Steve Byfield is probably one of the best up-and-coming Ontario winemakers I have met. His wines consistently are of both high quality and standards and, what’s more, they are beginning to win awards. This ’02 is no exception. The nose has plenty of woodsy oak notes, along with cassis, mild green pepper and blackberries … still quite tannic this wine could use a little time in the cellar, or a Spiegelau Cabernet glass to open it up a bit. Earthy and woodsy on the tongue with lingering tastes of black cherry in the back palate. Its gold medal is well deserved, and will show even better in years to come. As for Mr. Byfield, now under the tutelage of Ann Sperling, we look forward to even greater things to come.