Essex Wine Review

Winemaker’s Notes:
A medium/light colour suggests an easy-to-drink wine, which Barn Cat is, but at the same time, like an onion, you peel away the layers and there is much more there. The aroma’s lively and pleasing with cherry notes at the core and highlights of new leather, red licorice, and a touch of anise. These impressions are rounded out on the palate with some sweet vanilla/wood and a refreshing zest of acidity that lingers on a crisp finish. The mild tannins, the smooth mouth-feel … the pleasant bite on the finish. All indications point to a great wine drinking experience for the next few years to come. This guy is just the right weight and balance for a Berkshire chop or some spicy sausage right off the barbecue.

Barn Cat 2006 is a blend of these four grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir

Non VQA
13.5 alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $16.95

Rate and review Sanson Barn Cat 2006

Winemaker’s Notes:
You’ll love this one!

Non VQA
11% alc./vol

Price: 375 mL $14.95

Rate and review Erie Shore Winter Harvest Cabernet 2006

Winemaker’s Notes:
None available at time of publication

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
12.8% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $14

Rate and review Aleksander Cabernet Franc 2009

Winemaker’s Notes:
The bouquet of this ruby robust Cabernet Franc reveals hints of cranberries, raspberries and smoke. Flavours of bell peppers and red currants compliment the well structured, yet soft tannins on the finish. Pair with prime rib, duck and full flavoured cheeses.

VQA Ontario
12.5% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL ($14 + $1.82 tax) = $15.82

Rate and review Mastronardi Cabernet Franc 2008

Winemaker’s Notes:
Made in the same style as past Roses from Muscedere Vineyards this wine can be enjoyed in the summer sun as a sipping wine and with light foods, appetizers or salads.

Serve slightly chilled.
Total production: 100 cases

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
12.5% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $14

Rate and review Muscedere Vineyards Rosé 2010

Winemaker’s Notes:
This 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot blend was aged 16 months in French oak barrels. The wine shows good concentration of both fruit and colour with blackberry, vanilla and spice on the palate.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
14% alc./vol

Price: 750 mL $17.95

Rate and review Cooper’s Hawk Cabernet Merlot 2008

Cabernet Franc

Winemaker’s Notes:
Great tannins, structure and fruit on this Classic Erie Shore Vintage. Wonderful with grilled or roasted red meats, chicken, turkey (dark meat) vegetables, pizza, and blue cheese.

This Bordeaux variety is particularly well suited to the Essex County climate, growing season and soils. The result is a full flavoured red wine that matches nicely with grilled or roasted red meats, chicken, turkey, grilled vegetables, hard and blue cheeses.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13.5% alc./vol
Sugar code: 0

Price: 750 mL $13.95

Rate and review Erie Shore Cabernet 2010

Winemaker’s Notes:
Clean and refreshing on the palate with flavours of strawberry and cherry, this wine ends in a semi-sweet finish. Perfect for sipping on the patio or pairing with spicy dishes, salads, and fresh fruit. The 2010 Rose is a blend of lightly pressed Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir grapes.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

Blends: 65% Cabernet Franc, 15% Pinot Noir, 10% Riesling, 10% Pinot Gris
12.5% alc./vol
Sugar: 2

Released On: April 19th, 2011

Price: 750 mL $12.95

Rate and review Sprucewood Shores Rosé 2010

Winemaker’s Notes:
This Rosé was made from hand picked Cabernet Franc from a single varietal estate vineyard and was pressed and fermented cold and clean with a brix of 22, allowing natural residual sugars to balance with natural acidity. No additions or corrections were used in the making of this delicious light, crisp, fruity wine.

Tasting Notes:
Strawberry with a hint of orange zest and mint.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
10.9% alc./vol

Price: 750 mL $13.95

Rate and review Cooper’s Hawk Cabernet Franc Rosé 2010

Winemaker’s Notes:
One of our flagship wines, Rondeau is a simple, tasty, unoaked Gamay/merlot blend with hints of black pepper and cinnamon. Pleasant Pairings: Rondeau works beautifully with grilled and charred foods, black olives, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.

VQA Ontario
11% alc./vol.
Price: 750 mL $13

Rate and review Smith & Wilson Rondeau Red 2009