Savagnin is a rare vinifera from the Jura region in Northeastern France. In Ontario, only a few wineries actually produce wine from the varietal, and CDC is the only one to make Icewine with it … and what an Icewine it is! Full-bodied and superbly concentrated, the citrus, stone fruit, honey and tropical nuances are all supported by brisk acidity, ensuring a decade of life ahead. This is a singular stickie, and one that must be tasted if you are a dessert-wine lover!
A highly aromatic Gewürz reminiscent of Grand Cru Alsatian examples. The nose is exotic and exciting with concentrated, honey-drizzled grapefruit, lychee, rose petals and nutmeg-musk notes. It is unctuous on the palate with ripe fruit, lavish spice and notable ginger, and enough acidity to nudge this showy beauty into balance.
Henry of Pelham’s top sparkler made from estate Chardonnay is barrel fermented (20% of the Chardonnay fruit) and then sits on the lees for 5 years before being disgorged. It is always one of Niagara’s top bubbles with an enticing nose of lemon chiffon, fresh-squeezed lime, Chantilly cream, vanilla toast, brioche, fresh-baked bread and baked apple pie. It has a vibrant, energetic feel on the palate with bright citrus and elegant apple notes that work well with the leesy/baked bread and brioche accents through the long, freshening finish.
Dark brown, a thick coat of foam. Heavy nose of dark caramel and plum. It tastes of almost sweet candied fruit; the low acidity and dense body feel good and filling in the mid-palate. Nourishing.
Textbook CF with savoury red berries, toasted vanilla, oak spice, a light sprinkling of herbs and anise on the nose. Expressive on the palate with a range of brambly raspberry and cherry fruits, medium-plus tannins, licorice, campfire smoke, bay leaves and perky acidity through the finish.
A blend of 60% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc. 10% Muscadelle. Pale straw colour with a lime tint. This is the best Mouton Cadet Blanc I have tasted — grassy, green-fig nose; dry, light- to medium-bodied with tropical fruit notes. Very elegant and good value.
Ardbeg drawn from bourbon and sherry butts and bottled at cask strength (around 54 % ABV), this whisky lives up to its name — uigeadail connotes “a dark and mysterious place” in gaelic. There’s a lot going on in this intensely smoky dram which smells of sultanas, toffee, saddle, chocolate and overripe bananas. Creamy and mouth-coating, it tastes of sweet spices and dry leather cloaked in ash.