Taste of the County Wines



Essex Wine Review, Wine of the Month, March 2010
Wine of the Month - March 2010
Aleksander Estate Chardonnay 2008

I can't help but think about how busy it must be at local wineries in the month of March as I enjoy this Chardonnay. Prunning is well underway as the wineries wonder what will be in store for the 2010 vintage.

Aleksander Estate Winery has been producing a lovely Chardonnay and this 2008 is no exception. I tasted this wine last May shortly afer it was bottled. It was quite good then and seems to be really improving as it sits in the bottle. Wonderful citrus notes greet the palate. There is a nice balance of acidity and sugar making this a nice quaffer.

Aleksander's 2007 Chardonnay sold out without much notice. If you haven't tried this one yet, get it before it's gone.

CLICK HERE to see reviews of Aleksander Estate Chardonnay 2008



Essex Wine Review







Wine Reviews - Lake Erie North Shore


Aleksander Estate Baco Noir 2008 Review

Sat 20, Mar. 10
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
Reflections of 2008 include all the gamuts of the weather spectrum occurring at the appropriate time.

The 2008 Baco Noir offers depth in both colour and flavour. This full-bodied wine is intense with dark berry undertones and black pepper aromas. The flavours of black cherry are followed by a creamy finish. Pair wiith game meats, beefsteak or hearty stews.

12.8% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $14

Rate and review Aleksander Estate Baco Noir 2008.

    Sanson Riesling 2008 Review

    Wed 17, Mar. 10
    1 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    5 overall score

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    Not currently available.

    VQA Lake Erie North Shore

    12 alc./vol.

    Price: 750 mL $14.95

    Rate and review Sanson Riesling 2008.

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    Pelee Island Gamay Noir Zweigelt 2008 Review

    Fri 12, Mar. 10
    1 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    5 overall score

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    This wine has lots of vitality. Quite tangy, dry and refreshing so it really livens the palate and makes you hungry. These grape varieties produce a wine with a bright, cheerful character.

    The Gamay Noir grapes were harvested in early October when the brix had reached 21.4 and the Zweigelt in mid-September, when the brix had reached 20. They were then left for four to six days in a temperature-controlled rotor fermenter under partial pressure.

    This wine is an excellent companion to red meats and game without sauces.

    GRAPES: 50% Zweigelt, 50% Gamay Noir
    ALCOHOL: 13%
    RESIDUAL SUGAR: 4.1 g/L
    Sugar Code: (0)

    Price: 750 mL $10.95

    VQA Ontario

    Rate and review Pelee Island Gamay Noir Zweigelt 2008.

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    Sanson Bacobama Review

    Thu 11, Mar. 10
    2 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    2.3 overall score

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    Wine for Change! Bacobama is a unique Blend of Baco, with just a hint of white wine to offer you a lighter red. Softer notes and slightly on the off-dry side, this wine is perfect for the first time red wine drinkers or try chilling it 10 minutes in the fridge for an easy drinking glass of wine. This product is made from 100% Lake Erie North Shore Grapes, grown proudly at our Estate Winery.

    Non VQA
    12% alc./vol.

    Price: 750 mL $13.95

    Rate and review Sanson Bacobama.

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    Viewpointe Riesling 2006 Review

    Mon 8, Mar. 10
    1 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    5 overall score

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    Aroma: citrus, floral and white peach.
    Palate: Nice acidity, long crisp finish, medium body, some mineral notes and citrus.

    VQA Lake Erie North Shore

    12.5% alc./vol.

    Price: 750 mL $13.95

    Rate and review Viewpointe Riesling 2006.

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    Sprucewood Shores Chardonnay 2008 Review

    Sat 6, Mar. 10
    3 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    5 overall score

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    More than your typical Chardonnay! This crisp wine carries a delightfully un-oaked citrus twist and finishes with mineral and fruity notes on the palate.

    VQA Lake Erie North Shore

    12.5% alc./vol.
    Sugar Code: 0

    Price: 750 mL $11.95

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    Colio Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Review

    Wed 3, Mar. 10
    2 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    4.8 overall score

    Colio Estate - VQA Varietals and Premium Blends

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    Colour: Light straw
    Bouquet: Sweet tropical fruit, melon, lanolin, fresh cut hay
    Taste: Tropical fruit, asparagus, lemongrass and minerals
    Serve at: 8º - 10º C

    VQA Lake Erie North Shore

    Blend: Sauvignon Blanc 100%
    Brix at Harvest: 20.5
    Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
    Aging: Stainless steel tanks
    Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
    Alcohol Content: 13.8%
    Production: 2000 cases
    Winemaker: Tim Reilly

    Awards & Reviews: Bronze medal winner at the 2009 Intervin International Awards
    Food Match: Pasta-cream based, Fish - Light Flavoured, Chicken

    Price: 750 mL - $10.75

    Rate and review Colio Sauvignon Blanc 2008.

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    Aleksander Estate Cabernet Franc 2008 Review

    Sun 28, Feb. 10
    1 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    4.8 overall score

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    With it’s beautiful garnet colour, the 2008 Cabernet Franc opens with the juicy flavours of red berries and sweet cherries. Berry flavours linger in the finish.

    Food Pairings:
    Best served with slow roasted back ribs, grilled veal and lamb chops.

    VQA Lake Erie North Shore
    Estate Bottled

    12.8% alc./vol.

    Price: 750 mL $14

    Rate and review Aleksander Estate Cabernet Franc 2008

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    Mastronardi Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Review

    Sat 27, Feb. 10
    1 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    4.6 overall score

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    This spectacular 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of sweet smoky raspberries and dark chocolate truffles. Flavours of black currents and roasted vanilla coffee bean dance along the palate. The well structured tannins will ensure graceful aging. Pair with roasted leg of lamb, prime rib and sharp cheeses.

    VQA Lake Erie North Shore
    13.3% alc./vol.

    Price: 750 mL $18

    Rate and review Mastronardi Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

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    Pelee Island Pinot Gris 2008 Review

    Mon 22, Feb. 10
    1 Reviews
    0 Reviews
    5 overall score

    2008 Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive

    Winemaker’s Notes:
    Pinot Gris at it’s best produces wines that are soft, perfumed with more color than most other white wines.

    Food Recommendations:
    With a rich pear flavor and a touch of sweetness this wine makes an ideal aperitif. It is best with old age cheese, blue cheese, nuts (walnuts) and Peking duck.

    Grape Composition: 100% Pinot Gris
    Alcohol: 13%
    Sugar Code: (0)


    VQA Pelee Island

    Price: 750 mL $15.95

    Rate and review Pelee Island Pinot Gris 2008

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