I’ve always thought that Ontario could make world-class rosé and in a couple of cases, we do. Southbrook Connect Rosé 2010 is not your run-of-the-mill pink wine at $18.95 a bottle. This one is deep pink with an orange tint. It has a nose of strawberry compote and flavours of strawberries and redcurrants. Full in the mouth with a touch of sweetness in mid palate, it has enough citrus acidity to finish dry and clean.
The medium garnet colour suggests a moderately aged 100% Monastrell that’s ready to drink now. Savoury, herbal and red fruits on the nose. Juicy acidity and fine tannins are exceptionally well balanced on the palate. Savoury finish with lingering mint notes.
Dark cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla, tobacco, cocoa and herbs are all in play in the medium- to full-bodied red. Tannins are fine-grained, and acidity is a touch on the higher end, so pair with some duck breast with a cherry sauce for an ethereal experience.
Palomino is a white grape that typically finds its way in Sherry, but this bodega crafts a characterful white from it. Full body with appealing salty and roasted almond notes and a charming oxidative profile. The slight bitterness compensates for the moderate acidity. A wine made to shine with food: Manchego and roasted almond for the aperitif and mushroom risotto for the main course.
Sustainably farmed and hand harvested, wild yeast and partially barrel fermented, up front floral notes with intense fruit and focused varietal expression, with extra heft from the barrel and extended lees aging.
Lively mousse with an attractive nose of citrus, pineapple, lychee, guava and fresh apple. It’s perky and refreshing on the palate with a range of lemon, lime and tropical notes.
This, the inaugural release of Bomidon Estate’s Vintage Blanc de Blancs, was matured for more than 80 months prior to release. It shows pale, burnished green gold in the glass with very fine mousse. Bouquet is complex and powerful with elegant citrus fruit, vanilla and toasty brioche. Opens on the palate with elegant lemon citrus intensity, good weight, racy acidity and bracing mineral grip. There is potential here to develop further richness and complexity with additional cellaring. Another Home Run for Nova Scotia Traditional Method bubble.