Taste of the County Wines



Essex Wine Review, Wine of the Month, March 2010
Wine of the Month - March 2010
Aleksander Estate Chardonnay 2008

I can't help but think about how busy it must be at local wineries in the month of March as I enjoy this Chardonnay. Prunning is well underway as the wineries wonder what will be in store for the 2010 vintage.

Aleksander Estate Winery has been producing a lovely Chardonnay and this 2008 is no exception. I tasted this wine last May shortly afer it was bottled. It was quite good then and seems to be really improving as it sits in the bottle. Wonderful citrus notes greet the palate. There is a nice balance of acidity and sugar making this a nice quaffer.

Aleksander's 2007 Chardonnay sold out without much notice. If you haven't tried this one yet, get it before it's gone.

CLICK HERE to see reviews of Aleksander Estate Chardonnay 2008



Essex Wine Review







Wine Reviews - Lake Erie North Shore


Sprucewood Shores Chardonnay 2008 Review

Sat 6, Mar. 10
2 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
More than your typical Chardonnay! This crisp wine carries a delightfully un-oaked citrus twist and finishes with mineral and fruity notes on the palate.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

12.5% alc./vol.
Sugar Code: 0

Price: 750 mL $11.95

Rate and review Sprucewood Shores Chardonnay 2008

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Colio Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Review

Wed 3, Mar. 10
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
4.8 overall score

Colio Estate - VQA Varietals and Premium Blends

Winemaker’s Notes:
Colour: Light straw
Bouquet: Sweet tropical fruit, melon, lanolin, fresh cut hay
Taste: Tropical fruit, asparagus, lemongrass and minerals
Serve at: 8º - 10º C

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

Blend: Sauvignon Blanc 100%
Brix at Harvest: 20.5
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Aging: Stainless steel tanks
Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Production: 2000 cases
Winemaker: Tim Reilly

Awards & Reviews: Bronze medal winner at the 2009 Intervin International Awards
Food Match: Pasta-cream based, Fish - Light Flavoured, Chicken

Price: 750 mL - $10.75

Rate and review Colio Sauvignon Blanc 2008.

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Aleksander Estate Cabernet Franc 2008 Review

Sun 28, Feb. 10
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
4.8 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
With it’s beautiful garnet colour, the 2008 Cabernet Franc opens with the juicy flavours of red berries and sweet cherries. Berry flavours linger in the finish.

Food Pairings:
Best served with slow roasted back ribs, grilled veal and lamb chops.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
Estate Bottled

12.8% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $14

Rate and review Aleksander Estate Cabernet Franc 2008

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Mastronardi Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Review

Sat 27, Feb. 10
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
4.6 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
This spectacular 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of sweet smoky raspberries and dark chocolate truffles. Flavours of black currents and roasted vanilla coffee bean dance along the palate. The well structured tannins will ensure graceful aging. Pair with roasted leg of lamb, prime rib and sharp cheeses.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
13.3% alc./vol.

Price: 750 mL $18

Rate and review Mastronardi Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

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Viewpointe Cabernet Franc 2005 Review

Thu 11, Feb. 10
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
4.4 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
Aroma: bell pepper, black berry and black currants.
Palate: 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 Franc 2005

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Viewpointe Cabernet Merlot 2005 Review

Wed 3, Feb. 10
3 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

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

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Sprucewood Shores Barrel Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Review

Sat 30, Jan. 10
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
This premium wine offer the quality you’d expect from a cool climate barrel aged Chardonnay. The subtle bouquet of the barrel offers toasted vanilla and butterscotch that marry perfectly with the mineral notes found in our Chardonnay. With a supple and smooth mouth feel this wine lingers on your palate in the most pleasant way, reminding you it’s time for another sip! Pair this wine with veal, salmon, pine nuts, and mint.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore

12.5% alc./vol.
Sugar Code: 0

Price: 750 mL $18.95

Rate and review Sprucewood Shores Barrel Reserve Chardonnay 2008.

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D’Angelo Cabernet Franc 2007 Review

Sat 23, Jan. 10
2 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
Aged in French oak, a very pleasant dry red. Great with barbequed foods.

(The follow notes are from the label, however it appears to be the 2005 Cab Franc Label with dates on lable changed to 2007)
An intense dry red and aged in oak barrels for eighteen months. This wine has good tannin structure and will develop in the cellar for three to five years.

Vintner: Sal D’Angelo

12.0% alc./vol. ??
VQA Lake Erie North Shore.

Price: 750 mL $11.99

Rate and review D’Angelo Cabernet Franc 2007

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CREW Meritage 2007 Review

Sun 10, Jan. 10
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

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

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Erie Shore Summer Sun 2008 Review

Wed 6, Jan. 10
1 Reviews
0 Reviews
5 overall score

Winemaker’s Notes:
We’re thrilled to have our newest, and very popular new Summer Sun Cabernet now available. Summer Sun is a chilled red wine made of 100% Cabernet Franc, made with only minimal skin contact. The result is a delicate salmon coloured wine with a vibrant citrus nose with pronounced lime, fresh grapefruit with a dusting of sugar on the palate. It is matched with grilled vegetables, cold cuts, cheese, sole, oyster, snapper, salmon, quiche, burgers, ribs and hot spicy foods.

LCBO Staff Pick, Wine of the Month, and just perfect for a hot summer’s day.

VQA Lake Erie North Shore
12% alc./vol

Price: 750 mL $12.65

Rate and review Erie Shore Summer Sun 2008.

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