This week, a tasting of wines from Kacaba, on the Niagara Escarpment.

Kacaba Oak Aged Chardonnay 2018 (Niagara Escarpment, $29.95)
Bright, pale golden colour; toasty, apple with oak spice and a note of underbrush; medium-bodied, dry, round and unctuous o the palate with melon and peach flavours with subtle oak notes and a fresh, lemony-acidic finish. Drink now or hold 1–2 years, (89)

Kacaba Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2017 (Niagara Escarpment, $39.95)
Bright, golden straw colour; buttered toast bouquet of yellow apples with oak spice; medium to full-bodied, dry, mouth-filling apple crumble and lychee flavours with well-integrated oak; harmonious and lingering on the palate. Drink now or old 1–2 years. (90)

Kacaba Reserve Riesling 2019 (Niagara Escarpment, $19.95)
Pale straw with a lime tint; lime and grapefruit on the nose with an engaging floral top note; light to medium-bodied; honeyed grapefruit flavour with racy, mouth-freshening acidity. Good length. Drinking well now but will reward cellaring. This wine will last five to ten years if properly cellared. (89–91)

Kacaba Cabernet Syrah 2017 (Niagara Escarpment, $29.95)
Deep ruby in colour; smoky, toasty, vanilla oak and blackberry and blackcurrant nose; medium-bodied, dry, juicy and savoury with black plum, blackberry and licorice flavours. Nicely integrated oak and ripe tannins. Drink in 2023 and beyond. (90)

Kacaba Cabernet Sauvignon Wismer Vineyard 2017 (Niagara Escarpment, $27.95)
Bright ruby in colour; cedary, toasty, blueberry and redcurrant nose with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, elegant, blueberry and cassis flavours with well-integrated oak and evident but ripe tannins. Lovely mouth-feel. Hold 2–3 years. (91–92)

Kacaba Proprietor’s Block Syrah 2017 (Niagara Escarpment, $32.95)
Deep purple-ruby in colour; slightly herbal spicy, tobacco and black plum bouquet with a floral note; medium-bodied, dry, elegant, blackberry flavour carried on fresh acidity; beautifully balanced and juicy on the palate. Can be enjoyed now but will reward cellaring 1–2 years. (91–92)