1/18/2019 - DTOK90 wrote:

Recently, a small cache of missed 2012 Tradition bottles were found still aging on their lees. The total time on lees from going down in late 2012 to late 2018 was six years/72 months. A very small amount of the 2012 Tradition Extended Lees was produced. Typically only available by request, one bottle per guest, not available for tasting or on the regular stock shelves at the winery. If you have enjoyed the sparkling wines of Kew Vineyards, this might be one to seek out. But keep it a secret or it will disappear in a flash. ;)

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Balanced Riesling, lightly off dry with crisp acidity. Lemon-lime, peach, and wet stone. True to its regional style. Lovely wine ideal for sipping, equally comfortable with and without food, and worth acquiring a few bottles to watch it age and develop to and possibly beyond its fifth year.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Concentrated aromas of blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, vanilla, chocolate, and coffee. Full body, big polished tannins, and just enough acidity to prevent any jammy nature to this wine. Very balanced and approachable, easy to drink and enjoy. Pretty good value too. I like how it is often available in both the 375 ml and 750 ml formats at the LCBO in Ontario.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Tangerine and citrus, smoke, butter, cream, and vanilla. Fresh with balanced acidity and texture, featuring fruit, mineral, toasty oak, and honey. Complex and concentrated. Outstanding wine at an outstanding price. 50% Chardonnay, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 20% Viognier.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Stone fruit, peach and apricot, combines with citrus, lemon and lime, and the slightest hint of petrol on the nose to deliver a fresh and intense aroma. Palate is similar, balancing crisp acidity with residual sugar. Fresh and fruity with a touch of sweetness and a long finish. Beautiful Ontario Riesling.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Blackcurrant, cherry, and vanilla. Good body and big tannins. A touch of cedar and smoke in the finish. Great value.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Garnet colour, nice acidity and tannin, rustic with earthy and smoky notes, ripe dark fruit aromas. Great value, I rarely pass this one up when the LCBO brings it into Ontario.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Nice combination of fruit, cedar, and tobacco smoke on the nose. Medium body with soft tannins and integrated acidity. Moderately long and very clean finish. Classic Bordeaux/Meritage style with a little something different. Good value.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

A big and bold Merlot brimming with raspberry, black cherry, and vanilla. Light notes of vanilla and graphite. Good acidity, moderate tannins, and full body. It has aged well and is in prime drinking condition now. Enjoy with red meat or as a slow sipper.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Stone fruit and orchard fruit, dry with good acidity. Crisp and refreshing. Would pair well with seafood and lemon, especially oysters on the half shell.

3/22/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Beautiful dry Riesling full of green apple, peach, lemon, honey, and floral notes. Suggestions of wet stone, slate, and minerality. Dry with crisp acidity. Aging well with petrol aromas in the mix. Very nice wine.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Medium body, golden colour, ripe Asian pear, lemon, citrus, vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, and cream. Good structure, balanced acidity, and long finish. Quite elegant.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Citrus and floral on the nose with soft acidity and tropical fruit flavours on the palate. Very pleasant sipper. Enjoy on the porch or patio well chilled on a hot, hot day.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Red fruits, especially cherry, a touch of baking spices, and slight earthiness on the nose. Similar on the palate with medium body, soft tannins, and good acidity for such a hot climate. Excellent value.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Vegetal and peppery notes work with blackcurrant, cassis, spice, and chocolate to deliver a layered and complex aroma. Firm acidity and good body. Dark fruits on the palate with hints of graphite. Pleasant and long finish. Well crafted wine.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

One of the very few remaining gems from the glorious 1998 vintage in Ontario. Dried red and black fruits, vanilla, smoke, pencil shavings, and dried rose petals. On the decline with a little bit of acetic starting to appear. Past its prime, but very impressive that it still shows so well at this age. A real treat to be able to enjoy a glass.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Highly aromatic with floral, peach, and ginger. Crackling and off dry, soft texture, crisp acidity, flavours of green apple and honey. Finishes crisp and clean. Amazing pairing with blue cheeses or lightly spicy dishes.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Ruby red colour with cherry, raspberry, currant, fig, and cocoa. Soft Merlot tannins give a silky texture, matching the acidity and body. A rich and delicious wine.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Vanilla and strawberries on the nose of this crimson red Pinot. Cherry, chocolate, and vanilla define the palate. Vanilla and pepper on the finish. Soft tannins and medium bodied tied together with firm acidity.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Peaches, apricots, stone fruit, and honey. Light, crisp, clean, and dry. Very nice.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Deep red colour and intense aromatics. Vegetative and pepper aromas with plenty of vanilla, cherry, and currant. Elements are balanced and elegant. Very impressive Chilean wine with incredible value.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Cherry and plum with cool herbal notes. Floral and fruity on the palate. Highly enjoyable.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Soft and light red featuring cherry and raspberry with subtle notes of earth and smoke. Pleasant sipper that wouldn't be out of place with chicken, pork, or game.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Deep colour yields aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and blackberry with notes of earth, smoke, brier, forest floor, cedar, and saddle leather. Intense tannic structure and firm acidity balance one another. Impressive Bordeaux blend from any vintage, especially from the cool 2009 vintage in Ontario.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Dark purple in colour, this Merlot features intense notes of dark fruits, namely black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, and plum, with vanilla and chocolate as well. Soft Merlot tannins work well with the integrated acidity and medium body. Long and dry finish dominated by dark berry flavours. A very elegant Merlot from JT.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 wrote:

Red and dark fruit with smoke and pepper. Dry wine with soft tannins. Slightly on the mellow side compared to other Big Head reds. Try with barbecue or Rueben sandwiches.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Blackberry, black raspberry, cherry, and plum with hints of black pepper. Smooth and soft tannins with notes of cedar and smoke. A natural pairing with lamb, pork, and beef stews. An interesting note about this wine:after pressing, it was transferred to the French oak barrels that formerly held Fumé Blanc and aged on the Fumé lees for 18 months with monthly battonage. Only 50 cases produced.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Dry and medium-bodied, ruby red colour, red and black fruits with a little vanilla. Easy-drinking and good value red blend.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Slight red berries with clove, nutmeg, vanilla, and smoke. Present and integrated tannins, firm acidity, and medium body. Dry with a clean finish. Great value.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Red cherries, strawberries, cranberries, cedar, clove, and earth on the nose. Palate is similar, focusing on red berries and baking spices. Soft tannins and firm acidity. Very nice and food friendly.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Crisp acidity, nice autolytic notes, green apple, lemon, and biscuits. Intense effervescence. Good dry Champagne.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Floral, stone fruit, apricot, peach, and honey on the nose. Dry and smooth on the palate with honey and apricots. Crisp and clean finish. Wines like this one make me wish there was more Viognier grown in the region.

3/21/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Big bold red with a smooth texture. Aromas of red fruits and vanilla with some subtle baking spices. Full-bodied, flavourful, and easy-drinking. Lovely by itself and complements grilled red meats perfectly.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Bright red cherry colour with slight bricking at the rim. Lighter nose than the 2006 and 2008 vintages. A slightly lighter (in comparison to other vintages) 16.3% alcohol by volume. There's considerable dried fruit like previous vintages, but much more oak influence shows through compared to those previous vintages. Vanilla, cocoa, and espresso appear with some cedar and smoke notes as well. Tannins are grippy and lend to the structured nature of the wine. The 2007 could use a little more time to develop to its full potential. In a word, wow!

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Tawny colour, appears to have aged more rapidly than the 2005 and 2007 vintages. About 17.1% alcohol by volume. More vibrant and expressive nose than those vintages as well. Plenty of dried fruits on the nose like prunes, raisins, cranberries, cherries, and figs. Palate is similar and adds chocolate, cocoa, and vanilla to the mix. Tannins still have grip and texture. There is still some development potential with this vintage. Serious wow factor here.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

A bright shade of red somewhere between cherry. ruby, and garnet, with a little bricking at the rim. About 17.0% alcohol by volume. A little softer than the 2004 and 2006 vintages of this wine. Plenty of sour cherry on the nose with more cooked cherry and cherry cobbler on the palate. Big full body and ripe, soft tannins. Impressive wine with plenty of life left in it.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Tawny brick in colour. Comes in at about 17.7% ABV. Nose is unbelievably intense and concentrated. Dried fruits abound with fig, prune, and raisin most apparent. There's a really interesting sawdust note with some smokiness as well. Acidity is still bright and well-integrated with the polished and soft tannins. This wine finishes long and slightly warming though wonderfully balanced in every aspect. Amazing though unsurprising how well this wine has aged. This is the winery's first wine ever produced.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Big NOTL red blend including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Full-bodied and tannic, but very smooth and easy drinking. Ripe fruit flavours, black and red fruits, with some nice vanilla and baking spices showing through. Bottled unfiltered for added complexity and development.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

A nice off dry Niagara Riesling. Intense nose featuring Granny Smith green apple, ripe lemon, and petrol. Light body with similar flavours. Sweet but balanced by good acidity. This has hot sunny day written all over it, and would work well with light spicy foods or apple pie for dessert.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Deep colour, red fruits, espresso, and mocha. Big tannic structure, there's aging potential here. Good acidity, will pair well with red meats and old cheeses.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Deep dark red in colour, tart red fruit aromas with a little plum and earth too. Medium body and tannins, firm acidity. Nice but not over the top. There are better examples nearby and in other regions around the world.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Lovely warm climate red blend. 40% Syrah, 30% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Plums and cassis with smoke and earth. Good acidity and big smooth tannins with an overall fruity nature. I hope to see more from this winery and region in the future.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Orchard and tropical fruits, lightly off dry. Balanced with crisp acidity. A floral note is present also. Honey, acacia, green apple, pineapple, and honey co-mingle with numerous other flavours and aromas. A rare varietal, try it for sure if you like lightly off dry whites.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Much like the 2006 vintage, this is a friendly, fruity, and approachable wine. There's tannin, acid, and alcohol, all balanced and integrated. Not a wine to lay down, but to enjoy both by itself and with many foods. The excellent QPR persists from vintage to vintage.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Blackberry, cherry, plum. Good body, soft tannins, crisp acidity. A little vanilla in there too. Prime Ontario Pinot. Outstanding QPR for an Ontario Pinot Noir.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Light colour, sour cherry, lightly earthy, good acidity, soft tannins, light body. Very food friendly. Burgers, pork, turkey, even salmon. Or by itself with a slight chill on a hot sunny day, because this wine can do that too.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Dry with red and dark fruits. Very smooth and easy going, soft and approachable tannins, moderate acidity. Very sippable and food friendly with a wide array of dishes. Great QPR.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Moderately big body and tannins, very ripe aromas and flavours, cooked and jammy red fruit. Touches of leather and earth work their way in. Pair with red meat. This wine makes me very interested in trying a reserve or top tier wine from the region.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

Great blend with lots of red and dark fruits, vanilla and oak notes, structure, presence, and character, good acidity, and big tannins. This calls for red meat or aged cheeses.

3/3/2016 - DTOK90 Likes this wine:

A huge and impressive nose. Dark fruits such as blackberry, cherry, currant, and plum with a wide array of secondary and tertiary aromas. Cedar. cigar box, tobacco, anise, pencil shavings, and sun-baked dusty eart. Tannins are big but smoothed out and polished by bottle aging. Acid is high and well-integrated, balancing big tannins and body. Long and smooth finish that went on for about a minute. Red fruit, graphite, and earth were most prominent for me. Perfect for red meat. Drink now, can't see this lasting much longer. Memorable.