From pre-phylloxera vines over 100 years old, the wine is bright on the nose and dense, textural and powerful on the palate while still maintaining an incredible drinkability due to its balance and acidity. Long and complex, a great example of a white wine that can easily stand up to and compliment red meat.
Floral, tropical and citrus notes before an easy-drinking off-dry palate of grapefruit and zesty notes with a clean finish. Excellent value.
Not many in Niagara are making this serious style of Sauvignon Blanc (and a pinch of Semillon). It has a gorgeous nose of creamy pear, melon, passion fruit, grapefruit, flinty minerality and subtle toasted vanilla and spice. It has a creamy texture on the palate and plenty of vibrancy to lift the ripe tropical fruits, citrus accents and spice notes though a long finish.
A characterful Pinot from BC. Tawny ruby in colour with a cedary nose of black raspberry and violets; medium-bodied, dry, with ripe plum flavours and good length.
Domaine Rolet was founded in the 1940s and has remained family run ever since. With 58 hectares of vines in Arbois, Côte du Jura and L’Etoile, they are the second largest wine growing estate in Jura, working only with estate fruit. Unlike many Jura whites, L’Etoile Chardonnay was fermented in barrique, where it aged for over a year. There is a swell of flint and wood upon opening, yielding to allow the crisp and mineral white to emerge. Tight white fruit, white florals, light hazelnuts, meadow grass, dried green apples and a hum of stones, this is reminiscent of Chablis (their soils are similarly studded with marine fossils). Amplify the slight earthiness woven through here with brown buttered scallops or potent Gruyère.
Moulin de Gassac has established a solid reputation for characterful regional wines. This entry-level offering shows straightforward fruit, good balance and moderate alcohol. For everyday drinking.
I first tasted this 100% Merlot wine with the 1999 vintage, and since that time, I have been a strong advocate. With 14% alcohol, there is admirable depth, and a personality of plum, cherry, graphite, spice, bitter chocolate and vanilla. Full-bodied, there is elegance as well as a solid backbone of tannins. Drink over the next 15 years.