I find myself being more and more interested in Ontario Pinot Noir, not just because of the renaissance in Pinot Noir, but because there is much talk and hype about the potential of Pinot in Ontario and how is has the markings of being a cornerstone grape for us. It also speaks volumes when we can make Pinot Noir like this East Dell Reserve; it bodes well for our future with this grape. From start to finish this is a beauty. Starting with the classy long neck bottle, which can be a good indication you are about to try something special (a winemaker friend of mine is very much into the glassware wine comes in, so I am starting to take more notice). It follows through in the glass, with great aromas and wonderful tastes. The smells rise from the glass even before you stick your nose in: cherries and raspberries waft up, then as you come in for a closer sniff, there’s more red fruit like strawberries, some rhubarb, earth and pea pods. It has a very complex nose with other smells fighting it out for supremacy, but can best be summed up as deep, rich, red and earthy. Now it’s time to taste. Fruity and earthy for sure with well integrated oak. It’s young, so the fruit is not quite ready to show itself completely, but it does poke out a little between the earth and wood. There’s great potential in this bottle, which should show very well in years to come. Buy a couple of bottles, at least – one to try now and one to put away for later – it’ll be well worth the investment.