Consistently one of the finest Chardonnays made in Ontario. It is always about elegance and finesse even in warmer vintages such as 2012. It’s made with certified organic and biodynamic fruit and aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. The nose shows purity of apple, citrus and pear fruit with subtle oak spice and minerals. It’s layered on the palate with bursts of citrus, soft green apple, quince, wet-stone minerality and integrated spice all lifted by freshening acidity. Perfectly balanced and poised.
This brand new brewery has taken over Junction Brewery’s original spot on Cawthra Avenue. Its Helles Island could be your new favourite knock-’em-back lager. It drinks like a legit Old World Helles: fresh and clean with notes of white bread riding on a lightly creamy body finishing with a whisper of bitterness. Great with green salads and nearly anything sandwiched between a fresh baguette.
Delightful salmon-pink colour captures attention along with a fragrant nose of strawberry pie, spice and lemon curd. Tautly textured on the palate, while bursting with bright red cherry flavour. Tasty cinnamon-stick spice on the long finish. Delicious with smoked salmon.
From the original estate planting of 3 Dijon clones: 155, 777 and 828. Dark cherry up front, with forest floor hints before a structured palate with elegant mouthfeel, cherry and mulberry, layered and complex with firm tannins and a spicy end.
Deep ruby colour. Spicy, smoky, black raspberry nose with an oaky note. Full-bodied, dry, ripe strawberry and plum flavours with vanilla oak spice. Juicy and ripe.
Made from Riesling harvested in the highest (480 m) vineyard in the Clare Valley. The nose shows succulent grapefruit, peach, fresh minerals and subtle notes of mango and other tropical fruits. It’s made in a bone-dry style but is nicely balanced by ripe citrus, apple and peach notes that are lifted by firm acidity through the finish. Hold for 5 years or more.
I have been following this producer for decades and 2015 might be one of the best vintages I have tasted. Firm yet elegant tannins with fresh acid and complex notes of cassis, plum, dried herbs and graphite that lingers and haunts the soul. This is what I would call a perfect paradox where ripeness of fruit is balanced by tension and energy. Just outstanding. Put in your cellars for a min of 10 years if you can.