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STRATUS CABERNET FRANC 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Beginning in the early 2000s, a group of wineries came on the scene and redefined the quality level of Ontario wines. Stratus was one of those wineries, and this Cabernet Franc helps to show why.
TASTING NOTE: The best of Stratus' 2004 cabernet franc barrels "didn't fit" the Stratus Red blend, so the winemaker bottled them on their own instead. It's lovely-fresh and supple, with raspberry-strawberry fruit, light oak spice and vanilla accents-and without cold-climate cab franc's leafy greenness. Dense, elegant and very long ... Score - 96. (David Lawrason, www.torontolife.com, Dec. 2006)
665034 (XD) 750 mL $36  |
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FLAT ROCK CELLARS GRAVITY PINOT NOIR 2005
VQA Twenty Mile Bench
TASTING NOTE: Took top pinot at the Ontario Wine Awards this year, and wows at the table as well. The nose is a balsamic-like blast of raspberry, spice, wood smoke with the earthy, fresh dug beet nuances typical of Ontario pinot. Rich yet vibrant on the palate with excellent length. Score - 90. (David Lawrason, Wine Access, The Lawrason E-Report, Sept. 29, 2007)
56838 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
MALIVOIRE MOIRA VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: From a single certified organic vineyard run by Martin Malivoire on the Beamsville Bench, this satiny, supple, yet well-structured pinot shows fragrant, beguiling aromas of cherry-raspberry fruit, floral notes and dried herbs, plus chocolate and spice from aging in French oak. Fine tannin and excellent flavour focus. Score - 96. (David Lawrason, www.torontolife.com, March 2007)
730754 (XD) 750 mL $41.80
LE CLOS JORDANNE CLAYSTONE TERRACE PINOT NOIR 2005 VQA Niagara Peninsula
In 2000, Burgundy-based Boisset and Vincor Canada established Le Clos Jordanne, a unique domaine devoted to the production of premium and super-premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The partners recognized that the Niagara Peninsula shares much in common with Burgundy, the world's greatest terroir for Pinot Noir. Upon release last year, those in the know snapped up every last bottle. This elegant and refined 2005 Pinot offers utterly exquisite floral aromatics that flit about on the nose as well as loads of cherry fruit aromas. A steal at this price, enjoy with a mushroom and chicken risotto or grilled swordfish.
33951 (XD) 750 mL $34.95 |
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New at VINTAGES
MEGALOMANIAC BRAVADO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula
(John Howard Cellars of Distinction)
TASTING NOTE: … 2005, being a short crop [in Ontario], didn't allow for both a single [varietal] and a blend [wine], so winemakers had to decide how best to get the most out of [their] grapes … The Maniac behind this bottle, (winemaker Andrzej Lipinski) decided to go single, and good thing he did. The nose is front loaded with black cherries and raspberries, with just a light touch of white pepper; while on the tongue, you'll find lots of black fruit, pepper and oak. A touch of tannin and good acidity helps to make this wine worth drinking now (as it is smoother than one would expect) - yet it can also find some space in the cellar for up to 5 years or so. (Michael Pinkus, www.ontariowinereview.com, Oct. 2007)
67561 (XD) 750 mL $24.95
HIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ MERITAGE 2005
VQA Beamsville Bench
This wine received **** (out of 5) in the Sept./Oct. 2007 issue of Vines.
TASTING NOTE: This is the first release red of Hidden Bench, a Bordeaux-style blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 15% merlot. What's setting Hidden Bench apart from most Niagara producers so far is seamless, elegant structure. Some may find it slightly green, but those who love Bordeaux reds with tobacco, dried herbs and lead pencil minerality will be amazed at how close this comes. Generous raspberry fruit as well. It's mid-weight, smooth and warm, with some chalky tannin. Very good to excellent length. Best 2010 to 2015. Score - 90. (David Lawrason, Wine Access, The Lawrason E-Report, Sept. 29, 2007)
505610 (XD) 750 mL $35
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CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: From estate-grown Cave Spring Vineyard (CSV) vines now 25 years old this is one of the finest Niagara rieslings yet produced. Bright pale silver straw in color. Aromatically very fine if not flamboyant, with clean, ripe apple-pear fruit, mineral-petrol and lime on the nose. Very elegant, firm yet tender, approaching the best tender yet tense balance of fine Mosel riesling. Excellent length. Best now to 2013. (David Lawrason, www.winerytohome.com, March 2007)
566026 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
TAWSE BEAMSVILLE BENCH RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville Bench
A Gold-Medal winner at the 2007 Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards.
TASTING NOTE: A big, complex, powerful chardonnay with rounded texture. Interesting peat smoke, baked apple, butter and a herbal note mindful of fresh dill. Score - **** (out of 5). (David Lawrason, www.torontolife.com, Jan. 15, 2007)
662858 (XD) 750 mL $42.20 |
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