Dark ruby. Cocktail of dark fruits and a fair amount of oak with a slight medicinal note. Concentrated and very full-bodied, the tannic structure is a bit rough, a sign of youth and aging potential. A bit austere at ths early stage. Wait 5 to 7 years.
This Okanagan Valley Chardonnay from the Sundial Vineyard is the second wine released by Sumac Ridge founder Harry McWatters and follows on the heels of his Meritage, released last year. Lovely notes of apple, citrus and tropical fruit on the nose generously accented by oak spice and vanilla. The fruit is bright and succulent on the palate, with good acid verve for balance and a lingering finish.
Stratus has scored big with this Gewürztraminer. It is classic textbook with a sensual nose of peach, mango, rose, honey, spice, cold cream and pineapple. Rich in the mouth, the fruit, flowers and spice reverberate on the long finale. Unusual to the varietal, there is excellent acidity. A tip of the chapeau to J-L Groulx for his finest rendition to date!
Delicate floral and lemon-citrus aromatics reveal Riesling pedigree. Expands broadly on the palate, showing classic lemon-lime intensity backed by mineral grip and brisk acidity. Adroitly balanced with a touch of residual sweetness, lightly creamy texture and lingering floral sensation on the finish.
This Niagara version of the Bachelder Chardonnay triology is made in a tight, minerally style that is more about finesse and grace than power and defining fruit. I love the mineral nose and fruits on the palate that are revealed in layers rather than as one-dimensional. Since first tasted 6 months ago, it has evolved and blossomed into a more voluptuous wine with more fruit intensity, sublime minerality with interesting spice notes starting to emerge. It has impeccable balance through the long finish.
Lovers of mature attributes in their bubblies: you will go crazy for this beauty! Having aged an unheard-of (for Ontario) 70 months on the lees, this vintage Chardonnay serves up a bouquet of brioche, toast, brown butter, caramel, hazelnut and honey. The texture is creamy and the finish long, with minerals and citrus adding an extra dimension. It easily bests many pricier Champagnes!
This unique blend of Vidal and Moscato fuses freshness, acidity and an off-dry personality. Combined with the low alcohol and a profile of white flowers, peach, pear, honey, lime and spice, it makes for an enjoyable aperitif wine or a foil for spicy fare.