Saturday, April 1^st: Deborah and I were invited to celebrate Meg McGrath’s 50^th birthday at a lunch at Erik Peacock’s Wellington Court Restaurant.

Meg’s partner, Phil Dowell, winemaker at both Angels Gate and Kew Vineyard, had made special bottlings for the event – as well as a welcome sparkling wine from Phil’s own company, Millésime.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Other wines tasted this week:

Malivoire Gamay Genova Gamay 2021 (Vinemount Ridge, Niagara; Winery only, $27.95)
Ruby colour; a nose of red cherries with a suggestion of oak; medium-bodied, dry, sour cherry and cranberry flavours carried on lively acidity. (90)

Gérard Bertrand Perles de Grenache Rosé 2021 (Sud de France; $18.95, Vintages #556209)
Flesh pink in colour; watermelon bouquet; medium-bodied, dry; fresh and lively watermelon and cranberry flavours with zesty acidity. (89)