There is more weight to this wine than in past vintages, thanks to the heat of 2010. Smoke, cream, vanilla, banana, citrus, spice and hints of pineapple work as one, both on the nose as well as with the lengthy aftertaste. It is elegant with just the right amount of acid.
This offering is an off-dry Chenin, along the lines of a ripe Vouvray Demi-Sec. Light yellow in colour, there is Golden Delicious apple, mango, wet wool, minerals, citrus and honey, which are supported by the crisp acidity. Pair it with goat cheese– and asparagus-stuffed crepes or scallops in a Dijon cream sauce.
Normally my preference, when it comes to Cave’s entry Rieslings, is for their off-dry version. But in 2010, my taste leans to their dry rendition. Petrol, the dominant quality, is accompanied by bergamot, lime and minerals. Acidity is present but not overpowering, making for a refreshing summer sipper.
This Riesling is starting to show mature petrol aromas, which intersect with dried apricots, golden raisins, flowers, honey and lime zest. Delicate and flavourful, the aftertaste hangs around for a while, while the crisp acidity frames everything.
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.
Peaches studded with cloves, ginger, apples and tropical fruit are all part of this well-priced Vidal Icewine. It is not overpowering. Rather it is both elegant and well defined, carrying its sweetness and acidity in tandem.
Hinterbrook Estate is a new Niagara winery that’s made an impressive debut with Riesling. The wine is pale straw in colour with reflections of lime. It has a nose of petrol, minerals and grapefruit — all the characteristic aromas of a fine Riesling. It’s off-dry with flavours of peach, honey and citrus, sustaining well on the palate.