This wine possesses a left bank nose of pencil shavings, smoke, tobacco/herbs, cassis, vanilla, roasted morello cherry and plums. It is full bodied, ripe, concentrated and elegant with superb length and tannins to allow for 15 years of graceful aging. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
A midweight Viognier, which leans more towards a citrus/grapefruit personality rather than the blowsy tropical/ warmer style. There is some spice, peach, apricot and floral undertones. Fine length and ready to drink.
A blend of grains including rye, barley and corn lends complexity to this whisky, as does aging in American and Canadian oak. Toasted nuts, marmalade, vanilla, buckwheat honey and a whiff of baking spice on the nose. Warm and round on the palate with suggestions of honey, toffee, sweet/spicy oak and vanilla with a long, moderately spicy finish. A bit softer and less edgy than you’re typical Canadian whisky.
Les Parcelles is sourced entirely from Bouzy, from 22 plots of the Paillard family's sustainably-farmed vines, now averaging 25 years. As noted by the XIII on the label, this is based on the 2013 vintage (80%) along with 201 [Ed: what year?] (14%) and 2004 (6%). A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay (the latter an anomaly in red-wine-centric Bouzy), this spent 4 years on the lees. Chiselled lemon, nougat and meringue leads this tight, energetic and extra brut (2 g/l dosage) Champagne. The palate pulses with energy, drawing green apple, cream, spice along a creamy, lighter palate and through a very lengthy finish. The chalk bedrock is evident through the driving hum of minerality and lingering chalk finish.
One of the best Sauvignons I’ve tasted in Canada. Straw colour with a green tint; a nose of grapefruit, passionfruit, and green plum with a toasty note. Rich and full-bodied (13.9% alcohol), white Bordeaux in style, very elegant and gently oaked. Don’t miss it.
Mature, nearly opaque deep mahogany colour. Huge nose hits you as you draw near the glass: plums, then kirsch and golden raisins. Flavour is dominated by black cherries, balanced with an interesting dash of herbal bitters and some spice from the oak. Has a tonne of fruit without being jammy. Ready now; won’t get better. Luscious with roast duck and braised kale.
A fruit-forward, jammy wine, laced with blueberry, cassis, dark cherry, strawberry, violets, spice and tobacco. Warm on the palate with good tannins and a touch of sweetness. Grilled meats are prime for this wine.