I've been working on an article about biodynamic wines. Having recently completed a to-be-published interview with a European winery that practices the technique, I am gearing up to interview the folks at Southbrook Vineyards to round out the article.  Was it the winds or simply the cycle of nature that edged me in the direction of the winery today?  I decided it was a good time to visit, taste some wines and get the lay of the land.

Southbrook Vineyards

I've visited the winery 2 or 3 times recently and have always been impressed with the overall experience. The building itself is a stand-out design by architect Jack Diamond that entices you to turn in as you're driving by. And it is an exceptional experience. The winery building is beautiful outside and in.  The staff are knowledgeable and attentive, the array of wines are world-class, the patio lunches are excellent, the vineyards are certified organic, and Southbrook is the first Canadian winery to be certified biodynamic. In-house Sommelier Archie Hood walked me through several wines and imparted useful observations along the way about the winery's vision and goals.

And good timing for him to remind me of the legendary blind tasting of Ontario wines versus the world's best International wines in 2007. Thirteen wine experts. Thirty wines. The results: Southbrook Triomphus Cab Merlot 2002 was number one, beating out such heavy hitters as Chateau Pouget and Chateau Margaux.

Following are highlights from my notes of three appealing wines from today's tasting.

Triomphe Chardonnay 2006  ($21.95)

  Medium gold in colour, with a toasty, nutty nose. Fresh fruit aromas lead to flavours of peach, apple and a hint of lemon. Skilfully balanced oak treatment. Good body and mouth feel with intriguing texture. Elegant finish.

  It was fun to taste the premium chard back-to-back with the ultra-premium chard... I enjoyed the similarities and differences.

Poetica Chardonnay 2006  ($50.00)

  This wine starts off as a visual treat and entices ever intensely from there!  Rich gold in colour. Full bodied, regal mouth feel, with balanced flavours.  The buttery vanilla and butterscotch aromas and smoky nuances lead to a an alluring presentation of tropical fruit (such as Pineapple), tree fruit and lemon. It's perhaps the Pineapple flavour that gives the wine the sensation of being a bit creamy. Excellent acidity and texture. Like an established super model in the league of Claudia Schiffer or Christy Brinkley, this wine has a great body and super legs!  In a Riesling bottle for distinction.  Poem on the label. Classy from one end to the other.

Cabernet Rosé 2008  ($18.95)

  This is the first certified biodynamic wine in Canada. Biodynamic refers to the practice of organic farming in which extra steps and care are given to raising healthy vines in harmony with the cycles of Mother Nature. Archie referred to Ann's statement that an important aim of the practice is to raise the immunity of the plants. Such wines are healthier to consume, last longer after opened and exude a level of quality and harmony that aren't possible in a conventional wine. Not only is the vineyard certified Biodynamic but also the winery.

  This Rosé is of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc. Its enticing colour is a combination Salmon and Ruby. It has an amazing fruity nose. I can't get over it. A gorgeous bouquet!  Notes of spice, fruit and herbs. Perhaps a nuance of thyme and nutmeg. I'm stretching my palate's abilities here as I try to describe this gem. Lingering some more, I notice a sense of strawberries sprinkled with sugar or berry flavoured candy floss. You could share this wine with friends and easily spend an hour discussing its charms.