Essex Wine Review

Winemaker’s Notes:
Essex region Merlot, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot
Stelvin cap

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

Price:
750 mL $11.95 (available by the case only)
1.5L $15.95 (available by the bottle)

Rate and review Viewpointe Big Bluff 2006

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:
Rich, full-bodied, deep, dark, dry red.

This rich dark full-bodied wine was made from the oldest vines on the property, planted in 1984. Fermented on its skins for seven days, barrel aged for 18 months, this wine is drinking now but will improve with age. Cellar potential, up to three to five years.

Vintner: Sal D’Angelo

Non VQA
12% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $12

Rate and review D’Angelo Old Vines Foch 2008

Winemaker’s Notes:
A dark intense wine with a slightly higher acidity, compliments spicy foods.
DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNER AT THE 2011 ALL CANADIAN WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Vintner: Sal D’Angelo

VQA Ontario
12.6% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $20

Rate and review D’Angelo Baco Noir 2008

Winemaker’s Notes:
The marriage of two noble varietals has created this wonderful wine of distinction, style and taste. Aromas are chocolate covered cherries with hints of vanilla. Flavours of ripe spicy berries shine through the lively tannins followed by a long finish. Enjoy with game, grilled fare and robust cheeses.

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

Price: 750 mL ($19.95 + $2.59 tax) = $22.54

Rate and review Mastronardi Merlot Cabernet 2008

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:
Reflections of 2008 included all the gamuts of the weather spectrum occurring at their appropriate time producing wines that are as diverse as the weather. They were born in and just as Mother Nature intended. The results of a late spring, a hot and dry summer and a cool harvest season are aromatic and richly flavoured wines to be enjoyed for years to come.

The vibrant aromas of red currants, black pepper, dark berries and earth make up the 2008 Shiraz. This full bodied dry red wine marries best with grilled lamb, peppered steak, roast venison and wild game.

Non VQA
12.8% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $19.95

Rate and review Aleksander Estate Shiraz 2008

Winemaker’s Notes:
None available.

VQA Ontario
12.8% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $14

Rate and review Aleksander Estate Chambourcin 2010

Wine Maker’s Tasting Note:
Medium ruby red in colour; aromas of red and black cherry, subtle oak and ripe plum; medium-bodied, dry, with flavours of black cherry, currant, plum and light oak.

Serving Suggestion:
Roast beef with roasted root vegetables, moussaka.

VQA Ontario
13.2% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $12.95

Rate and review Pelee Island lighthouse Merlot 2010