What I've Been Tasting - Ontario Jan 2026 - part 1
12 Jan 2026- Details
- Category: What I'm Tasting
Scoring is out of 5 stars
The "+" sign represents a wine that has something extra about it,
but not enough to send it to the next level
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Here are some wines I found on my database from 2025; all wines can be purchased at the venue as indicated, some wines are unfortunately sold out but I included them anyway, in case you can find, or can put your hands on, a bottle somewhere. All wines below are from Ontario.
Chateau des Charmes 2022 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - winery)
Grapefruit rind and subtle tropical notes; there is also some herbal and peachy character - best Savvy B from the Chateau in a long time. (*** ½+)
Chateau des Charmes 2021 Pinot Noir - Cuvee Michele (sold out)
Pinot on the lighter side with notes of cherry and strawberry. Easy drinking. (***+)
Chateau des Charmes 2021 Aligote ($16.95 - #296848) 
As one of the few making this grape in this part of the world it's tough to get a good comparison going - but with notes of lemon, green apple and peach it's a tasty little wine. (*** ½)
DeSimone Vineyards 2023 Rosato - Pinot Gris ($20.00 – winery)
This is one of those "food wines" you've heard talk about - because it does not fit with the conventions we all know. This is not your light and fruity Gris, nor Grigio - it has been left on skins to develop a natural pink colour. Earthy, herbal and even some tannins creep in; but concentrate a little harder and you might find some raspberry iced-tea and bitter cherry on the finish. There is also some nice balancing acidity. Not for everybody, and it takes a few sips to get into it, but once you are there - you are all the way there. (*** ½+)
Drea's 2020 Blanc de Blanc Brut – Chardonnay ($49.50 – sold out)
A two-year on lees Chardonnay traditional method bubble that delivers toasty, apple notes and crisp lemon. Might be the best wine in the Drea portfolio; looking forward to the next batch. (*** ½+)
Enoteka Niagara 2020 Studio Ella Gamay ($25.00 – The Crush)
This wine shows some great potential of this upstart Gamay producer - another in a line I have tried previous. This new version is juicy, with lots of lovely cherry and raspberry notes - their is also a sweet/sour cherry mix on the finish that adds a extra layer. (****+)
Fielding 2022 Pinot Noir ($39.95 – winery)
Pretty standard in the way of Pinot Noir from Ontario: earthy, smoky, raspberry and cranberry. It's all there. (*** ½)
Flat Rock Cellars 2022 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #1545)
Earthy and smoky with loads of sour cherry. (*** ½)
Flat Rock Cellars 2021 Pinot Noir – Gravity ($35.99 – sold out)
I have often thought that the weaker vintages favour the Gravity Pinot Noir, and this 2021 proves me right again. This is truly a lovely Pinot with its juicy core, strawberry-cranberry fruitiness and backing acidity that makes this wine that will live a long time in the cellar. (****+)
Flat Rock Cellers 2021 Riesling - Nadja's Vineyard ($29.99 – sold out)
Probably one of the better Nadja's in some time - a high rate of residual is tamped down by big acidity: pleasant and mouth puckering, full of green apple and unripe Macs. (****)
Fred Wines 2020 Bright Side – Gamay blend ($25.00 – sold out)
Gamay does not usually have a ton of tannin, but this one seem to bring some along on the finish. Nice complexity with dark cherry, white pepper leading the charge on the palate before some subtle tannin notes swing in. Good beginning with the grape for this new label. (*** ½+)
Harbour Estates 2021 Gamay ($25.00 – winery)
One of the better Harbour Estates wines I have had in a while, and tasted during the All Canadian Wine Championships. Juicy and silky with notes of cherry and raspberry: fruity and gives off an easy-drinking vibe. (*** ½)
Henry of Pelham 2022 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #430546)
Banana, melon, peach notes; while the acidity is gentle but that helps the wine be totally quaffable on a hot day. (*** ½+)
Henry of Pelham 2022 Pinot Grigio ($15.95 - #250217) – sold out
This is a refreshing white that has good citrus pith notes. (*** ½)
Henry of Pelham 2021 Riesling ($15.95 - #268375)
The name evokes waters of yesteryear, while the wine evokes a zip and zing on the palate: green apple, lanolin and a lovely dryness on the finish. (*** ½+)
Henry of Pelham 2020 Family Tree - The Padre, Cabernet-Merlot ($17.95 - #18667) 
There's plenty to enjoy about this value-priced bottle of Cabernet-Merlot; most notably are the dark fruits and spicy-peppery nuances. (*** ½+)
Henry of Pelham 2023 Pinot Grigio ($15.95 - #250217)
Nice to see the wine sitting under a new lux-cap. This is a simple version of Gris: easy sipping with lemon drop notes. (*** ½)
Henry of Pelham 2022 Cabernet-Merlot ($16.95 - #504241)
Juicier than expected, there's a hit of blueberry and raspberry that rolls around on the palate and makes this a pleasant wine to sit, sip and enjoy. (*** ½+)
Henry of Pelham 2020 The School House - Cabernet-Merlot ($19.95 - #395855)
Not sure what to expect from a wine called "The School House", but this delivers ripe fruit: blackberry and black cherry, with hints of vanilla, mocha and spice. (*** ½+)
Henry of Pelham 2023 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #430546)
Crisp, clean and refreshing with lovely notes of grassy, gooseberry and grapefruit, which is pretty textbook these days. (*** ½)
Henry of Pelham 2020 Pinot Noir – Estate (sold out)
This is the complete package for Pinot lovers, without getting too complicated. Earthy, check; black cherry, check; a touch of smoke, check; long finish - you betcha. (****)
Henry of Pelham 2023 The Shadow Rock - Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #38154)
This version of the rock is soft and tropical with plenty of peach - rounded on the finish. (*** ½)
Henry of Pelham 2022 The Dry River - Riesling ($19.95 - #557165)
There's a pleasant mineral note off the hop with a green apple punch on the cheeks and tongue; ends with a long finish. (*** ½+)
Huff Estates Winery 2023 Buried Vine - Pinot Gris ($25.00 – winery)
While basic, this Gris is delicious. Stone fruit meets apple at a mixer, and lemon was also invited. Now that's a solid party. (*** ½)
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