Newsletter #256 - Don't Just Drink, Explore

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MichaelPinkusWineReview Newsletter #256             June 2015

• WineReview: Don't Just Drink, Explore
  

• Grape Guy’s Picks of the Bunch: New and Noteworthy Wine

• Weekly Wine Video Series:  A Recap of The Week in Videos

• Bi-Weekly OWR Updates:  Additional Articles and more

• Wine Event Spotlight:  See What's Going on in Wine Country

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WineReview:  Don't Just Drink, Explore

Over this past weekend I was told that close to $1.4 million worth of Ontario wine was sold at Farmer’s Markets over the past year – and while not the savior of the industry I would say that’s a pretty good start – or as my reporter of the numbers said to me: “the thin edge of the wedge”.

It has also been reported to me that changes really are afoot for the sale of wine in this province, but confidentiality agreements and a number of other factors keeps those in the know from speaking out.  To that end the Wine Council of Ontario has issued a statement to their members telling them to keep their yaps shut about their disappointment in the last budget announcement vis-a-vis beer in grocery stores and the lack of any visible progress on the wine front.  There have also been some outlets who have expressed disappointment in the government’s actions and how they let Ontario wineries and wine drinkers down.  You really can’t lament what you didn’t get when you never had it in the first place.

So far this government has been a real mixed bag when it comes to the Ontario wine industry and the move to beer in grocery stores has been a slow process – so slow in fact that there is still nothing there.  That folks, is known as the speed of government.

But through all this lamenting of thing that are not happening let’s remember the things that are.  We still have a vibrant growing wine industry with new wineries coming on-board every year.  We make some damn fine wines, even in those seemingly “off” years: the 2013’s have proven to be more than adequate and my tastings out of 2014 barrels have shown surprising colour and power with a backbone of elegance – some say it was the dry warm September that saved them.  And we also have winemakers from all around the world who want to work in our cool yet difficult climate, and in fact don’t just want to work but thrive once they get here. So even if you’re not ready to call our wines world class we definitely attract a melting pot of winemakers who believe.

We also have a dynamic food scene taking over, especially at the winery level … more and more wineries are developing an on-site restaurant, bistro or patio where you can sit and enjoy a glass or two with a sandwich, salad, oysters or any number of delicacies.  Chefs are making a name for themselves at wineries and word is spreading.  Wine country is no longer just a place to flit from winery to winery tasting the wines you’ll be taking home, but they’re about experiencing the food, languishing over a glass and a pizza, or whatever else your heart and tummy desires … and you don’t need to mortgage the house to do it.  Ontario’s wine country is alive and well.  

From Chopped contestant chefs to those who have made a name for themselves smoking their brains out (fish to pork) – from the smallest little patio (Featherstone) to a world class restaurant (Peller) – you can fine dine (Trius) or catch some rays on the patio (Honsberger) – there are unique stores within a winery’s doors (Stoney Ridge Cheese Shop) and Holy Shit moments to be had (Two Sister’s interior) … wine country is loaded with experiences you won’t soon forget.  Don’t just take my word for it, explore it for yourself, it’s amazing what you’ll stumble onto: a backyard oasis, a sprawling vineyard, a story to tell your friends, or that little husband and wife operation with the fantastic wines you’ll never soon forget.  Watching a nascent winery blossom is one that you’ll come back to again and again with “I wonder how they are doing” on your lips.  And don’t just think Niagara, Prince Edward County really led the charge for wineries and food … while Niagara had it in small quantity, PEC chefs went ga-ga-gangbusters with how well their local food culture took to their wineries so quickly; and it has spread all the way to the Lake Erie North Shore as well.  The pride in local food and fine wine is incredible and is a far cry from what it used to be when I started visiting wineries in the early 1990.
 
So what if the government continues to let us down and is slow at bringing about change.  If the government is slow in bringing Ontario wines to you, for now you’ll just have to just get out there and get them yourself.  It truly is one of life’s best experiences and one you can do over and over again, and each time it can be all brand new, even in some of the old familiar places. This summer, don’t just drink local, explore local, the rewards will be endless. See you on the wine trail.

Grape Guy’s Picks of the Bunch:  New and Noteworthy Wines

Casa Dea Estate 2010 Chardonnay Reserve - $24.95 (W)
www.casadeaestates.com
He who hesitates just might make a smoother wine – that might be the new motto over at Casa Dea, especially after getting the story behind this 5 year old Chardonnay.  Only 6 months of 80% new oak and now 3 years in bottle has made it round and smooth and supple.  Pure stone fruit with a nice creamy texture along with baked apple and spice – the time to drink is now – so is the time to buy, cause once world leaks out this one is gonna fly.  Price: $24.95 – Rating: ****

Creekside 2011 Syrah / Viognier, Undercurrent - $36.95 (W)
www.creeksidewine.com
When speaking with any Aussie winemaker they’ll tell you never to add more than 5% Viognier to this blend – and here Rob Power has heeded that advice putting only 4% into this small batch wine. Co-fermented then aged 20 months in barrel, this wine has nice spice with hints of raspberry, a shake of floral and a dash of black pepper.  Price: $36.95 - Rating: ****

Malivoire 2013 Cabernet Franc - $24.95 (W)
www.malivoire.com
This wine marks the first time winemaker Shiraz Mottiar has worked with Creek Shore appellation fruit, which he seemed to be very excited about.  Lots of lovely cherry, raspberry with hints of tobacco, vanilla, cinnamon and smoke along with gentle but assertive tannins and a pretty floral-raspberry finish.  Price: $24.95 – Rating: ****

Redstone 2012 Cabernet - $19.95 (W, L)
www.redstonewines.ca
A blend of the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon grapes aged 16 months in oak.  The former Thomas & Vaughan vineyard, where Redstone now calls home, was known for its reds and here the new Redstone blend shows why.  A nice balance between the red and dark fruit along with vanilla and gentle spice across the palate … the finish lingers with cran-raspberry, mocha and fine tannins.  Price: $19.95 - Rating: ****

Strewn 2013 Gewurztraminer, Terroir – $18.95 (W)
www.strewnwinery.com
I know it’s a hard grape to pronounce, but don’t shy away from it because you can’t say it … especially when one is this good.  Winemaker Marc Bradshaw’s love of this grape really shows through with what has been accomplished here.  A nose that’s lychee and peachy and throws intense and interesting aromatics at your olfactories.  The palate is delicate and delicious shaking out hints of white pepper amongst that lychee-peachy-ness … it’s a super exciting expression that stays on the side of delicious without going over the top.  Price: $18.95 – Rating: ****

Two Sisters “Lush”, Rosé Brut - $35.00 (W)
www.twosistersvineyards.com
According to winemaker Adam Pearce, although non-vintage, the base wine for this sparkler is mainly 2010; the fruit is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a dosage of Cabernet Franc, giving it a nice pink-ish colour.  The smell comes off as sweet strawberry while on the palate it’s bright, clean and fresh with nice acidity and a strawberry-lime meringue linger to the finish.  There’s even a bit of strawberry pith on the finish with some almost searing acidity to balance what could have been a potential sweet sparkling.  Price: $35.00 – Rating: ****+

Availability legend:  W (Winery) – L (LCBO/Vintages) –  OL (On-Line).

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The Weekly Wine Video Series: Local (Ontario); National (Across Canada) and International

The Weekly Wine Videos
Just as the name suggest … every week I'll introduce you to another fabulous wine that you've just gotta try – Check out the YouTube Channel Now

Weekly Ontario Videos

Video #132 - Ravine Vineyard 2012 Merlot
Video #133 - 16 Mile Cellar 2011 / 2012 Chardonnays

Weekly National & International Videos

Video #08 - Bridlewood 2012 Pinot Noir
Video #09 - Sister's Run 2012 Epiphany Shiraz

Subscribe to the YouTube channel by clicking here

Bi-Weekly OWR Updates:  Additional articles on the website and more

On the Road with the Grape Guy (blog)
(Trips, tours and tastings – join me as I review the highs, and sometimes, the lows)
Nothing New This Week - more coming soon

NEW - Taste it Again / Lost & Found (blog):  the two blogs have merged
(Find out what happened to some favourites and to those that never were tasted) 
Taste it Again: 13th Street 2007 Gamay

NEW NAME - Uncorked Tonight (blog)
When it’s not an Ontario wine, here’s what I’m pulling out of the cellar
New Posts Added

Vintages Release (blog)
June 13, 2015 - Vintages Report can be found here
June 27, 2015 - coming soon

Wine Event Spotlight: See What's Going on in Wine Country

Summer Solstice Concert Event 2015 … Join Tawse Winery for the highlight of their summer “The Summer Solstice concert” - June 27th.  This year's entertainment features The Jim Cuddy Band, The Stampeders and Christopher Plock & Errol Fisher! Delicious food items from a host of local food vendors will be available to pair with Tawse wines! Admission ($129 + tax) includes a commemorative Tawse wine glass.  Doors open at 5 pm and entertainment commences at 5:30 pm.  Details can be found here.

CLOSSON CHASE SUNDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB ... join Keith, Erin and guest chefs for a series of gourmet seasonal feasts at The Ridge. At these one-of-a-kind evenings you'll enjoy an exclusive 4 course wine dinner expertly paired with 3 current releases and one library wine. The goal of the evening - Relax and enjoy the experience!  Chefs include Elliott Reynolds (The Hubb), John Taylor (Taylor's Genuine Wine Bar ), Steve Wall (Supply and Demand) and Scott Kapitan (East and Main) - see the upcoming events for details.

GRAPE GUY EVENTS - points to be had:
Niagara New Vintages Tailgate Party ... June 20, 2015 (500 points)
Pondview Estate Fifth Anniversary ... June 19, 2015 (200 points)
plus the usual video re-tweets ... see the APP for details.

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OntarioWineReview’s bi-weekly newsletter is devoted to the love, enjoyment and promotion of the wines of Ontario and the wineries that make them.

What can the Grape Guy do for you … Michael Pinkus (Grape Guy) provides a variety of wine related services that you might be interested in taking advantage of:  he gives lectures, leads seminars, conducts tastings, sets up tours; consults, selects and judges.  He also gives interviews, broadcasts, podcasts and writes.  Contact the Grape Guy if you require any of these services or have any questions.

Psst, Pass It On … keep the good wine flowing. Forward this newsletter to your mom in Milton, your son in Smith Falls, or any other family member or loved one that you know needs good wine advice.

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© MichaelPinkusWineReview.com 2015. All rights reserved. You may use the content of this newsletter by including full credit to Michael Pinkus, Grape Guy and a link to www.michaelpinkuswinereview.com

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