There is nothing at all spooky about the Niagara wines being released Oct. 31 at Vintages. In fact, the release features some very friendly wines, including a must-have Pinot Noir from Flat Rock Cellars.
Reviewed below are featured Niagara wines being released on Oct. 31 plus other reviews from Flat Rock Cellars, Henry of Pelham and Konzelmann.
First, the Vintages release wines:
Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir 2013 ($30, 92 points) — This could be the best Gravity I have tasted from this Twenty Mile Bench producer. Aromas of black cherry, savoury herbs and sweet, subtle spice all beautifully integrated. Such depth of fruit on the palate with juicy cherries and raspberries, yes, but also bramble, mineral, oak spice and integrated tannins that’s showing lovely balance already. It’s smooth and silky through the finish.
Flat Rock Cellars Unplugged Chardonnay 2013 ($17, 88 points) — A nose of pure pear, lemon and just a pinch of jasmine in this unoaked version of Flat Rock’s Chardonnay program. Lovely texture on the palate with flavours of poached pear, citrus and a creamy feel through the finish.
Creekside Estate Laura’s Red 2012 ($20, 90 points) — This combines all five Bordeaux red grapes and adds a smidge of Syrah, about 4%, because winemaker Rob Power likes the “spice it brings.” A great wine for $20, with an expressive nose of black currants, ripe black cherry, blackberries and a lovely spicy-oak note. It is substantive and bold on the palate with thick black fruits, cherry, pepper, licorice and fine tannins. Should age well.
Marquis The Silver Line Chardonnay 2013 ($18, 89 points) — A lovely nose of pear, melon, coconut and subtle, balanced spices. The pear fruit is concentrated and pure on the palate with crisp apple notes, rousing acidity and fine oak spice that shines through a long finish.
Other Niagara wines being released but not reviewed:
- Megalomaniac Coldhearted Riesling Icewine 2014 ($30 for 200 mL)
- Fielding Estate Riesling 2014 ($19)
- Inniskillin Reserve Series Chardonnay 2013 ($19)
- 2027 Cellars Queenston Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 ($35)
- Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 ($25)
- Redstone Reserve Cabernet Franc 2011 ($30)
Other wines recently tasted:
Flat Rock Cellars
Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2013 ($20, Vintages, 89 points) — Bright aromatics of warm summer cherries, raspberry, subtle cassis and minerality with spice undertones. It’s lovely on the palate with cherry, bramble and spice all nicely balanced through the finish. Is there a better Pinot Noir in Niagara for $20? I don’t think so.
Flat Rock Cellars Riddled Sparkling 2009 ($30, Vintages Nov. 28, 91 points) — The base wine is 92% Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Noir and spends four years on the lees before disgorging. The nose shows lovely and inviting brioche, toast, lemon-lime, grapefruit and apple notes. A soft but persistent mousse delivers an array of bright lime, green apple and creamy pear notes in this nicely aged and mature sparkling wine.
Henry of Pelham
Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2014 ($50 for 375 mL, 92 points) — Penetrating aromas of white peach, citrus, apricot, lanoline, almond paste, honeysuckle and wild honey. It has a luxurious feel on the palate with compoted and exotic tropical fruits, peach, nutty flavours and marmalade with length and staying power through a crazy-long finish.
Konzelmann Estate Winery
Konzelmann Riesling Reserve Old Vines 2014 ($23, 91 points) — This Riesling is from the estate’s oldest vines along the lakefront property and is picked late and barrel fermented. It’s a really different expression of Niagara Riesling, with a nose of lime, grapefruit, honeycomb, peach and apricot that is rich and complex. It is nicely textured on the palate with rich flavours of citrus, peach, nougat, nectarine and minerality that is all balanced nicely by racy acidity. Konzelmann Rieslings are some of the longest lasting in Niagara so would recommend laying this down for 5+ years.
Comment here