From the fabulous 2012 vintage, this robust red spent 32 months in barrel and 18 months in bottle before being released. Cassis, raspberry, violets, herbs, vanilla, dark cocoa and spice are built on 14% alcohol and masses of tannins. That said, my preference would be to drink it over the next 7 years, with some medium-rare beef.
Dense purple colour with a rich, spicy blackcurrant nose topped with cedar and herbal notes; medium-bodied and dry with blackcurrant and black plum flavours. Rich and flavourful.
Explosive to say the least! Even though it is almost equal parts Sauv Blanc and Sémillon, it is the SB component that dominates the nose in the form of green plums, fruit salad, passion fruit and asparagus. The Sémillon controls the mouth with its honey, pineapple and spice. Add in some toast and yeast qualities and what you have is a multi-dimensional wine that is one of Ontario’s finest White Meritages.
Aromas of red and black fruit, bramble and mulberry with some meaty notes before a well-balanced palate with vibrant red fruit and peppery hints. Medium- to full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a lingering spicy finish.
My numerous trips to Australia in the last five years have convinced me that the country produces some of the best Chardonnay in the world and, often, at an appealing price. This wine from the talented Mac Forbes makes a strong case for it. Full body with fresh acid and compact structure with an enjoyable reductive touch. Appealing notes of lemon and lime zest are in symbiosis with the creamy texture. Crab, please!
Ruby-garnet. Nose is light with delicate fruity notes and a hint of oak. Palate is soft with a nice fruity core and a tight finish. Wines of this style have a charm of their own, on the opposite side of show-off.
One of the first wines I reviewed for Quench (then Tidings), in 2012. It has improved with age and is still drinking well, although it probably peaked a few years ago and is now on its last legs. Clear old gold color. Nose of apple pie topped with sweet sherry custard. A little volatile acidity betrays its age. Tastes of bruised apple drizzled with lemon. Drink up.