Here are some Niagara wine highlights from the Vintages release this Saturday, June 11. Check the LCBO for availability at your closest store:
Sue-Ann Staff Estate Robert’s Block Riesling 2009 ($21, 91 points) — This is Staff’s greatest wine to date, but, heck, it’s only been two vintages so far from the young dynamic winemaker at her own winery. It starts with sharp citrus, lime, peach and classic mineral notes on the nose. The mineral edge carries to the palate with added orange peel and lime that’s clean and refreshing with such wonderful clarity of fruit. A beautiful thing. And built to improve in the cellar.
Alvento Elige 2007 ($20, 92 points) — A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc from a terrific vintage and a steal at this price. It’s dark and dense with ripe currants, cassis and blackberry aromas bolstered by cedar and spice. Such silky smoothness on the palate, to go with evolving and alluring dark fruits in a full and lush style. This is a gorgeous wine, built for the cellar for years of enjoyment and all for $20.
Vineland Estate Chenin Blanc 2008 ($15, 89 points) — This is one heck of a Chenin and reminds one of the great wines from the Loire Valley in France. A spicy, richly aromatic nose with lovely floral-honey notes. It’s beautiful on the palate with lush fruits and a sweetness that is tempered by racy acidity. Great first effort!
Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir 2008 ($45, 90 points) — Consistently the most personable and identifiable Pinots in the Le Clos portfolio drawing its profile from the heavy, dark clay and limestone soils of Jordan. It’s a masculine style with game, mineral intensity, underbrush, cassis and red fruits around the edges. It shows wonderful fruit and oak in the mouth with both structure and a playful hint of restraint, suggesting more to come with some time in the cellar.
Not reviewed but being released at Vintages:
- Rose Hill Private Reserve Cab-Merlot 2007, $19
- Harbour Estates Sunset Rose 2010, $12
- Peninsula Ridge Beal Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $19
- Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir rose 2010, $17
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