The first functional day of the New Year. I'm optimistic about 2009. Lots of opportunities... It may require some creative thinking on how to make things happen. I'm feeling up for it.

It's always a pleasant experience going to Niagara wine country.  I tried three wines today on a visit to Palatine Hills Estate Winery in Niagara on the Lake. It's one of the friendliest wineries in Ontario. The winery is situated in 180 acres of vineyards and is well worth a visit... Here are my wine notes:

Palatine Hills Gewürztraminer Proprietor's Reserve 2006 VQA
   Typical varietal character: fragrant, spicy, fruity, with a soft finish. Mosel styled wine. Uniquely intense white wine reminiscent of citrus, grapefruit, and melon characters. Aromas and palate are very fruity and fresh and truly represents the true varietal characters. Well balanced with acid & sweetness. A very memorable wine.

Palatine Hills Chardonnay 2007 VQA
   Crafted in stainless steel tanks (un-oaked). Pale gold in colour, this light and friendly chard will appeal to everyone. A nose of soft peaches and apples leads to crisp flavours of apple, pear and citrus. Bottled young to create a fresh style.

Palatine Hills Cabernet/Merlot 2006 VQA
   Medium light ruby plum colour. Very pleasant nose of red berries with a Bordeaux-like dusty earthiness. This special blend of Cabernet and Merlot had flavours of blackberry and cherry followed by toasted oak that peeks out delicately from behind the mature tannins. Vanilla is evident as the finish lingers. A masterpiece Bordeaux blend from the Niagara Lakeshore sub-appellation.

I heartily recommend these affordable, local Ontario wines, so I am pleased to let you know how to find them.  They can be ordered directly from the winery website at http://www.palatinehillsestatewinery.com or by phone at 905-646-9617. Better yet: a visit to the winery. See Google map below how to get there.

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