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


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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Mastronardi Merlot 2007 Review

Sat 5, Dec. 09
2 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
As with all 2007 reds, this medium body Merlot shines. It demonstrates aromas of sweet vanilla and fresh black cherries. Bright cherry flavours continue on the palate with a very pleasant clean finish. A great partner with roasted lamb with just a hint of fresh rosemary.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13.5% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $18

Rate and review Mastronardi Merlot 2007.

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Mastronardi Pavlo Signature Reserve Meritage 2006 Review

Sat 3, Oct. 09
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
Serenade your palate! A passionate duet of fine wine and the melodic harmonies of Pavlo’s Mediterranean music. Mastronardi’s finest hand selected grapes create this exquisite Meritage with aromatic anise, velvety dark chocolate and hints of black current. Match with lamb or full flavoured entrées

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $30

Rate and review Mastronardi Pavlo Signature Reserve Meritage 2006.

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Mastronardi Cabernet Franc 2007 Review

Thu 24, Sep. 09
2 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
Hints of caraway seeds and anise fill the bouquet of this herbaceous Cabernet Franc. Flavours of damson plum and sweet cherry fill the middle palate, along with a smooth lingering finish. A must with prime rib.

VQA Ontario
13.1% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $12.75

Rate and review Mastronardi Cabernet Franc 2007.

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Mastronardi Casa Nostra Baco Noir 2008 Review

Sun 20, Sep. 09
2 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
Our richly robed Baco Noir displays rustic aromas of plums and blackberries. The palate is jam, jammy! Serve with red meats, red sauces and grilled entrées.

VQA Ontario
12% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $10

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Mastronardi Syrah 2007 Review

Mon 7, Sep. 09
3 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
This syrah has a bright bouquet of sweet tobacco with hints of green pepper. Rich flvours of ripe berries, graced with well structured tannins, are so delightful on the palate. A great match with rie cheeses, grilled earthy vegetables anf grilled chiken or pork.

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

Price: 750 mL $15

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Mastronardi Estates Merlot 2002 Review

Sun 24, May. 09
3 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
Full-bodied red, barrel-aged for 18 months. This rich and velvety wine has hints of raspberry and black currants. Match with prime rib, duck, and wild game.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13% alc./vol.

Gold Medal Winner: All Canadian Wine Championship

Price: 750 mL $60 (May 2009)

Rate and review Mastronardi Merlot 2002

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Mastronardi BriAnjë Riesling 2007 Review

Fri 22, May. 09
2 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemakers Notes:
We lovingly dedicate this wine to the memory of our precious daughter Brittany Alyssa Mastronardi. BriAnjë translates to “Angel Brittany”. Brittany touched so many lives in her short 11 years. She taught us to celebrate life, love and family.

A portion of all sales of BriAnjë will be donated to the Batten disease in memory of Brittany. It has been our honour to share her beauitful spirit with you! Celebrate life and toast to BriAnjë!!

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

Sugar Code: 2
12.4% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $15

Rate and review Mastronardi BriAnjë Riesling 2007

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Mastronardi Zweigelt 2006 Review

Thu 5, Mar. 09
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
This wine has a pronounced fruity bouquet and becomes rounder and finer with aging. The nose has expressions of black cherries with a surprise black pepper finish. High complexity, well balanced, ripe and soft tannins. This Zweigelt is great by itself or enjoy with beef and barbecues.
Sugar Code: 0

12.8% alc. /vol.

Price: 750 mL $10

CLICK HERE to rate and review Mastronardi Zweigelt 2006.

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Mastronardi Casa Nostra Vidal 2007 Review

Sat 7, Feb. 09
2 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
This cool climate star exhibits spectacular fruit aromas of grapefruit and ripe field strawberries. Zesty flavours fill the middle palate, softening perfectly towards the finish. Match with spicy dishes, grilled shrimp and fresh green salads.

Sugar Code: 1

Price: 750 mL $8.00
(1.5L also available)

CLICK HERE to rate and review Mastronardi Casa Nostra Vidal 2007.

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