Local content at the LCBO is on the increase with more and more consumers seeking out wines from Ontario. The April 2 Vintages release features some real beauties. Here’s what I can highly recommend.
Cattail Creek Chardonnay Musque 2009 ($17, 87 points) — This clone of Chardonnay is becoming more and more popular with consumers. It’s easy to like with ripe peach and apple flavours with a touch of spice. A spring/summer sipping wine.
Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Two Vineyards Riesling 2009 ($18, 91 points) — Inniskillin winemaker Bruce Nicholson narrowed the blend for this Riesling down to two select estate vineyards to come up with gorgeous, well-priced wine. A floral nose with lime, tropical fruits, and minerals. Tangy fruit on the palate of this crisp and citrus-loaded wine with wet stone minerality and perfect balance.
Stoney Ridge Warren Classic Chardonnay 2008 ($15, LCBO, Winery, 90 points) — Tropical fruits, toast, hazelnuts, spice and vanilla make this an appealing Chardy at this price. Creamy citrus-tropical fruits on the palate to go with butterscotch-vanilla and all wonderfully balanced.
Pillitteri Estates Cabernet Franc 2007 ($20, 89 points) — This Cab Franc from the great 07 vintage spent 17 months in old and new French and American oak. The nose shows lovely black cherry, wild berry fruit to with oak-driven spice and cocoa notes. It’s smooth and rich on the palate and delivers red fruits, roasted herbs, spice, pepper and a hint of cured tobacco.
Malivoire Pinot Noir 2008 ($30, 92 points) — What I would call a feminine pinot, made from 100% certified organic fruit from the Beamsville Bench, with a pretty nose of strawberry-raspberry fruit and lovely vanilla spice. In the mouth, the red fruits are harmonized with just the right amount of freshening acid and spice.
Henry of Pelham Gamay 2009 ($15, 86 points) — The Gamay for this wine is from estate fruit grown on the Short Hills Bench. A nice, expressive red with a bold, spicy nose. This is all about the black cherry fruit and generous black pepper spice.
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