in which improvement will come with time in the cellar. Look for a nose of cassis, blackcurrants, leafy tobacco, smoke, leather and integrated spices that open up as you swirl the wine in the glass. It is lush and deep on the palate with an array of black fruits propped up by subtle notes of tar, cedar, liquorice and a complex array of oak spices and tannins. I love the feel in the mouth and the complexity of all the moving parts.
This “Passetoutgrain” of Pinot Noir (60%) and Gamay (40%) creates a lively juxtaposition of savoury and fruity. Earthy sassafras and high-toned raspberry aromas are followed by flavours of rich black cherry with mushroom and dried thyme. Minerality and a smoky bacon note suggest charcuterie is in order.
Sourced from 45-year-old Marechal Foch vines, this Okanagan heritage varietal delivers character and complexity. Lifted floral, baking spice and black fruit aromas lead to mouth-filling black plum and mocha flavours. The plush tannins and warm, chocolaty finish makes it a pleasing post-dinner sipper.
Cab Franc could well be a signature grape for the southern Okanagan. Fragrant violet aromas lure while ripe black fruit flavours impress. Polished tannins elegantly frame the rich, full-bodied palate. Spicy dried herbs resonate on the long, warm finish. Pair with pork tenderloin and roasted root vegetables.