A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 847: A Mix of Reds & Whites

Posted on August 2, 2022 by tonyaspler

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Joliesse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (California, $17.95, LCBO #16564)
Deep purple in colour; cedary, vanilla, earthy, plum bouquet; medium to full-bodied, dry, savoury, clove and blackcurrant and red plum flavours; firmly structured, good length. (89)

Château Vrai Caillou 2018 (Bordeaux; $14.95, Vintages #34292, to be released September 10th)
Deep ruby colour; toasty, cedary, vanilla, blackcurrant nose; dry; medium-bodied, well-structured, savoury, spicy black fruit flavours; ripe tannins, Great value. (89) Continue reading →

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A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 846: I4C 2022

Posted on July 27, 2022 by tonyaspler

Friday, July 22nd: Up early to register before 8 am at White Oaks for the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. The keynote speaker was Andrew Jefford, a regular columnist for Decanter Magazine and The World of Fine Wine, who gave a brilliant address on Chardonnay and wine in general. His thesis – wine is a sort of music and just as there is a language of music, so there is a language of wine. “Place composes wine’s music… Chardonnay is an instrument on which you can play many sorts of music.” (An idea echoed in a quote by winemaker Ron Giesbrecht several years ago: “Chardonnay is the chicken of the vineyard.”) Continue reading →

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A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 845: The Farm

Posted on July 21, 2022 by tonyaspler

The Farm wines

The Farm Chardonnay 2020 (Twenty Mile Bench, $25): Bright, light straw in colour; toasty, spicy, apple bouquet; medium-bodied, dry, apple and peach flavours with a nutty finish. Beautifully balanced with lemony acidity. (90)

The Farm Pinot Noir 2020 ($27): Medium ruby colour; lifted raspberry nose with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, lean and sinewy, raspberry and sour cherry flavour. Volnay-style. (90)

The Farm Pinot Noir Neudorf Vineyard 2019 ($55): Ruby with a tawny hue; raspberry nose with tealeaf and tobacco notes; medium-bodied, dry, elegant, well-balanced, nicely integrated oak. Lovely mouth-feel. (91)

The Farm Pinot Noir Mason Vineyard 2019 ($50): Ruby with a tawny hue; raspberry nose with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry; richer mouth-feel than the Neudorf and a shade deeper in colour; black raspberry flavour. Great length. (92)

Lakeside Cellars wines

Lakeside Cellars’ Lakeshore vineyard is perched on the east shore of Lake Osoyoos in the southern Okanagan Valley. Continue reading →

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A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 844: 13th Street and Other Wines

Posted on July 11, 2022 by tonyaspler

13th Street wines

13th Street Reserve Pinot Gris 2019 (Creek Shores, Niagara)
Golden straw in colour; peach pit bouquet with pear notes and a light floral tone; medium-bodied, dry, peach and pear flavors carried on lively acidity. Drink now. (89)

13th Street June’s Vineyard Riesling 2020 (Creek Shores, Niagara)
Pale straw colour, minerally, grapefruit and lime bouquet; light-bodied, just off-dry with grapefruit, lime flavours and a touch of honey. Elegant, beautifully balanced with a long finish. Lovely mouth-feel. Drink now or hold 2–3 years. (90) Continue reading →

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A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 843: Kacaba, On Seven, Backyard Vineyards (Kelowna) and Others

Posted on June 27, 2022 by tonyaspler

Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Rebecca Rosé 2021

Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Rebecca Rosé 2021 (Niagara Peninsula, LCBO #227025, $20.15)
Gamay grapes. Pink with a bluish tint; strawberry nose with a thread of minerality; medium-bodied, dry, strawberry flavour with a cranberry note; crisp on the palate; well-balanced and easy drinking. (88.5)

Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Reserve Riesling 2021, Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Summer Series Susan’s Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Irresistible Joanne’s Blend 2019

Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Reserve Riesling 2021 (Niagara Peninsula, $21.15)
Pale straw in colour; minerally, honeyed grapefruit zest bouquet with a light petrol note; light-bodied, floral, lime and grapefruit flavour; elegant, fresh and lively with a lingering lemony finish. (90) Continue reading →

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