What I've Been Tasting - Ontario Jan 2026 - part 2
14 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.
Bella Terra 2018 Blanc de Blanc (sold out)
Decently bready and biscuity, though slightly sweet - lacks a wow factor. But it's tasty in a pinch. (***+)
Bella Terra 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (sold out)
Nice citrus pith on the palate with some grassy notes and a lemony finish ... has nice Savvy B character and freshness. (*** ½)
Bella Terra 2019 Chardonnay (sold out)
Notes of apple, pear and peach for fruit and then the gentle vanilla slips in. (*** ½+)
Bella Terra 2020 Merlot (sold out)
It starts off with notes of blackberry and cassis, then a subtle smoky note comes in along with the tannins and Ontario-acidity. As with most Ontario Merlots this will take some time settle down, give it 2-3 years. Best 2025-2028. (*** ½+)
Bella Terra 2020 Cabernet Franc ($44.00 – winery)
Textbook Cabernet Franc here, I have no notes. Alright maybe a few: tobacco and earthy mix with black cherry and raspberry; there's a little smokiness that acts as a foil to the tannins and it drinks beautifully now and will for the next 5 year. (****+)
Featherstone 2023 Fizzics - Cabernet Franc / Merlot ($19.95 – winery)
This Charmat Rosé is light and fresh as a summer day, which makes it perfect for a summer's day: strawberry-watermelon, lime and even a hint of floral. Easy, refreshing and pretty. (*** ½+)
Featherstone 2023 Pinot Grigio (sold out)
Lovely to see a Gris/Grigio not afraid to show its colour off (slightly pink). Good acidity, peach and floral with subtle hints of something bitter on the finish, which acts as a balance. Pleasant and easy. (*** ½)
Featherstone 2023 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 – sold out)
Featherstone was once the gold standard of Savvy B in the province. They still make a delightful version, but here they are putting the wine through some barrel treatment to give it weight and texture - no more than 30%. Retains some natural acidity with plenty of tropical, grassy and fresh herbs. (*** ½+)
Featherstone 2023 Rose ($16.95 - sold out)
The candy apple and tutti-fruity nature of this wine comes from the Gewurztraminer (no doubt?); but that's just the nose, the palate is dry and refreshing making this ultimately delicious. (*** ½+)
Featherstone 2022 Black Sheep Riesling ($19.95 – sold out)
This is a 500-case production of the winery's staple Riesling, and it is their best in years. The nose leads off with lemon drop, peach and then the palate grabs hold with it's acidity and green apple finish. Riesling right where it should be: juicy with an acid punch. (****+)
Featherstone 2022 Canadian Oak ($24.95 – sold out)
One of the only wineries consistently playing with Canadian Oak, and good for them. Here it's all estate fruit that's wild and barrel fermented. It has a spicy character, good acidity with baked peaches, apple cobbler and butterscotch notes. (****)
Featherstone 2023 Phoenix – Gewurztraminer ($18.95 – winery)
This is a pure, yet simple, version of Gew. Floral and lychee notes with an oily texture - nice expression of the grape, true to form. (*** ½+)
Le Clos Jordanne 2021 Jordan Village Chardonnay ($29.95 – sold out)
Fruit forward with good acidity and good length: canned peach, vanilla, and lovely fruit - so approachable. (****+)
Le Clos Jordanne 2021 Claystone Terrace - Pinot Noir ($29.95 – sold out)
Ripe red fruit raises the bar here with all its cranberry and sour cherry, plus salty minerality and good acidity: elegant and complex. (****+)
Leaning Post 2021 Sauvignon Blanc (sold out)
Bottom line: More grapefruity with nice acidity and a long finish. Think guava and grassy with hints of passionfruit mid-palate. Nice length with a lemon zest on the finish ... This wine was also aged in neutral oak to soften the acidity, which is impressive considering the acidity shines here. (*** ½+)
Leaning Post 2019 Grimsby Hillside Chardonnay ($40.00 – sold out)
These vines were planted in 2004 but it is only now they are taking center-stage on a variety of wine bottles, with impressive pedigree: tropical fruit and peach with notes of pineapple puree and minerality all with a mid-length finish. (****+)
Leaning Post 2020 Clone 96 Chardonnay (sold out)
Love the tropical nature of the fruit; the lovely balance of acidity and the gulpability. This wine is gorgeous, though there are some who wrongly like that Clone 548 better. We need to talk. (**** ½)
Lighthall Vineyards 2023 Pinot Gris ($24.75 – sold out)
A very consumer friendly Gris full of white fruit and loads of fun across the tongue. (*** ½)
Malivoire 2021 Small Lot - Gamay Noir ($24.95 – sold out)
Lots of cherry and white pepper, subtle tannins - with a bright and fresh finish. (*** ½)
Malivoire 2020 Forgotten Row Chardonnay ($34.95 – winery)
Big and buttery, but balanced with smoky-peach, apple cobbler and a creamy mouthfeel with a touch of cinnamon on the mid-palate. This wine leans more California than Ontario, but with that Ontario acidity. For those that wonder, this is no longer a "forgotten row" it is more "deliberately neglected". (****+)
Malivoire 2022 Farmstead Gamay Noir (sold out)
Fruity: raspberry, sour cherry, cranberry and all with a juicy mid-palate. (*** ½)
Malivoire 2022 Small Lot - Pinot Noir ($32.00 – sold out)
A pleasant, easy-drinking version with earthy, sour cherry and strawberry flavours. (*** ½)
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