Monthly Archives: August 2011

2008 Pedras do Monte

This is a mini review based on a tasting at Salt restaurant in Toronto. A Portuguese red blend with a strong nose of oak and red fruit. Tannins were bold and there is no doubt this needs some more time. … Continue reading

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Niagara Wine Week – Delayed

I am at 36,000′ currently and will be delayed getting out the final review (2010 Calamus Pinot Gris) for a few days. In the meantime I have a few short reviews that should pop up. As I will be in … Continue reading

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2007 Fielding Estate Meritage

A bit of a shorter write up tonight, apologies to Fielding Estates in advance but a busy Saturday and prep for a week away has eaten into my time to blog. Fielding followed Angels Gate on the 6th day and … Continue reading

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2010 Angels Gate Pinot Gris

Angels Gate Winery is located on the Beamsville Bench, literally seconds/minutes from a handful of other vineyards recently reviewed (Hidden Bench, Tawse) or to be reviewed shortly (Fielding, Rosewood). Nestled midway up the Niagara Escarpment, the views as you drive … Continue reading

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2008 Hidden Bench Felseck Vineyard Pinot Noir

I am rather shocked that I have never reviewed a single Hidden Bench wine before. If you were to ask me to name my top three wineries in Niagara at any given time, I can guarantee you that it would … Continue reading

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2008 Ravine Vineyards Merlot

Last Friday we made our first ever visit to Ravine Vineyards. Nestled into the little community of St-David’s I have been aware of the winery for some time but had never made the effort to visit it. Why? I have … Continue reading

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2007 Château des Charmes Pinot Noir

After a long hard week of driving Gertrude, playing a few rounds of golf and visiting two wineries a day in the Niagara region I decided that Monday was a much needed rest day, and as such headed to the … Continue reading

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2010 Strewn Terroir Riesling-Gewürztraminer

Strewn is a vineyard just on the outskirts of Niagara on the Lake (NotL), only a stone’s throw from Lake Ontario. Only a dozen years old now, it is a relatively young winery that is probably better known for its … Continue reading

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2007 Stratus Petit Verdot

If you have ever driven down the 55 in Niagara, through Virgil to Niagara on the Lake, you have seen Stratus. An elegant looking set of buildings on the right hand side lead into a visually pleasing tasting/showing room (as … Continue reading

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2006 De Sousa Reserve Meritage

In all my time down in Niagara (either living here for a short period or just visiting) I have never found my way up Quarry Road to De Sousa Vineyards. Of the 43 vineyards that dot the Niagara Escarpment/Twenty Valley/Beamsville … Continue reading

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Friday Night of Niagara Wine Week

No review tonight but two tomorrow. Today was day 6 which included a fantastic trip to Chateau des Charmes and Ravine Vineyard. This led to extra wine drinking and thus no review (it’s Friday folks!). De Sousa and Stratus reviews … Continue reading

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NV Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catherine Rosé Brut

As the first annual Niagara Wine has progressed it has been interesting to see and experience the reactions of the tasting room staff when I announced my intentions. So far the week has seen: Tawse, Malivoire, Strewn, Stratus, Angel’s Gate, … Continue reading

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2007 Malivoire Moira Vineyard Pinot Noir

The second day of the Niagara Wine Week started with a visit to Malivoire Wine Company. My history with Malivoire is both good and bad. In the early 2000’s I had one brilliant visit which yielded ample reds and whites … Continue reading

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2008 Tawse Estate Spark

If you do not follow Niagara wine, or simply show a passing fancy, the name Tawse may mean little to you. To those with a slight bit of knowledge the name may simply mean Chardonnay. To anyone who has spent … Continue reading

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SANTA BRIGIDA COLLI DELLA TOSCANA CENTRALE 2001

In the continuing quest to insure I don’t let another bottle sit too long in the cellar and waste it I cracked this one. I’ve had it since 2007. The wine is dark in color with a lovely nose of … Continue reading

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Day 2 & 3of Niagara Wine Week

Just a quick note to say that tonight there will be a post up about the first day’s (second) visit and wine from TAWSE. Day 2 included a visit to Malivoire and De Sousa Wine Cellers. Day 3 included a … Continue reading

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2010 Coyote’s Run “Rare Vintage” Pinot Gris

For our Niagara Wine Week we start with our visit to Coyote’s Run Estate Winery a small winery that sits just below St. David’s bench in St. David’s, Ontario. This vineyard has started to make a name for itself in … Continue reading

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CWG First Annual Niagara Wine Week

I am down in Niagara for some much needed R&R, but unlike the last 20 odd vacations, there are no plans. Well there are plans to do very little besides drive Gertrude and play a few rounds of golf. So … Continue reading

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