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:
A complex wine with bright cherry and blackberry compliments a dry finish. Perfect with food.
Nice nose, Good legs, Great Body!

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

Alc/Vol: 13%
Blends: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: 750 mL $14.95

Rate and review Sprucewood Shores Lady in Red 2008

Winemaker’s Notes:
The 2009 Pinot Noir exhibits a jammy black currant nose with a hint of black pepper. A characteristically light body lets the fruity palate of plum come forth and the good acid backbone makes this an excellent food wine. This wine has a wonderful ruby red colour and carries just enough dry tannins
to capture the flavour on your mouth and linger for a moment.

VQA Ontario

Released On: April 19th, 2011
Alc/Vol: 12.5%
Blends: 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Sugar: 0
Serve At: 16°C (61°F)
Serve With: Veal, Lamb

Price: 750 mL $14.95

Rate and review Sprucewood Shores Pinot Noir 2009

Winemaker’s Notes:
Aroma: Mixed berry jam
Palate: Beautiful, big and jammy

Non VQA
14% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $18.95

Rate and review Viewpointe Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Winemaker’s Notes:
This year’s single varietal cabernet sauvignon is an easy pleaser and priced accordingly. Experience it’s nose of black current then delve into this medium bodied wine with strong backbone that presents the essence of dark berry.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13% alc./vol.
Sugar Code: 0
Released On: April 19th, 2011
Serve With: Rich Dishes, Grilled Meals

Price: 750 mL $12.95

Rate and review Sprucewood Shores Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Winemaker’s Notes:
Brilliant! Full bodied and delicious this wine offers the palate a rich variation of flavors to explore. The bright aromas of red licorice and cherry reflect in a wine exhibiting great balance amongst fruit, acid, tannin, and body. The mid palate is lush and hints at black cherry, with an excellent finish that lingers on the tongue and in the mind. Enjoy.

Blends:
40% Cabernet Sauvignon
30% Cabernet Franc
30% Merlot

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13% alc./vol.
Sugar Code: 0

Price: 750 mL $21.95

Rate and review Sprucewood Shores Meritage 2007

Winemaker’s Notes:
You will find very ripe, plumy-sweet flavours and richness in this wine. It has a rustic character. Some would also call it a bistro style,”elbows- on-the-table” wine. Great with stews, red meat or tomato-based dishes.

VQA Ontario

GRAPES: 87% Cabernet Franc, 10% Zweigelt, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
SUGAR CODE: (0)

Price: 750 mL $11.95

Rate and review Pelee Island Lighthouse Cabernet Franc 2009

Winemaker’s Notes:Made from hand picked Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and barrel aged for a year, with this wine continues the tradition of excellence which began with the “Vinedressers” of Pelee Island Winery, to shine into the next millennium.

Tasting Note:
When it’s done well in Ontario, Cabernet Sauvignon can really shine, and shine this one does. Look for plenty of spicy fruit, cherry, plum, bramble, cassis, cedar and woodsmoke on the nose. The dry, tangy, medium-full bodied palate has a whack of youthful tannins with good layers of fruit. This is an excellent ’08 and will cellar for 2-4 years. Serve with rosemary-crusted rare steaks. (VINTAGES panel, Oct. 2010)

VINTAGES# 530576

ALCOHOL: 13%
VQA Pelee Island
Price: 750 mL $19.95

Rate and review Pelee Island Cabernet Sauvignon 2008.

Winemaker’s Notes:This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dark ruby colour and flavours of dark fruits such as black cherries, plums, and black currants. This wine was aged twelve months in French oak barrels. An excellent pairing for steak, lamb or venison.

Hand-harvested: October 18th, 2008
Total production: 125 cases

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13.2% alc./vol.
unfiltered

Price: 750 mL $30

Rate and review Muscedere Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008.

Winemaker’s Notes:
This full bodied Meritage is a blend of 64% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc. Each variety was aged over twelve months in French oak barrels before being blended.

This Meritage is full of flavours including: cherries, plums, and dark chocolate. An excellent pairing for steak, braised lamb shanks or roast beef.

Hand-harvested: between October 6th and October 22nd, 2008
Total production: 85 cases

VQA Lake Erie North shore

12.9% alc./vol.
unfiltered

Price: 750 mL $30

Rate and review Muscedere Vineyards Meritage 2008.