From the Cellar

Just because I started a website called OntarioWineReview.com doesn't mean it's All-Ontario-All-the-Time. When I kick back at night my mood (and sometimes my curiosity) decides my wine of choice. And the title should read, "Uncorked and Un-Screwed Tonight" ... but that just sounds wrong.

Vigne Regalia 2008 La Lus (Italy)

28 Dec 2014

(November 4, 2014) ... This was one of those days that had a little of everything.  I started in the early afternoon with an tasting of wines from an Umbrian winery, then moved on to a Belgian beer event, after which I pop in at a Bollinger Champagne tasting (now that was awesome) and finish off with a train wreck of a Sicilian wine dinner ... It seems like a lot, but if you add it up it was only 10 wines, 8 beers, 3 Champagnes and don't ask me about the dinner (between the mediocre food and sub-par and missing wines it truly was a waste of time).  Luckily I had brought along a bottle of something special to end the evening with; something to really kickback and relax with - a bottle I truly very much enjoyed.  I'm not quite sure how long the Albarossa grape is suppose to be able to age, my readings call for it to be consumed fresh and young, but this bottle of Vigne Regalia 2008 La Lus (part of the Banfi properties) at 6 years from vintage date, is still going strong with no sign of giving up.  Full of black cherry, anise, cocoa, smooth and supple with a lovely juiciness and chewiness all at the same time; it's a wine that almost defies description as it lingers in the mouth with a real yum-factor ... What I can tell you it is deliciously fruit forward and yummy.  As long as it is possible I will make this wine an annual purchase.

Aresti 2004 Winemaker's Assemblage (Chile)

24 Dec 2014

(October 26, 2014) ... This wine decided to play possum.  In true let-your-wine-aerate fashion this Aresti 2004 Winemaker's Assemblage started out slowly, almost shyly, with aromas of smoke, licorice, cinnamon, tree sap and oak ... it was the tree sap that seemed curiously out of place.  Palate lacked fruit, be it dry or sweet, but seemed loaded with pipe tobacco, smoke, and bittersweet cocoa, think of a well made hot chocolate.  Within an hour there was a smoothness that emerged across the mid-palate with hints of cassis and smoked blackberry on a finish that showed a touch of gritty tannin.

Get Our Newsletter

* indicates required

Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

RSS feed