7/20/2016 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Pure and focused stone/tropical fruit. Weighty palate yet extremely lively. Gorgeously integrated oak and just the right amount of lees work. Acidity still zippy and juicy. I'm a touch bias but I absolutely loved this wine.

3/3/2015 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Super thrilled I sat on this for so long. Really fresh fruit, little bit of damp forest floor, cooked rhubarb. A little more acid than the last time I tried this about a year ago. I think it's ideal drinking window is sometime between now and a year from now - it could go longer but why bother really?

2/22/2015 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Medium clear ruby in the glass. Barely any bricking despite it's age.

Reserved nose with red plums, black cherry, tons of earth, leather and dried leaves. Rustic, wild yet refined. Showing surprisingly youthful.

Medium+ acid, medium body, medium+ tannin, medium alcohol, complex, super long finish. Really well structured; this particular bottle is showing even younger than my last one consumed two years ago. Holding really strong. Tannins are as tough as nails, the wine really benefits from ample time exposed to air. I think if you've stored this right it has another 5 years easily. Incredible value.

2/22/2015 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Medium gold in the glass with really solid viscosity.

Nose was pronounced and developing nicely. Notes of pineapple, blue cheese, crushed stone, tangerine.

Medium+ acid, medium+ body, medium sweet in style, low alcohol. Really ripe fruit, hints of botrytis. Great viscosity but enough acid to keep everything in line. Finish was extremely long. Paired wonderfully with spicy Korean tapas dishes. Hasn't budged since I last tasted it two years ago.

2/10/2015 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Medium, ruby with a certain brightness. Tawny at the edges but less than you'd expect.

Medium+ intensity on the nose and very much developed. Game, leather, delicate fruit, mostly cherry. Definitely a merlot vintage due to the cold.

Silky tannins and high acid are the hallmarks here. Milky in a sense with sourdough, wet wool, anise, tobacco and asian spices. Great finish. Leaves you refreshed. Focused on the tip of the tongue.

2/10/2015 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Ruby with an obvious helping of purple. Very surprising depth of colour for a wine of this age. Medium+ depth and still shining brightly. Bricking towards the edges.

Medium intensity on the nose with obvious signs of development. At first it was only tertiary characteristics but after a half hour the fruit showed itself. Cassis, cola, charcoal, cooked rhubarb.

Medium+ acid, medium+ tannin, medium alcohol, extremely complex with an almost limitless finish. Cocoa, not quite dried tomatoes, purple plum, coffee and a shocking grapey quality. Very refreshing and energetic for a wine this old.

Each component was extremely well integrated. It showed the vintage honestly. Every once in a while you get lucky with old bottles. A very noble wine. (recorked and topped up with current vintage at the winery just over a decade ago)

2/10/2015 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Medium, clear ruby with surprising colour retention and depth. Some obvious bricking but nothing too severe at all. Hints of purple suggesting higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Carmenere due to the warm vintage.

Nose was pronounced with a lot of candied fruit. Cassis, cotton candy, cherry cola.

The palate had much lower acid than the other wines in the flight. Additionally the tannins were a touch green. Both of these can be attributed to a hot vintage. Velvety mouth-feel, surprisingly sprightly for it's age. Really hugs the back of your palate (also implying Cab).

Finish is long and savoury. A touch barnyard rounds it off. Really fantastic wine.

11/6/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Progressing really nicely. I think this little number will peak in about a year or so. Certainly not in it for the long haul but great value for Canadian wine! (Purchased at the winery two years ago and has been in a cellar since)

11/3/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Green papaya, discarded pineapple pieces, smoke bombs, leather pants, forging steel, arrogance, hominy, whipped honey.

Surprisingly clear in the glass considering it's age and the methods used during aging. Immediately fragrant after being decanted. Intense unrelenting aromatics. Rich on the palate but completely void of sugar. Almost an oiliness like you'd expect from Condrieu. Shows a touch of alcohol which is strange for a wine sitting at 12 but it is not necessarily unpleasant. Still perky acid but less linear. Muscular and masculin. The finish is virtually endless. Great aging potential. Perhaps the best bottle of Riesling I've ever had.

11/3/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Rose distillate, fish stock, arctic berries, rhubarb pie, baba ghanoush, black sesame seeds, uggs, silly string, strawberry icecream spoon.

My particular bottle of this wine was probably a touch advanced due to storage issues in it's youth. That being said, this wine seems like it's just passed it's peak. It really came into it's own about 30 minutes after it went into the decanter. It showed some extremely impressive power and finesse but those features quickly faded after the 1 hour mark. Still firm acid and a touch of granular tannin. Shows that LeRoy really used restraint in such a warm vintage. Charming.

8/14/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Clear pale gold in the glass.

The nose is lively and expressive from the second it is open. Really mineral with a ton of chalk, gunpowder and lime leaf. As it opens up it shows some riper fruit characteristics like peach and canned pears.

The palate is ever so slightly off dry. The acids are insane - searing and energetic but well placed and backed up by substantial fruit and density. Tremendous depth of flavour with additional mineral notes as well as a pleasant florality.

Really looking forward to seeing this progress over the next couple decades.

7/28/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Clear pale gold in the glass with tiny bubbles (preparing for searing acidity!)

The nose is fresh and vibrant with lime, basil, fennel and green pear at the forefront. Great minerality.

Palate is ever so slightly off-dry with the predicted tingling acidity. Slightly riper fruit on the palate with deceiving viscosity and concentration of flavour. Peach and honey - noncommittal blossom. Friendly finish with a touch of warming alcohol - perhaps it will integrate with a little extra time in the bottle.

7/28/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Medium clear garnet in the glass with deceiving viscosity - coats the glass with a thin brown film - less sedimentation than the Bagas from the same producer.

The nose is very developed and intriguing. A huge note of birch syrup, cardamom and fir come's through immediately. As the wine opens up it reveals fresh cherries and raspberries.

The palate has retained a surprising amount of supple tannin and acidity making this a perfect food wine. Mocha and tobacco come through on the palate along with some delicate floral notes. This is an obscenely nuanced wine for the price.

I'd say it is at it's peak but could hold on for another year or two. I couldn't ask for anything more really!

7/25/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Clear, pale gold in the glass.

The nose is fresh with rather neutral fruit. Apple and pear are really the only dominant characteristics. In the past this wine (after opening up) has been much richer with a honey and lees overtone and a subtle floral complexity. It just truly wasn't this wine's day to be open.

The palate was much rounder than the nose showing well developed texture and a nuanced spice. Bracing acidity challenges the delicate creaminess balancing the whole act. The finish is quick to dissipate.

A very mute bottle indeed - not corked but certainly not showing its true self. On it's best day: 90-91. Today: 85-86

7/17/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Medium clear gold in the glass with a slightly green tinge.

The nose is paradoxical right from the beginning. Lemon pith, chamomile, orange zest and blossom add a certain freshness while notes of popcorn, oats, caramel, honey and pine nuts add depth and power. The nose is slightly oxidative but not offensively so.

The palate is bright with elegant acidity. This wine is dry and has a surprising amount of body. It is all together reminiscent of good dry Chenin Blanc with a slightly woolly quality and hints of mushroom and earth. Theres a touch of tannin on the back end that makes this a great white alternative for red wine drinkers.

Really spectacular value with some years ahead of it still provided you're willing to cellar it properly and you're a fan of funky whites.

7/14/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Clear, pale rose and copper in the glass with nice brilliance.

The nose is fresh and youthful. Notes of rose, lavender, white pepper, cranberry, pomegranate and charred grapefruit come through after a healthy decant. This wine really benefits for a little room to breath - initially it can appear anaemic and mute but once it wakes up it is as interesting as the hype has claimed.

The palate is dry with lively acidity. The nose matches the palate but with the addition of orange and nutmeg - interesting savoury qualities. The alcohol is in it's place and doesn't impede the fruit. The finish may be finite but it is by no means unpleasant.

7/14/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

The wine is a deep ruby with light garnet edges. Surprising concentration at the core for a Nebbiolo of this age.

The nose is extremely expressive and hardly showing any age at all. Black cherries, figs, purple plum skin, tobacco and classic rose petal notes all come through. Hardly any leathery aromas or the wet leaf characteristics common in older Barolo.

The palate is bright and fresh but with generous intensity. The tannins have softened considerably but the acid is still firm. Alcohol is in check but detectable and warming. The finnish is endless - impressive even for a wine of this price. Additional nots of smoke and incense on the palate.

Could easily manage another 5 years in bottle - not showing tired at all.

7/13/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Clear pale violet & ruby in the glass. Very subtle colour but with great brilliance.

The nose is aromatic and lively. Notes of dried violet, blueberry, white pepper, macerated strawberries and pomegranate. Even at 12% alcohol there is no hint of under-ripe grapes.

The palate is exuberant with bright acidity and almost invisible tannins. This wine works extremely well with a slight chill on it. Those berry rotes come through even more on the palate but they are joined by a delicate citrus note. Orange pith and marmalade, flavours that don't normally infiltrate reds, are present in the background. The finish is deceivingly long.

Brilliant effort from an iconic canadian producer! Short-midterm aging potential.

7/13/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Wine is surprisingly purple in the glass; shows rather high viscosity considering the alc%.

The nose is round and youthful with plenty of juicy and dried fruits. Like Richards other wines it has a distinct spice or herbaceousness that can't be attributed to under-ripe grapes; It's either terroir of wine making. Blueberry, purple plum skin, charcoal, vanilla, sage, resinous.

The palate as in his other wines shows impressive viscosity bordering on something lactic - think yoghurt. The acidity is there but once again masked a tiny bit by this creaminess. Tannins are soft and easy going. The finish is pleasant and lingering.

Despite what the website says, I think this only has potential for short term aging. Really fun wine from a great producer - can't wait to see where the next couple years lead them!

7/5/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Medium garnet in the glass with fully tawny edges.

Even after decanting the nose was extremely disjointed at first and I suspected we had an off bottle but after a half hour or so the wine showed it's true personality. Notes of tobacco, burnt sugar, leather, sarsaparilla, fancy molasses, and a touch of fruit in the background. All the fruit characteristics come through as dried or oxidized etc - strawberry chips, brandied cherries, canned peaches, rhubarb.

The palate is much more youthful. Fresh cherries are the highlight with other crunchy fruit coming through as well. The acidity is still energetic and the tannins still have significant bite. The finish is tremendous and I actually really enjoyed the disparity between the notes on the nose and palate. Great price to quality ratio.

Drink now; I suspect it's best years are behind it.

6/30/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Fun wine from a great little producer. Margaret River can be pretty pricey (especially here in Canada) so these wines are a really great way to get a taste for the region without dropping a ton of cash. (The reds really don't show as well as the whites)

In the glass the wine is a clear pale lemon with specks of green straw. The nose is aromatic with notes of raw green grapes, juniper, ancho chili peppers, kiwi and dragon fruit. The palate is fresh and spicy with a distinct oiliness. The finish is grassy not unlike Sauvignon Blanc. Some of the oak also comes through in the finish providing a base for all the zingy fruit to stand on.

We've tried a couple older vintages as well - they hold up amazingly well, especially if you don't mind funky whites.

6/17/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Another beautiful wine from the team at Gramercy!

Pale lemon in the glass. The nose is very expressive and youthful. Chamomile, peach fuzz, expensive sunscreen, tiger lilies, christmas oranges, juniper.

Palate is lean for Viognier but still broad and powerful. Surprising acidity - this grape can seriously lack zing when over ripe. Almost has a hint of tannin which helps with the texture. Really brilliant finish.

6/17/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Pale ruby with a touch of garnet in the glass. Showing perhaps a little age and a little oak in it's appearance.

The nose is relatively intense and decidedly savory. A lot of dried fruit, white pepper, nutmeg, smoked meat and rosehip.

The acids are a little lower than you'd expect from Pinot. Really ripe fruit on the palate and lots of barrel softness. Alcohol is high but in check at 14%. Tannins are well integrated and soft as can be. Notes of red pepper on the palate. Really delicious wine and great value relatively speaking - perfect alternative for California aficionados.

Will age positively for another year or two although fruit characteristics are already showing a little stewed.

6/12/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Really solid expression of Cab Franc.

In the glass it was surprisingly purple and youthful in color.

The nose is expressive after decanting and failed to show most of the herbaceous qualities often associated with the grape. Mostly light black and red fruit like black cherry, cassis, raspberry and red plum skin. A tiny bit of white pepper and maybe a hint of thyme but still displaying mostly primary characteristics.

The palate is bright but gamey. Charcoal, tobacco, violet and fat all come through in the finish. Really lovely balance of acidity; very soft tannins. Excited to see where these go in the next couple years!

6/12/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Gold/Green in the glass.

Very expressive for Sem; Green pepper, peppercorns, gunpowder, mint, kiwi, sage, peach, mango skin, chalk. Developing but with plenty of room for aging.

Palate was bright and fresh but much more broad than the palate. Had a great oiliness - weight coming from oak. Clove, pumpkin and lemon butter on the palate. Long finish.

5/24/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Nichol Vineyards is a stunning place. Their dedication to their vines is something rarely found.

A couple insights -

They farm organically but they are unable to get certification because the wood used on there trellising system (decades ago) was treated with arsenic. Despite tests showing that none of this has leached into the ground they would have to replace them in order to qualify. Redoing it would create more waste so they've opted to leave them and not pursue the designation. (it was never about being recognized anyways)

They are a single vineyard estate that makes exclusively Naramata Wines. Unlike most (or all) on the bench, they do not blend in grapes grown further south in Osoyoos or Oliver to bulk out their wines or make second wines from purchased fruit or secondary vineyards. These are truly terroir driven Canadian Wines.

They do not chaptalize or acidify which is almost unheard of in Canada. They prefer to leave their wines at a lower alcohol with a natural balance instead trying to correct after the fact.

They are doing most (all?) of their crushing with tiny basket presses. It allows them to be extremely delicate and control all their variables.

The Wine:

This wine is allowed to macerate on it's skins giving it a salmon and copper hue. The nose is lively and aromatic showing fresh grapefruit juice, lavender, pepper and lady apple. The palate is loaded with acidity making this a surprisingly good pairing for fried or fatty foods. This is a perfect spring and summer wine, find yourself a patio and enjoy!

5/24/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Medium + Clear Gold. Rather viscus but lively in the glass.

Medium + Intensity on the nose. Fresh fruit aromas like pineapple, peach and papaya. Showing developing notes of baked apple, marmalade, smoked honey, spruce, juniper, pepper.

The palate is sweet, with medium + acid and loads of body. Medium alcohol but it is nearly unperceivable. The sugar and acid play remarkably well together making this generously sugared wine zippy on your palate. There are few things worse than wines of this nature that are cloying. Notes of baking spice come out on the palate and even more ripe fruit.

Upon revisiting, strong notes of brownsugar and cloves. Very long finish, excellent quality and can easily age for another decade (longer if I didn't own half bottles).

5/5/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Brilliant youthful wine with plenty of spark and glimmer!

Clear medium ruby in the glass with youthful violet edges.

The nose was surprisingly expressive considering it was not decanted. Extreme purity of fruit - fresh, ripe cherries, raspberry jam, a touch resinous, slate.

The palate was delicate and friendly. Bright but well integrated acids. Subtle, if nonexistent tannin structure. Drinking phenomenally right now but I think will develop a touch of complexity in a year or two. Wonderful price to quality ratio and a universally pairable bottle.

4/3/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Wonderful wine showing typicity for the vintage.

The nose is decidedly earthy with interesting umami streaks. Porcini, vanilla, kelp, white peach, yellow apple, cranberry and kimchi notes make this an interesting glass to explore.

The palate is slightly disjointed from the nose but I believe that is because of it's youth. Where the nose shows umami the palate reads as mostly fruit. There is also no hint of oak on the palate with the exception of texture and a hint of tannin. Sour nectarine and plum are the defining qualities followed by yellow cherry and bees wax. It has a pectin-like quality that gives the wine an almost squeaky clean sensation.

This wine would love some time in your cellar. This is a wine for quiet contemplation, not necessarily for glugging on the patio.

3/20/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

I was extremely impressed with how this little wine was showing.

Clear medium gold in the glass - the stelvin top seems to have done it's job beautifully. Shockingly fresh nose with tons of lemon custard and chalk notes. Riper fruit were in the background along with notes of coconut milk, butter, vanilla yoghurt and bees wax. The palate was leaning towards yellow apple and pear with great balancing acidity. This is a textured wine, great palate weight. Well integrated, reserved alcohol as well.

Seriously impressed. Probably has a year or two of life left in it but I'd rather drink it now.

3/18/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Love this estate but wasn't blown away by this bottling.

Rich ruby in the the glass with a tinge of magenta. Nose is a little boozy with muddled fruit notes and lots of spice. Palate was also quite hot and lacked the acidity you'd expect from Italy. Ended up falling flat and feeling a little flabby - perhaps a slight chill would help ease the structure into place.

3/9/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

This wine is sleeping at the moment, let it rest.

Notes of plum, cassis, earth, honey, black berry, violet and a touch of pepper are eventually coaxed from the glass after vigorous decanting and swirling. Tannins may be lush but the acidity is still a little stinging. It is a tremendous wine and the last great vintage made by an amazing woman; but it needs time desperately.

Please be patient, you'll almost certainly be rewarded!

3/9/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Absolutely mind boggling wine - this is the type of wine that takes your breath away, the kind you get lost in, the kind words will never do justice. That being said, I'll do my best.

The wine is a pale gold in the glass. The nose, at first, displays plenty of earthy aromas. Notes of gunpowder, dried porcini, fiddleheads, wet wool and bees wax. As it open up fruitier qualities start to show. Baked apple and pear, and a tropical note far in the background.

The palate shows just how well a dash of sweetness can balance acidity. Fresh but with weight. Notes of dark sugar, white plum, tangerine, roasted hazel nut, candied lemon and dates.

3/4/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Beautiful Ruby/Garnet in the glass. Slightly foggy suggesting it was unfiltered.

Nose was very expressive with lots of berry fruit and a surprising amount of florality. A small amount of pepper and game but mostly supple fruit. Cherry cola.

The palate is soft yet bright. Very pleased with the level of acidity - balances the ripe fruit. Delicate tannins, they have definitely softened. Full but not overwhelming body and once again the alcohol is in check despite being 14.5%. Long, unintrusive finish.

Worth tucking a bottle away for another half decade.

2/15/2014 - ErikMercier wrote:

Really unfortunate. I love Huet with all my heart and their wines can be almost immortal. This one sadly had oxidized a little bit and wasn't showing it's best. Acids were still firm and the texture was surreal - perhaps in full bottles it's still showing as it should. If you have one to spare, I'd recommend testing it soon to see how your own cellar is treating this glorious wine.

2/5/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Beautifully made Pinot.

In the glass the wine is a murky ruby with a slightly purple-garnet tingle. The nose is expressive immediately. Very soft cherry notes followed by game and a compelling rose petal characteristic. Salty characteristic and hints of black tea - oceanic. Seems to have a slightly fatty quality to it.

The palate is rather full for pinot but not in an artificial sense. True purity of fruit on the palate and that same gamey quality. Resinous. Lots of white pepper and spice here. Tannins and acids are very well integrated and the finish is sustained and complex.

Incredible value. Will age nicely for another 5+ years.

1/28/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Once again I am surprised by a SA wine. Very elegant and stylish.

Clear, pale lemon in the glass with a tinge of green. The nose is bright with hints of green apple and candied lime peel. There's a slight petrol note but not entirely the same flint or wet wool quality it's french counterpart would have. Tons of minerality.

The palate is fresh and weighted simultaneously - almost like lemon custard. Riper fruit come across here like pineapple and peach - certainly not in an artificial way. Tremendous length, prickly acid, all around a well balanced wine.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this wine will actually improve over the next couple years.

1/27/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Such a shocking wine. Despite the prestige of the vintage it is rare to find Bordeaux of this price point that drinks so elegantly.

In the glass it is a rather dull ruby with garnet edges. The nose is classic and elegant already showing mature signs of damp forest floor, mushroom and leather. At the foreground the warm fruit qualities really help this wine exude true bordeaux character. Notes of fig, cassis, candied cherry and date all come through - perhaps even more so on the palate.

The structure is still there but has softened. The tannins and acid work together with the fruit. Perhaps it is just peaking at the moment or perhaps it will continue to age well for another five years, only time will really tell.

1/13/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Tremendous. This is wine at it's best. This isn't loud obnoxious attention seeking wine, this is the type of bottle that compliments simple food and good company.

In the glass it is a very glossy clear pale ruby. The nose is perfumed with notes of untarnished cherries, strawberries, roses and perhaps a slightly medicinal character. The palate has bright acidity and very soft tannins - medium (-) at best. Perfect for early consumption. Purity and minerality are the themes - lots of top notes.

Will age but probably best in the short term. You know a wine is good when you smile writing about it.

1/7/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Despite the back label suggesting that this wine is about 4 years past it's prime, it really was lovely. Purple hued garnet in the glass. The nose read mostly as stewed fruit at first but slowly evolved into something a little more lively. Stewed tomatoes, coffee, raspberries, oregano and figs all came through making this a charming little wine. The palate lacked a little acidity but the alcohol remained masked by texture. Tannins softened nicely.

This bottle may not have been stored in ideal conditions but it was perfect for pizza nonetheless.

1/1/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Stunning wine as always. The nose is bright - lime, apricot, honey, papaya and a delicate smoke and crushed stone quality. Dry by Riesling standards (I know in previous vintages it has been bone dry and that could be the case here as well although the fruity qualities and viscosity give the wine a sensation of sweetness). As usual this pairs well with virtually anything. Ridiculous finish. Will improve over the next 10+ years.

1/1/2014 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Bright Ruby. Lovely wild berry fruit qualities, friendly spice. Perhaps a little earthier than most pinot from NZ. Drinking a little hot at the moment - the 14.5% abv shows more on the palate than the nose. Long finish and food friendly. Great for the price and will improve over the next two years.

11/27/2013 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

I respect Tahbilk in so many ways. The Nagambie Lakes region in Victoria was once a viticultural hub but faded away. The only remaining winery for some years was Tahbilk and now the area is on the upswing again most likely thanks to their perseverance and prowess. I seldom get this excited about large production wines but in this case their is no correlation between size of production and quality.

In the glass the wine has faded from opacity leaning towards ruby with hints of purple. The nose is obviously fruit driven even after almost seven years. Plum, fig, date, cassis are all present - lots of dried fruit with a spattering of macerated or cooked red fruit like raspberry or cherry.

The only major issue I'm having is the alcohol, it doesn't seem to be integrated any longer and that makes me apprehensive about any additional aging - it could intensify the problem. The palate displays lots of sweet fruit and a hint of leather and vanilla. Tannins are very lush and well placed.

Despite the slip with the alcohol I think this is great value. Drink in the next couple years to retain it's charm.

11/19/2013 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Despite Wynns' ridiculous land holdings and production size, even their estate cab is wonderful bang for your buck and shows Coonawarra style.

In the glass the wine is deep ruby leaning towards purple (perhaps this is hinting at a small amount of shiraz blended in or just it's youthfulness).

After a two hour decant the wine gives off intense aromas of dried black cherry, black olives, black licorice, black currants and blueberries. All dark fruit right to the core. Has a distinctive slate quality that could read as graphite or gun powder. Mint or eucalyptus as always in Coonawarra.

The palate is rich and ripe. The tannins are extremely silky and well integrated. Although this wine is technically dry it has a fruitiness that implies sweetness. Steak please.

11/19/2013 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

I'm very impressed with the price to quality ratio. This wine had two personalities: On the one hand it had notes of key-lime, green apple and celery giving the wine a herbaceous fresh quality. On the other hand it was richly perfumed with baking spices and stewed fruit.

Viognier is notorious for having low acidity and no ability to age yet somehow this little wine was holding it's own. If you happen to own a bottle of this, I'd strongly recommend drinking it within the next year, at the moment it is charming and complex but perhaps on the verge of it's decline.

The alcohol was reasonably well integrated and gave the wine viscosity. Perfect breakfast wine (think egg yolks and hollandaise)

11/17/2013 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Extremely delicate and pretty at this point in time. It retained very little of it's tannic structure and faded into this beautiful cordial like wine. Extremely floral with notes of lavender, juniper, all spice, and anise. WARNING: these corks seem to disintegrate quickly so be careful when opening.

11/1/2013 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

This wine is incredibly balanced and although it's youthful brashness has given way to tender coos it is infinitely complex. Once dark fruit, herbaceous spice and tannin were the calling cards of this wine - now, in it's age, it has evolved into a delicate rendition of the former. Notes of candied cheery, allspice, juniper, sandalwood, violet, rose and charcoal all play well with the beautifully integrated tannins. Despite this wines prestige, it is still an incredible bargain - quality to price ratio is astonishing.

9/28/2013 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Crisp, dry, floral with hints of spiced fruit. Very delicate; what more could you ask for! Wonderful wine.

9/13/2013 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Considering this is their entry level bottling of Chardonnay it has held up extremely well and perhaps even improved. Where you once found fresh apples and spice, you now find apple crisp and honey. The acidity shines through and the combination of french and american oak adds subtle complexity.

I believe this wine is universally appealing (or close to), underrated (it offers great value, especially in the face of their perhaps overpriced pinot line) and surprisingly durable. Enjoy for the next year!

9/11/2013 - ErikMercier Likes this wine:

Thrilled to see Canadian wine makers are living out their dreams in the corners of France.
Beautiful expression of Cab Franc, lots of red and black berry characteristics, very little pyrazine (green pepper/ leafiness), delicate tannins and food worthy acidity.
Decanted right before serving, consumed with charcuterie.