SELECT LATE HARVEST MERLOT 2008
‘A pretty salmon pink, this fine dessert wine brings to mind summer, with aromas of strawberry rhubarb compote, fresh strawberries and ripe orchard fruit. There flavours replay on the honeyed palate, measured acidity offering a tangy note through the lengthy, honeyed, yet fresh finish.’
‘This is a very crisp and clean wine out of Niagara that softens the aggressive character of the grape. While it’s dry, there’s a note of fruity sweetness. Look for flavours of melon, pink grapefruit, lime peel, tangerines and an underlying mineral tang.’
‘An offbeat sauvignon blanc, this is sweet enough almost to qualify as off-dry, yet there’s good Sour Patch Kids-candy tartness to give it a virtually fizzy quality. Try it with aromatic dishes, such as lightly spicy Thai chicken curry.’
‘Clean yellow green, the aromas of pea pod, lemongrass and subtle tropical fruit entice. Dry, light-medium bodied, the palate is fresh and lively, the acidity is clean and crisp, the flavours of tangy citrus and green apple adding verve through the finish. Enjoy with lemon-herbed roast chicken. Rating: ****’
‘Very light yellow colour. Somewhat spicy, slightly honeyed, ripe apple-lemon nose. Dry, medium-light bodied, slightly spicy, tangy, ripe lemon-melon-apple flavours with a crisp, unoaked finish. Screwcap closure.’
‘RESERVE’ CABERNET MERLOT 2007
‘Motivate yourself mid-week by drinking an example of local excellence. This ripe, heady, sensual red from Niagara producer Cattail Creek shows us that despit our unreliable, fringe circumstances, we are capable of producing a red that sure is to turn heads. A Bordeaux blend that is likely to surprise your partner in a blind tasting. 90 points.’
‘RESERVE’ CABERNET MERLOT 2007
‘Unfiltered and aged 15 months in French and American oak, this is a well-crafted blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from one of Niagara’s greatest vintages. Dry, medium bodied, there’s a complexity of aromas and flavours – sweet dark fruit, cherries, spice and vanilla – as well as a round texture and subtle structure. There are vanilla replays on the vibrant finish along with a dash of white pepper – a good match for beef short ribs with mached tater and neeps. Rating: ****’
‘RESERVE’ CABERNET MERLOT 2007
‘Extremely purple colour. Fairly intense, slightly spicy, ripe plum nose with some sandalwood and licorice notes. Dry, medium bodied, harmonious, ripe plum-cherry flavours with a lingering, crisp, vanilla-tinged finish. This well-priced blend of 50% Cabernet, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc spent 15 months in French and American oak. Unfined and unfiltered with with very good mouthfeel. Screwcap closure. Rating: Excellent’
‘From the heartbreak grape, a heartthrob wine—you’ll fall in love with this. It’s highly perfumed with red cherry, Asian spice, toast and beetroot aromas, perfectly balanced and simply delicious. Lively spice-infused flavours bathe the palate with Montmorency cherry, ripe succulent black plum and racy red currant to the fore. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a generous aftertaste that’s lip-smacking good. Lovely sipped on its own and poured perfectly with grilled smoked duck breasts. Rating: ****’