Maleta 2002 Gamay

Another surprise. This is a small winery that is just a little off the beaten path. The winery is a pretty ruby and is medium bodied. Lots of sour cherry, with a hit of chocolate on the finish. A decent wine.

Wine clubs in Ontario

When I was in Niagara, I decided to join a few more wine clubs. In addition to Peller, I am now looking forward to monthly selections from Puddicombe, Fielding and Vinelands Estates. Thanks to Lindsay (at Puddicombe), Joe (at Vinelands) and Heidi (at Fieldings.)

EastDell Estates 2002 Red Cab

I allowed this wine to breathe for 2 hours before sampling. This is a blend of cab Franc and Gamay. I think the winemaker was drinking a different wine - based on his notes versus my experience. The wine is medium bodied (at best.) While the winemaker 's notes suggest blueberry and raspberry, I did get some raspberry, but lots of unpleasant acidity and no blueberry. I also had earthiness and harshness, rather than "soft and supple." This isnt something you would pour out, but you really wouldnt want to cellar it.

Peller Estates 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature Series

I went to Peller on Saturday and had dinner at the restaurant. I have always liked the '02 Cab Sauv and decided to have a glass (or two) of the Signature series with dinner. Full-bodied. Black berries and plums on the nose. Deep reddish-purple. Tastes of plum, black cherries. A wonderful accompaniment with the venison.

Coyote Run 2004 Off-Dry Reisling

I bought this on my first extended weekend trip to Niagara. This was the first stop and the winery's boutique had only been open for a week. I decided to buy this wine blind - with a thought that I would return later.

Nice clean pale straw colour. Tropical fruits on the nose. Grapefruit comes through with some pineapple. Crisp and a bit too much acidity. The notes claim lychee, but it didn't happen for me. A reasonable first attempt.

Fielding 2005 Pinot Gris

Absolutely gorgeous colur. A lovely amber with just a touch of blush. Terrific balance of sweetness and tartness. Grapefruit/tangerine comes through and quickly balanced with peach and melon. If you can find it, buy it.

Cornerstone Estate 2004 Select Blend Red

A blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. Medium bodied. There seems to be more Gamay than Pinot to my taste. Lots of earthiness and cloves. Some cherry in the background, but slightly overwhelmed by the tabacco and earth. A bit of a long finish that isnt unpleasant. Inexpensive, but not something you want keep in your cellar.

Birchwood Estates 2002 Pinot Noir

I wasnt hoping for much, but this wine was a very pleasant surprise. Light to Medium bodied. Definite sweet cherry, with some red tart fruit that balances extremely well. A definite keeper.

Lang Vineyards 2005 Viognier

The "Soaring Eagle" Limited Edition. "limited"? maybe that's for the best. Very pale colour. The nose promises peach, but the wine fails to deliver. Very light citrus taste with lots of acidity, but no sweetness to balance. The citrus is hard to describe. Its a bit like lemon water. Pass it by.

Lakeview Cellars 2002 Baco Noir Reserve

I decided to make a moose stew and wanted to use a Baco with the stock. I chose this wine assuming it had matured enough over the past 4 years. The best I can say about the wine is that it has a beautiful deep dark red. Tastes of cranberries and tobacco with some earthiness and a hint of chocolate. After 3 hours of breathing it was still tart - almost as though it hadn't been decanted. A disappointment.

La Frenz 2005 Alexandria

I bought this blind when I was in BC and have been looking forward to it for months. Its a Viognier blend and lives up to the winemakers reputation. Very pale colour but lots of legs - even a bit viscous. Tastes of honeydew melon, orange and some grapefruit. A hint of honey. definitely on the sweet side and very little acidity. Lovely clean honey/orange finish. If you are a Viognier fan, you are going to love this one.

Gray Monk 2005 Pinot Gris

A beautiful amber colour with tones of peach/rose. Absolutely stunning to look at. Tastes of grapefruit and peach with a hint of pear. A nice balance of sweetness with the sour, but a tad acid. Nice clean finish.

RidgePoint Wines 2002 Merlot

Ridgepoint is one of the newer wineries in Niagara. The 02 Merlot is almost invisible on the nose (hints of plum and spice), but lots of red fruit and pepper to taste. The finish is quite long. It probably needs some more time in the cellar.

Lakeview Cellars 2002 Pinot Noir Reserve

Coming soon

Thomas & Vaughan 2002 Cabernet Franc

Coming soon

Lakeview Cellars 2000 Marechal Foch

Coming soon

Stoney Ridge Estate Winery 2002 Pinot Noir

Light-bodied. A bit jammy with tastes of tobaccco, leather and black cherry. I bit of a lingering tobacco finish. Probably needs a couple of years for the tannins to develop more completely.

Peller Estates 2002 Cabernet Franc Private Reserve

Beautiful deep purple colur. Lots of sweet black fruits (plums, currants, etc.) Some spice. Medium body. A nice lingering finish.

Jackson-Triggs 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Proprieters Reserve

A beautiful deep purple colour and lots of legs. Hints of black cherry and plum with notes of chocolate and tobacco. Some pepper. Nice clean finish.

Puddicombe Estate 2001 Pinot Noir

Coming soon ...