Essex Wine Review

Winemaker’s Notes:
One of our fullest reds, with the warmhearted character that Merlot fans enjoy. A good balance of richness, mellow sweet flavours and the essential bite for food. Delicious now but could be aged a year or two.

These grapes were left on the vine until early October.

This wine would be excellent slightly chilled and served with a beef or lamb dish. A superb choice for the summer BBQ or dinner table.

GRAPES: 85% Merlot - 15% Zweigelt
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 3.0 g/L
Sugar Code: (0)

VQA Ontario

Price: 750 mL $12.95

Rate and review Pelee Island Merlot Reserve 2008

Winemaker’s Notes:
Aroma: Cassis, black cherry, black currant, spice, pepper, dark chocolate, leather.
Palate: leather and moderate tannins and acidity, notes of spice with a long finish.
Burgundy red in colour with colour to the rim.

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

Price: 750 mL $16.95

Rate and review Viewpointe Cabernet Merlot 2005

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW)

Winemaker’s Notes:
This intriguing wine begins with an apple nose.Upon tasting, sour cherry flavours envelop the palate finishing with a refreshing orange zest. Light and refreshing but still possessing some depth and character, this is a delightful pair with many dishes.

Blend of Merlot and Riesling wines.

VQA Ontario
11.5 alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL - $13.80

Rate and review CREW Red Sky At Night 2007

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW)

Winemaker’s Notes:
A traditional Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot gives this wine beautiful balance. Ripe raspberry and cherry flavours on the nose showcase the exceptional growing conditions of the 2007 season. The buttery finish is promising with hints of vanilla which will evolve with aging.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13.4 alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL - $19.80

Rate and review CREW Mertiage 2007

2002 BALANCE POINTE- Cabernet Merlot - Viewpointe Reserve Wine

Winemaker’s Notes:
A nose of intense chocolate and tobacco with flavours of plum, ripe cherry, spice, vanilla and cedar. Full bodied and bold with a velvet finish.

Aroma: Deep cherry, cassis, leather, smoky oak, chocolate and an earthy character
Palate: Dry with good acidity, mid weight plus. Big palate follows the nose, adding rich almost fat mouth feel, ripe tannins and raspberry on the mid palate.

Food Pairing:
Beef, Gorgonzola Cheese and dark chocolate.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

13.6% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $29.95

Rate and review Viewpointe Cabernet Merlot 2002

Winemaker’s Notes:
Bold, dry Cabernet Franc / Merlot blend. Medium bodied ripe red and blue fruits, oak aged.

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

Price: 750 mL $14

Rate and review Smith & Wilson Double Barrel 2007

Winemaker’s Notes:
Dry, Merlot / Cab Franc blend. Light, spicy red with cherry notes

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
12.7% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $14

Rate and review Smith & Wilson Raleigh Vines 2007.

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.

Winemaker’s Notes:
The 2008 Merlot features intense dark berry and plum aromas dancing in a field of spice. This wine is dry and full-bodied with a soft finish. A perfect partner for steak, hard salami and burgers.

VQA Ontario
12.8% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $19.95

Rate and review Aleksander Estate Merlot 2008.

Winemaker’s Notes:
Unoaked and fruit forward. A blend of medium bodied reds (Gamay and Merlot)

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
12.4% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $13

Rate and review Smith & Wilson Rondeau Red 2008