Only 160 cases of this Cab Franc from the Vinemount Ridge appellation were made. It’s a killer wine and a brilliant example of where this varietal can go in a ripe vintage when grown and made with care. The nose shows wonderful raspberry-cherry fruit, tobacco, plums, blueberry pie, violets and integrated spice notes. It shows wonderful balance in the mouth, with the fruits well-integrated, fine tannins and an underhanded approach to the oak spices. Just a very fine, elegant Cab Franc that will absolutely wow you.
Pale rose-petal hue on this Gamay-dominant (85%) rosé, topped with Pinot Noir (10%) and Pinot Gris (5%). Candy-apple and rhubarb aromas. Tart, sweet red-berry flavours embrace an herbaceous tinge and a citrus-peel finish. For summertime lunch fare.
Pale straw colour; minerally, white peach and citrus-peel nose; dry and fragrant, flavours of peach and pear ending on an apple note.
Savoury meets fruity with aromas and flavours of dried herbs, passion fruit, melon, citrus and honeysuckle. Sauv Blanc (8%) highlights crispness while partial French oak treatment (15%) contributes spicy complexity and a creamy texture. Sings with bacon-enhanced shellfish dishes.
Both nose and palate express the clean, refreshing essence of lemon-lime. Crisp green apple and sweet ripe pear set up a lingering spike of pineapple. Dry, lip-smacking minerally finish. Give this a swirl with barbecued pulled pork aside tangy coleslaw.
There are not too many single-varietal Sémies in Ontario, and this one requires heat and a long hang time. To ensure ripeness, in 2009, Stratus picked their grapes on December 3rd! It may not be as blousy as some Aussie versions, but it is definitely emblematic with all of its apricot, wax, lanolin, honey and spice qualities. The acidity and very good length make for an appealing bottle of wine.
This is the white matcher to Karlo’s successful red fortified wine that goes by the same name. It’s made with estate-grown Frontenac Blanc and Gewürz. The nose shows lychee, apricot, marmalade, cloves and hazelnuts. It’s ripe and sweet on the palate with flavours of mango, honey, layers of spice, grapefruit concentrate, nutmeg, toffee and some heat on the back of the palate. There’s a lot going on with this unique fortified white.