Laughing Stock Vineyards lineup

This week I tasted wines from Laughing Stock and more…

Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris 2018 (Naramata, Okanagan – $19.99): Bright, pale straw colour; minerally, peach pit nose with a light floral note; medium-bodied, crisply dry, green peach flavour; brisk acidity on the finish. (88)

Laughing Stock Vineyards Viognier 2018 ($24.99): Bright, light straw in colour; honeysuckle, peachy-melon nose; medium-bodied, dry, aromatic peach and melon flavours, beautifully balanced, lovely mouth-feel with an exotic peach and cardamom note. (92)

Laughing Stock Vineyards Amphora VRM 2018 (50% Viognier, 17% Roussanne, 33% Marsanne – $28.99): Old gold colour; lightly spicy, nectarine nose with a floral note; medium-bodied, dry, earthy, dried peach and mango flavours carried on lively acidity. The touch of oxidation givens the wine and extra dimension, as does the bitter almond note on the finish. (90)

Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay 2018 ($28.99): Light straw colour with a greenish tint; lightly toasty, apple bouquet with oak spice and a floral grace note; medium-bodied, dry, pear, apple and lemon flavours with well-integrate oak and a long fresh, citrus finish. (92)

Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Noir 2017 ($34.99): Deep ruby in colour; black raspberry, violets and vanilla oak on the nose; medium-bodied, dry, richly extracted plum and raspberry flavours, beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins and a warm alcoholic finish. (89)

Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust 2017 (Blend cunningly concealed under the capsule foil – 42% Merlot, 35% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah – $28.99): Deep ruby-purple colour; cedary, spicy, tobacco and blackcurrant bouquet; medium to full-bodied, dry, richly extracted flavours of black fruits and currants with harmonious oak and good grip on the finish to give structure to the fruit. (92)

Château des Charmes

Château des Charmes Riesling “Old Vines” 2015 (Niagara-on-the Lake, $18.95): Bright, pale straw colour; slightly oily, minerally, honeyed grapefruit nose; light-bodied, off-dry, tangerine, grapefruit and lemon flavour; beautifully balanced and lingering with a touch of honey on the finish. (90)

Château des Charmes Cabernet Sauvignon St. David’s Bench Vineyard 2016 ($34.95): Deep ruby-purple colour; cedary, blackcurrant jam nose with oak spice; medium-bodied, savoury, red and blackcurrant flavours with lively acidity and grainy tannins. (89)

Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 2015

Castello Vicchiomaggio Agostino Petri Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 (Tuscany, $29.95): Deep ruby in colour; cedary, cigar box, cherry nose with a floral top note; medium-bodied, ripe black cherry flavour with lively acidity; well-balanced and delicious. (90)

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