Fragrant aromas of sweet, ripe black cherry and black plum. The rich, dense spicy core of blackberry, dark chocolate and clove flavours satisfy, supported by well-polished tannins. Dribbles of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon add complexity. Long cassis finish. Versatile with a variety of grilled meats.
Fruit-driven and fresh with lots of spicy ripe cherry and wild berry flavours. Soft tannins; well-balanced with more fruit and spice lingering on the juicy finish. Ribs or a cheeseburger off the grill would be ideal.
Blend of Pinot Noir (42%), Gamay Noir (35%) and Malbec (23%) sourced from north of Oliver, Sandhill Vineyard and West Osoyoos. Aromas of orchard and stone fruit precede a fresh and juicy palate of strawberry, peach and rhubarb with some creamy hints and a spicy, savoury edge.
Clear medium to deep yellow. Strong “petrol” aromas, along with peach, orange and banana. Medium-bodied with a slight fizz. Tons of fruit: sweet apple custard, orange and pineapple with a little rose-petal bitterness on the finish. Classic with dessert, but with sufficient acidity to also be a good foil to Cantonese food. Drinking well now but will last a few more years.
One of Ontario’s oldest Christmas seasonals, Nutcracker Porter features cinnamon and nutmeg above its dried fruit, chocolate and roast malt body, creating a festive waft of yuletide cheer. Nutcracker seems to maintain its quality as time passes.
Previously tasted October 2013. Now a clear, very deep garnet. Fairly intense nose of raisins, dates, prunes and treacle toffee. Mature cherry fruit now starting to fade behind tannins and oak flavours. Drink up, it won’t get better.
Ruby/garnet. Ripe red fruits on the slightly perfumed nose, oak is well dosed. Good freshness and extract, full bodied, a bit compact and one-dimensional at this stage. Excellent buy if you let it sleep for 3 to 5 years.