This is Norm’s first reserve wine ever, and it comes on the heals of the best vintage ever to befall Ontario. Norm and his winery partner, Ben, thought that the best thing to commemorate such a vintage would be to blend the fruit from Niagara (with its dark fruit profile) with the County’s softer red fruit, to create something unique. The blend ended up being 60% Niagara and 40% County, aged an extra 6 months together in conditioned barrels (combine that with the 9 months the wines were individually aged and this wine has seen close to 15-months of wood contact). This is not a best barrel blend, as Ben was quick to point out, it’s a best combination blend … you don’t want to sacrifice the quality of your wine by removing your best barrels from production. The nose is lovely, currently exhibiting cranberry, sour cherry, vanilla and cinnamon. The palate follows in step with the nose, delivering smoothness with supple, well-knit, fine tannins. Elegant and balanced. This type of Hardie blend will only be made in the best years. As for the name, it’s an homage to Norm’s sister Lisa, who passed away far too young age (in her 20’s) – I’m sure she’d be very proud. Two-dollars from each bottle goes to charity. Price: $69.00 – Rating: ****½