Essex Wine Review

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

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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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Winemaker’s Notes:
Characteristic deep, opaque, staining purple colour – don’t splash this on a white tablecloth! A different treatment from the regular Baco gives this wine a more elegant countenance with sweet wild berry aromas, a touch of jammy blueberry and nuances of new oak. This palate is juicy and lively with an invigorating finish. This one’s higher pedigree calls for a rare steak or lamb chops right of the grill.

Winner at the All Canadian Wine Championships for 2007.

750 ml $24.95

This wine was in the barrel for 20 months

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Winemaker’s Notes:
Deep, dark, almost black colour with meaty character and smoky aromas of elderberry. This baco is rustic and wild with a chewy palate and long, juicy finish. Amazingly adaptable– serve with burgers off the barbecue or braised lamb shanks.

750ml $14.95

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Winemaker’s Notes:
Loads of cassis and jammy, blackberry preserves on the nose with just a slight herbaceous edge. Focused core of cassis, fresh-dug earth, woodsmoke, toasty oak and sweet vanilla. Firm, yet silky, tannins support this approachable effort to the finish, which ends with a dry note of cocoa and a touch of underbrush. Drinks well enough now but would improve with cellaring through 2010.

Food match: Grilled beef tenderloin, beef strip loin, or prime rib of beef.

Blended red wine:
35% Cab Franc, 35% Cab Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Pinot Noir

750ml $16.95

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