RSA
Software -
Wine Tasting Notes
from the recent Ottawa and Toronto Events
CHARDONNAY (NIAGARA): Inniskillin Chardonnay 2000
MERLOT (NIAGARA): Magnotta Merlot 1999
RIESLING (NIAGARA): Vineland Estates Dry Riesling 2000
RHONE (FRANCE): Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2000
"Parallele '45'" Côtes du Rhône
MERITAGE (NIAGARA): Thomas & Vaughan Meritage, Estate Bottled, 1999
Inniskillin Chardonnay 2000
Notice the pleasant aromas and flavors of fresh fruits such as melon, pear, fresh fig and green apple. The grapes for this wine are from various vineyards in the Niagara region. It was fermented in stainless steel. Many Chardonnays are aged in oak barrels. This one was not, to preserve the native Chardonnay flavors. Inniskillin makes several wines, at different price points, from this varietal. They're all very good to excellent. This Niagara wine is a worthy alternative to California Chardonnays.
Magnotta Merlot 1999
We like the fun you can have describing a wine… Like, "dusty earthy aromas mixed with plum." Medium color. Flavors of plum and berries (you may get a hint of blueberry) with a slight nutty, licorice. The finish continues through with balance and subtle apples with ripe plums. Merlot is one of the most popular red wines because it's not too strong or weak, but soft and inviting. The Merlot grape is originally from Bordeaux France. This Niagara-produced wine is one of the best from the region and compares favorably with California and Washington Merlots. Nice aging potential in the cellar. Magnotta is not available from LCBO. It's available from their retail outlets and from the website at magnotta.com.
Vineland Estates Dry Riesling 2000
Rieslings from Germany were popular in the 1970's and 80's. But as people's palates sought out more interesting flavors and drier whites, this varietal fell out of favor. Over the past 5 years or more, Niagara winemakers have been quietly producing wonderful dry and off-dry Rieslings that make you want to enjoy this variety all over again. Enjoy the crisp, fresh aromas and flavors. Tropical fruit, citrus and green apple. Fun and refreshing!
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2000 "Parallele '45'" Côtes du Rhône
From the southern Rhone region of France, this is a good balance between the two great grape varieties of the Rhône valley : Syrah and Grenache Noir. The wine was aged in vats and in the bottle before being shipped. Very dark ruby red. Liqueur-like aromas of red fruits and caramel chocolate. Distinct pepper flavors, a bright and fresh wine. Not complex, but mouth-filling; loads of fruit and zippy acidity to maintain a nice balance. A good table wine with meat dishes.
Thomas & Vaughan Meritage, Estate Bottled, 1999
A Meritage (rhymes with Heritage) is a new world attempt at producing wines in the style of Bordeaux. We almost gave up trying to find a good Canadian Meritage, then we stumbled upon this one. Today you are getting a special advance preview of this wine, to be carried by LCBO's Vintages starting February 2003. This type of wine is meant to be aged in the cellar. Open this one in about 2007. It will be much more balanced and soft by then. For now, here's what you may notice: Aromas of black cherry and plum. Flavors of berries with a slight earthiness. Balanced with pleasant tannins. Black pepper, cigar box. Harmony and balance.
Notes by the Publisher of WineAndLeisure.com
|
