Established in 1779, Bowmore was, and is, the first distillery on the Islay. Its expressions are always anchored on balance. Rather than just a block of smoking peat up the nose, this number comes up as fruitier, with candied lemon and a trace of clover honey enveloping the more traditional brine, iodine and sea-wash notes that distinguish Islay malts. A distinct sweetness, with honey, heather and a subtle lash of salt water. Currently enjoying with a slightly peaty pipe tobacco. Great match.
Bright golden colour. A good deal of oak complements the notes of candied fruits, beeswax and honey. Quite generous and mouthfilling with obvious oak wrapping, the fatty and ripe texture balanced by a powerful acidity. Impressive now, it can evolve 5 to 6 years easily.
Lengthy skin contact delivers a truly appealing, medium salmon colour, with stone fruit, quince and orchard fruits up-front, followed by a just-dry palate, citrus and nectarine hints and a touch of spice.
There is an almost Grüner quality to this wine; lime zest, white flowers, grapefruit, white pepper, honey and a slight vegetal note work their way out of the glass. Brisk acidity and crystalline minerality carry the finish.
Green apple, citrus and floral scents yield to prominent clean green apple backed by stony mineral and saliva-inducing acidity on the palate. Finishing bone-dry, this continues to be my go-to pairing with oysters on the half-shell.
Here is a solid value Ontario red, with an easy drinking personality. Sketches 2009 is a medium-bodied offering with a deep cherry colour. The aromas and flavours are of blackcurrants, raspberries, tobacco smoke, cocoa and violets, and supple tannins and very good length support them all. Take it home tonight and serve it with rack of lamb or pasta in a tomato sauce, with grilled sausages.
70% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 5% Marselan. I am rarely a big fan of Syrah-dominated blends in the Southern Rhône as the grapes tend to suffer from intense heat. But this is an exception. Impressive freshness with lifted notes of plum, black liquorice and garrigue with a hint violet, supported by polished tannins and lively acidity. Easy to drink yet with a complexity that lingers in the finish. Burger please!