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New Niagara wine releases at Vintages Saturday: Killer 07 Henry of Pelham Cab-Merlot, nice Inniskillin Pinot Gris, Jackson-Triggs Gewurztraminer

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The release this Saturday at Vintages features a must Cab-Merlot from the stunning 2007 vintage, a delicious Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and some other reds that are worth the trip to your nearest LCBO.

Please take note, the LCBO and Vintages stores are closed on the holiday Labour Day Monday.

Here’s what’s in the release:

Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Barrel-Aged Pinot Gris 2009 ($19, 89 points, tasted twice) — An interesting PG that is partially barrel fermented and finished with a touch of sweetness. The nose shows fresh citrus-lime, peach and floral notes to go with subtle spice. In the mouth the spice comes forward and balances nicely with orchard fruits, citrus and a touch of honey. Lovely texture, acidity and oak treatment.

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Jackson Triggs Silver Series Gewurztraminer 2009 ($20, 89 points) — This is a pretty Gewurztraminer with the quintessential rose petal, grapefruit, lychee and dried flower aromas so often associated with this distinctive variety. It’s soft on the palate, built with a touch of sweetness and more balanced than many gewurz tasted lately.

CIMG5359Inniskillin Meritage 2008 ($19, 87 points) — A blend of 68% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Shows bright blackberry and currant fruits with herbs, oak and spice on the nose. The palate reveals a nice mix of blackberry, plum and cherry fruit as well as herbs, Espresso bean and spice with good acidity.

2007-cm-reserve-bottleHenry of Pelham Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2007 ($25, 92 points, reviewed a year ago) — This may well prove to be another 1999 or 2002. It’s so young and tight but still shows the beautiful fruit aromas of the vintage — blackberries and currants along with chocolate, spice, oak tones and vanilla. This big red started to open up after it was double decanted and tasted a day after opening. Earth, rich dark fruits, licorice, spice all play a role on the palate with fine oak and structure. It’s a youthful beauty that will integrate into a stunning wine down the road. A must for the cellar.

Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Reserve 2009 ($25, 90 points) – Baco Noir in the hands of the right winemaker and grown in the right vineyards, is such a wonderful and different grape that can be made into a flavourful and untamed wine. The nose reveals the beauty of this grape from the outset — aromas of wild berries, currants, bramble/underbrush, BBQ smoke and earthy tones all come together beautifully. The jammy, dark fruits are intense on the palate with touches of raspberry on the edges to go with balancing acidity and spices.

Also released, but not reviewed:

Lailey Chardonnay 2009 ($20)