HIGHLIGHTS OF WINES WRITERS’ CIRCLE MONTHLY TASTING
In the month of July, over 50 white and a few rose wines were tasted.
Rose wines have become quite popular in the last few years, and many countries are exporting more and more to North America and elsewhere in the world. Well made rose wines can be refreshing, fruity, straightforward and appealing with or without food. France, Italy, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, the U S A and Canada make fine rose wines.
The following wines were the highlights of the tasting:
Chardonnay, 2008, Rutherford Ranch, Napa Valley
Crisp green apple, ripe pear, tangerine, Key lime and papaya aromas waft out of the glass. 35 per cent of the blend underwent malolactic fermentation rendering the wine smooth but still with a good acid undertone.
In the mouth, cinnamon and vanilla flavours are discernible. The finish is crisp, citrusy, and lingering.
90/100
$ 24.95
Available at Vintages of L C B O
Chenin Blanc, 2007, Cave Spring Cellars, Niagara Peninsula
Generally Canadian wineries shy away from chenin blanc. Yet it is one of the most versatile grapes of the Loire valley in France, and everywhere in the Republic of South Africa.
Smells of blueberries, golden delicious apples, white peach and papaya greet the nose. In
the mouth the wine is dry and offers chalky texture along with a fine acid backbone. Suitable with grilled or pan-fried seafood, including scallops, and panko-breaded calamari. Well priced.
90é100
$ 16.95
Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Terroir Series, 2008, Strewn, Niagara Peninsula,
The fruit for this wine was grown on the property. It offers apple/pear aromas with medium-full body. Smooth and clean in the mouth, with a buttery texture. Can be cellared for two more years for additional complexity.
90é100
$ 22.95
Muscat of Limnos, 2008, Limnos Wines, Greece
Muscat grape smells along with perfume aromas dominate. This wine is sweet, complex, balanced with an excellent and long finish. Superb with ripe muskmelons, or fresh fruit laced with Grand Marnier
90é100
$ 11.95
Santorini Assyrtiko, 2008, Sigalas, Greece
Assyrtiko, one of Greece’s major white grapes, has been thriving on the island of Santorini’s volcanic soils for over 2000 years. The phylloxera never arrived on the island, and the wines taste aromatic, are dry, elegant and refined. This wine, from one of the best wineries on the island, can be cellared for a few years. Especially recommended with rich seafood i.e butter-poached lobster, fillet of Dover sole a la meunier.
88/100
$ 22.95 available at Vintages
Riesling, 2009, Flat Rock Cellars, Niagara Peninsula
An excellent, off-dry aromatic, medium-bodied citrus flavoured Ontario Riesling of note. A bargain at this price.
90/100
$ 16.95
Available at the winery
Spirit Hawk Chardonnay, 2008, Lender Jenkins Vineyards, Ca
Aromas of white peach, pineapple, apricot, papaya, vanilla and cinnamon waft out of the glass. Apricot, lemon zest, and honeydew melon flavours are apparent in the mouth. The texture is creamy, and finishes long.
89/100
$ 19.95
Vintages
Chateau Le Bonnat, 2007, Bordeaux
Composed equally of sauvignon blanc and semillion this smooth, fruity wine from Graves (a sub-region of Bordeaux) offers floral aromas and flavours.
90/100
$ 21.95
Vintages
Five Mile Creek, 2009, Coyote’s run, Ontario
A bend of Riesling, pinot blanc, and gewürztraminer this wine offers fresh citrus and floral aromas. It is off dry, yet well balanced and recommended with sushi, sashimi, Thai-style dishes and summer salads with citrus dressing. Well priced at $ 13.95
Contact coyotesrunwinery.com
Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling, 2007, John Howard Cellars of Distinction, Ontario
Aromas of lemon and melon with subtle notes of peach and orange waft out of the glass. Off dry with a pleasant acidity and long finish, A fine wine for flat fish, poultry, and pork recipes.
Contact the winery for purchases.