13th Street is known for making pretty good Gamay – some would argue they are the best in Ontario at making this grape sing, which is why they usually make 2 versions … believing that a well-matched duet is better than a soloist. But 2008 didn’t give them the pairing they wanted (weather-wise), so instead of forcing an inferior reserve onto the public they combined their Gamay efforts into one bottling – incorporating their older vines (from 1983) with their younger vines – and they made quite the wonderful Gamay by doing so. The nose is black cherry, raspberry and vanilla; an aroma that comes from the 12 months of ageing in 60% French and 40% American oak (of which 25% was new). Flavours are loaded with delicious black cherry. There’s plenty of this beauty to go around, 1000 cases were made (usual output in only about 500), but I can’t see the wine lasting too long on the shelve because it should be in very high demand, especially for those fans of Gamay, of which, after trying this wine, their should be many in Ontario. I just hope that by the time I get to 13th Street to pick up a few bottles you guys have left some for me to get. Price: $17.95 – Rating: *****