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Wines from Niagara-on-the-Lake
Rick's Picks - July
2010
by Rick
VanSickle
Because summer is the perfect time to visit the wineries of Niagara, our reviews this month are mostly from a couple of outstanding wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The majority of all wine made in Niagara is only available at the winery or through the winery website. Some wines from larger wineries, such as Peller Estates, have their own retail outlets where you can find some wines for sale.
Here's what to look for when you make your way to Canada's largest wine region:
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Andrew Peller Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009
($30, winery, web)
A gorgeous, barrel-aged Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit, tropical fruit, vanilla and subtle toast notes on the nose. This is a bold wine in the mouth with floral notes, spiced fruits, a touch of herbs, and beautiful texture and mouthfeel. A pretty serious white.
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Andrew Peller Signature Series Chardonnay Sur Lie 2008
($30, winery, web)
Loaded with tropical fruits, toasty vanilla and oak-inspired spices. Lovely creamy pear flavours in the mouth with a touch of minerality.
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Andrew Peller Signature Series Cabernet Franc Icewine 2007
($90 for 375 Ml, winery, web)
This is one very intense icewine with strawberry compote, raspberry and cherry aromas. It feels fresh on the palate with honey sweetness and highly extracted red fruits that are balanced out by high acidity.
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Reif Estate Chenin Blanc 2008
($19, Vintages)
Another rare variety offered from Reif with a nose of melon and tropical fruit. It's juicy and vibrant on the palate showing an array of ripe fruits in a completely dry style. Think delicate white fish to go with this wonderful wine.
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Reif Estate Cabernet Franc Icewine 2008
($35 for 200 Ml, winery or web)
A sensational nose of strawberry ice cream accented by maraschino cherry and fresh raspberries. It all comes together on the palate with ripe, sweet red berries that coat the palate and lead to a long, lasting finish.
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Reif Estate Merlot Reserve 2007
($25, winery or web)
The nose on this Merlot is fabulous with violets, cassis, red currants, red fruits and cedar. The palate reveals a serious array of delicious red fruits, spice and smooth tannins. |
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And a few international wines to enjoy now:
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Rigal The Original Malbec 2009
($12, LCBO)
From Cahors, France, the birthplace of this popular grape, comes this tasty malbec that's loaded with red fruits, plums, mocha spice and a bit of vanilla. It's firm on the palate with gushing cherry-raspberry fruits and spice. |
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Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2006
($13, LCBO)
A nice little Spanish sipper with currants, plums, mocha and earth notes on the nose. It's comes together nicely on the palate with spicy-juicy fruits. |
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Torres Sangre de Toro 2007
($12, LCBO)
It starts with ripe dark cherry, leather and spice on the nose. It's flavourful on the palate with a touch of savoury spice. |
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Rosemount Diamond Cellars Shiraz Cabernet 2008
($12 LCBO)
The Diamond Series from Australia's Rosemount Estate is one of the best wines for the money at the LCBO. This red blend has plenty of ripe black fruits and spices both on the nose and in the mouth. |
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Rosemount Diamond Cellars Grenache Shiraz 2008
($12 LCBO)
Black cherry, plums and juicy red fruits dominate the nose of this red blend. The mouth shows raspberry, cherry, blueberry and spice with a jammy finish. |
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