For me, 2008 was one of the best vintages ever for Riesling in Niagara. That said, Brian Schmidt, Vineland’s winemaker, saw something special in this wine, and decided to age a few cases so as to allow nuance to develop in the bottle — a judicious call! Perfumed, the bergamot, honey, peach, lime, crushed rock and white flowers beguile. The balance, crisp acidity, concentration and a long finale will ensure another a decade of aging, at least. If you are a Riesling lover, do not miss out on this beauty!
Clear medium to deep plum red. Medium-intensity bouquet of strawberry jam and blackberry, with some herbal overtones from the Merlot in the blend. Medium-bodied with fresh-tasting cherry fruit, good balance and long finish. Will improve for another year.
Brimming with black and blue fruit, mulberry and smoky notes, the plush palate is layered and juicy with textbook pepper, well-integrated tannins, carefully managed oak, suppleness and good length.
Concentrated, this Amarone offers textbook aromas of raisins, currants, figs, dried herbs, potpourri, chocolate and liquorice. Full-bodied with 15.5% alcohol backstopping the entire package. Drink until 2022.
From a very windy site at the top of the hill, the grapes for this wine come in with thick, wind-toughened, highly phenolic skins. Cracked stone, lees and pear opens this 1er cru. A bitter herbal pear skin draws fluidly through the round, fresh palate, carrying fennel, lemon verbena and meadow grass. Pear skin bitterness and spiced stoniness on the lengthy finish. Quite a complete, interested and textured wine; drinking well now, or hold for 5+ years.
Impressive for its delicate intensity, brightness and balance: floral notes, crushed rocks, yellow stone fruit, fresh herbs and hints of blanched almonds, yet maintains an ethereal quality. Beautiful and expressive, inviting and vibrant with loads of personality and a refreshing lifted finish. 100% Cortese. Great with shellfish, fish and risotto with fresh herbs made using a Parmigiano Reggiano broth.
Pale orange-pink in colour with a minerally nose of red cherries and a floral grace note; medium-bodied, dry, clean and crisp with red plum and citrus flavours.