Essex Wine Review

Winemaker’s Notes:
None Available at time of publication.

VQA Ontario
12.5 alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $24.95

Rate and review Sanson Baco Noir Reserve 2008.

Winemaker’s Notes:
None currently available.

Awards:
Gold - 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships (Syrah / Shiraz Under $25)

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13 alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $19.95

Rate and review Sanson Syrah 2007.

Winemaker’s Notes:
From the start, Baco has been one of Sanson’s “go to” wines and the 07 is another great effort.

Deep ruby colour and staining concentrated purple hues. The aromas show classic wild berry/black currant and crème de cassis balanced with elegant, sweet oak bouquet – that’s one of the keys with Baco, getting the oak to balance the bold fruit without the whole thing getting too overblown.

On the palate it is full and round with ultra-ripe fruit , the other key is to keep the vigour of the vine in check to avoid green notes.

Baco is a workhorse hybrid around here and it really makes my day when I can pour it for those I-don’t-drink Canadian-wine-folks and have them tell me they think its “a pretty decent California Zin”.

VQA Ontario
13.5 alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $15.95

Rate and review Sanson Baco Noir 2007.

Winemaker’s Notes:
Not currently available.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

12 alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $14.95

Rate and review Sanson Riesling 2008.

Winemaker’s Notes:
Wine for Change! Bacobama is a unique Blend of Baco, with just a hint of white wine to offer you a lighter red. Softer notes and slightly on the off-dry side, this wine is perfect for the first time red wine drinkers or try chilling it 10 minutes in the fridge for an easy drinking glass of wine. This product is made from 100% Lake Erie North Shore Grapes, grown proudly at our Estate Winery.

Non VQA
12% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $13.95

Rate and review Sanson Bacobama.

Winemaker’s Notes:
Not currently available.

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot

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

Price: 750 mL $19.95

Rate and review Sanson Bird Dog Red 2005

Winemaker’s Notes:
I really don’t think I have ever visited Sanson Estate without someone coming in during my time there and buying a couple of bottles of this wine. It seems to be a staple for Essex County locals. Vidal is actually a hybrid grape that was designed to survive Canada’s inclement winters but it found a niche as icewine - actually celebrating those same cold months. Harvested a little late in the fall, after the fruit has had time to accumulate extra ripeness this wine shows round, honeyed aromas of pineapple and peach that carry to a soft, round, full palate. It’s simply an easy-to-drink, slightly off-dry, un oaked wine that is great on its own or will compliment a surprising range of foods - anything from pan-fried fish to roast fowl to spicy Asian cuisine… or just enjoy a glass on its own.

VQA Ontario
12% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $12.95

Rate and review Sanson Late Harvest Vidal 2007.

Winemaker’s Notes:
None yet.

VQA Ontario
12% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $15.95

Rate and review Sanson Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Winemaker’s notes:
A very surprising Chardonnay indeed! Exceptionally brassy in colour and the aromas and flavours certainly do not suggest an Essex County Chard at all. Actually, if I didn’t know its origin, I would have guessed it came from somewhere like California or maybe even Western Australia. It’s a very ripe, round fruit-driven wine, unencumbered by excessive oak and not particularly high in acidity. Its character is reflected in a lush, pure fruit core - but not cool-climate apple and pear as one would expect. It is actually redolent with of tropical, mango and guava, with notes peach and apricot. This one would be great with Paella, Berkshire Pork chops or roast chicken on a Sunday afternoon.

Price: 750 mL $15.95

CLICK HERE to rate and review this Sanson wine.

Winemaker’s Notes:
The “07” has a distinct Alsace style with bold, brassy colour; forward aromas of applesauce, peach compote; and an ever-so-slight petrol note. On the palate the assertive tree fruit replays with an interesting seam of fresh herbs/thyme and really zesty acidty. This dry, racy Riesling really puts it all out there – none of that delicate, floral stuff here. Just the thing for a Berkshire pork chop on the barbecue. Don’t chill this one too much – it really opens up if you take the bottle out of the fridge 15 minutes before service.

Price: $14.95 750 mL

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