The Niagara wine release at Vintages this Saturday is all about refreshing enjoyment for hot summer days.
The release includes a couple of gorgeous Niagara Rieslings, a crisp and clean unoaked Chardonnay, a refreshing white blend and a personable rose. Here’s what to look for on July 25.
Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2012 ($18, 91 points) – A fascinating nose of mineral-laden citrus, grapefruit and quince. Simply mouth-watering on the palate with gushing grapefruit and citrus with river-rock minerals and a lovely tug of sweet and tart. It’s quite complex and dramatic through a refreshing finish.
Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard 2014 ($20, 91 points) — Winemaker Brian Schmidt draws from the best parcels of his beloved St. Urban Vineyard, planted in 1979, for the Elevation Riesling. With the 2012 vintage all but sold out and the winemaker taking a pass on the 2013 vintage at this level, consumers will nonetheless be impressed with this wine. It has such a beautiful nose of lime, minerals and wisps of grapefruit and honey. It shows complexity on the palate and builds in momentum showing wet stone and citrus/lime zest with a dollop of honey sweetness. But, still, there is the kick-ass freshness from the lively acidity that keeps everything in balance.
Fielding Estate Unoaked Chardonnay 2013 ($15, 88 points) — Pure, fresh aromas of crisp apple, citrus and melon. It’s refreshing on the palate with clean, bright fruits. Simple and delicious.
Trius Divine White 2014 ($20, 88 points) — This is what winemaker Craig McDonald describes as his ode to Alsatian white blends. It consists of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and a tiny amount of Chardonnay (the only non-Alsace grape in the blend). It is highly aromatic with green apple, peach, pear and lemon-lime notes. It comes together nicely on the palate with a rich mouthfeel and a juicy array of fruits that are all propped up by racy acidity. Good summer sipper or pair with shrimp, scallops or even lobster.
Foreign Affair Amarosé 2013 ($19, 89 points) — A complex and heady nose of strawberry shortcake and raspberry pie that is bold, rich and inviting. It is textured and layered on the palate with concentrated and lush red fruits followed by a squirt of citrus on the finish.
Other Niagara wines being released, but not reviewed:
- Coyote’s Run Cabernet/Merlot 2012 ($20)
- Lailey Merlot 2013 ($25)
- The Good Earth Gamay Noir 2012 ($20)
- Vieni Briganti Reserve 2012 ($19)
- Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer 2012 ($18)
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