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| Inn on the Twenty, Jordan, Ontario |
THE LINEUP: (reds, whites and bubblies)
- Gnarly Head Petite Sirah 2013, 92-3 -- V, Manteca, California, #427450 $17.95
- Vieni Briganti Reserve 2012 VQA Ontario, 90-2 -- V, Beamsville, Ontario, #419440 $18.95
- Apothic Dark Red Blend 2014, 89a-1 -- G, Modesto, California, #392654 $16.15
- Ca' Momi Zinfandel 2013, 88 -- V, Napa, California, #396168 $21.95
- Apothic Red Winemakers Blend 2013, 84 -- G, Modesto, California, #234369 $16.15
- Vieni Briganti Red 2012 VQA Ontario, 83 -- G, Beamsville, Ontario, #435792 $12.95
- Rocca Alata Leggermente Appassito Rosso Veneto 2013, 83 -- G, Veneto, Italy, #398057 $13.60
- Terra d'Oro Zinfandel 2012, 82 -- V, Amador County, California, #429225 $21.95
- Copper Moon 'Moonlight Harvest' Merlot NV, 80 -- Kelowna, BC, #173526 $9.45
- Kellermeister Barossa Vineyards Chardonnay 2011, 87-1 -- G, Lyndoch, South Australia, #400424 $15.10
- 'Arenberg The Stump Jump White 2014, 85 -- V, McLaren Vale, South Australia, #922203 $14.95
- Domaine Saint Paul Viognier Pays d'Oc 2013, 84 -- V, Meursault, France, #414490 $13.95
- Domaine Bousquet Cameleon Chardonnay 2014, 81 -- V, Tupungato Valley, Argentina, #408450 $13.95
- Apothic White Winemakers Blend 2013, 80 -- G, Modesto, California, #419978 $16.15
- Vieni Momenti Sparkling Wines Extra Brut 2013 VQA Ontario, 85-1 -- G, Beamsville, Ontario, #435784 $13.95
(V - Vintages, G - General, O - Other, r-v - Rating-Value, a - aerated, c - cellar, NR - Not Recommended)
TASTINGS:
ROCCA ALATA LEGGERMENTE APPASSITO ROSSO VENETO 2013, Veneto, Italy, 13.5% D xg/L, #398057 $13.60 (Tasted November 27, 2015)
A General listing. My notes: A deep ruby and a film, when tilted, leaves a dozen or so slow legs - a swirl leaves a firm film gradually lacing from the rim. A dark plum aroma blended with cranberry fragrance and refreshing tartness fills the bowl. The first sip coats the mouth with a dryyyy fuzz lasting as a rough finish needing a mellowing appetizer or two. Aerating helps tame a metallic edge leaving only an ascetic bite to endure. Not a solo sipper. Have with steaks and other savoury or spice rubbed meats. Past cellaring. 83
TERRA D'ORO ZINFANDEL 2012, Amador County, California, 14.5% D 9g/L, #429225 $21.95 (Tasted November 16, 2015)
A Vintages release on October 3, 2015. A Sutter Home winery and rated 90 by Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast, April 2015. My notes: A see-through ruby and a raspberry aroma with a whiff of herb (oregano?) forms the first impression. A moderate film sticks then sheds a ring of quick tears. The first sip is sweetens the palate while retaining a thin fruit and a light drying tannin. The herbal accent continues through a long unappealing finish. Perhaps past peak. 82
GNARLY HEAD PETITE SIRAH 2013, Manteca, California, 14.5% D 10g/L, #427450 $17.95 (Tasted November 19, 2015)
A Vintages release on September 19, 2015. A Delicato Family Vineyards wine. My notes: A blue tint to a ruby colour distinguishes this grape from others and an appealing sweet touch to the aroma adds to a full fruit profile. A firm film sticks then separates as it slowly fades from a rippled rim. Aerating may soften an already pleasing nip to a velvet texture of blueberry fruit but not needed in my view - the appeal is the same. For a deeper sensuous texture fuller sips are a temptation as fruit, acid and tannin combine into a long palate drying experience. Alcohol warming doesn't become a factor. Buy in for sipping, beef/lamb dining occasions or short term cellaring. 92
VIENI MOMENTI SPARKLING WINE 2013 VQA Ontario, Beamsville, Ontario, 11.0% XD 15g/L, #435784 $13.95 (Tasted November 10, 2015)
A General listing. My notes: A cool shade of light yellow opening with a burst of small bubbles continue as lively streams. A balanced blending of Pinot Grigio and Vidal with a suspicion of natural sweetness. A mild apple aroma combines with refreshing effervescence when served chilled. Light-bodied with the taste of green apple, tart and drying to the palate that fits as a toasting starter, with saucy creamed chicken or as an after dinner aperitif. We successfully combined with Stefano's Lemon and Capers Chicken Scaloppine with Broccolini. A drink now to two more years. 85
VIENI BRIGANTI RED 2012 VQA Ontario, Beamsville, Ontario, 12.0% XD 4g/L, #435792 $12.95 (Tasted November 1, 2015)
A General listing. My notes: A product of Vieni Estates Inc. made from Maréchal Foch grapes and is a VQA Ontario (grapes from within Ontario) wine. The colour is a blackened ruby and having an earth toned purple plum and raspberry aroma increasing slightly as the glass sits. The first sip is extra dry adding a bright acid to mid-bodied black cherry. Aerating mellows somewhat tho' not enough to avoid a penetrating bitterness - better as a meal red. Pair with flank steak slices or well seasoned Osso Buco. A drink now. 83
VIENI BRIGANTI RESERVE 2012 VQA Ontario, Beamsville, Ontario, 13.0% XD 7g/L, #419440 $18.95 (Tasted November 11, 2015)
Released by Vintages on July 25, 2015. My notes: A blend of Maréchal Foch and Baco Noir. A deep ruby with a soft plum and black cherry aroma. The tang is pleasing from the first sniff. A swirl leaves a thin film with enough stick to release fast tears draining until there's a fine lacework. Half way to being light-bodied, smooth and bright on the swallow with a balanced dark fruit flavour increasingly appealing into a long finish. Xdry and tight as a sipper or serve with pigs in a blanket, lamb stew, beef burgers or pepperoni pizza. I'd try cellaring a few more years to see where it wants to go. 90
CA' MOMI ZINFANDEL 2013, Napa, California, 13.9% D 8g/L, #396168 $21.95 (Tasted November 25, 2015)
Released by Vintages on August 22, 2015. My notes: A muddy ruby with a charcoal tone to view and a pleasing aroma of chocolate, blackberry and muted cigar wrap to sniff. A thin film leaves a krinkly rim before dropping as a lacy sheet and a few tears. Fine tannins plate the palate along with a warmth in the throat with bright remnants of the initial flavours then ending dry. Was a match with precooked honey coated ribs and would pair adequately with The Keg rare steaks. A drink now to short term cellaring. 88
APOTHIC RED WINEMAKERS BLEND 2013, Modesto, California, 13.5% D 17g/L, #234369 $16.15 (Tasted November 22, 2015)
A General listing. An E. & J. Gallo Wine and a blend including Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. My notes: The Apothic website offers little blending information instead has a commercial focus. The sugar content claimed by the LCBO contradicts a `D` classification with the first sip showing a noticeable sweetness adding to a moderate acid with wild berries and hint of vanilla. The finish is long, smooth and increasingly woody ending with a whiff of cedar. Serve as a sweet social sipper or an adequate red with burgers, pigs in a blanket, meaty entrées, eg. bbq'd ribs, stroganoff, tomato pastas. Cellar short term. 84
APOTHIC WHITE WINEMAKERS BLEND 2013, Modesto, California, 12.0% M 19g/L, #419978 $16.15 (Tasted November 16, 2015)
A General listing and product of E. & J. Gallo Winery. My notes: A mid golden colour leaving a thin film with a lacy rim on the glass. The nose has a delicate floral fragrance unexpected from a blend of chardonnay, riesling and pinot grigio - refreshing as a light-bodied sipper tho' not appealing for my taste. There's a definite sweetness to partner with mild acid and light chalk, elements that start a moderate finish ending Stevia sweet and dry. OK with lemon chicken and a vegetable stir fry. A commercial white to match a warmer climate and flexible fare. Adding a squeeze of lemon may temper the sweet balancing with a natural tartness. 80
APOTHIC DARK RED BLEND 2014, Modesto, California, 14.0% D 13g/L, #392654 $16.15 (Tasted November 21, 2015)
A General listing and product of E. & J. Gallo Winery. My notes: I had difficulty finding meaningful info for the Gallo wines on the Apothic website. A rich red deep up to a blue tinted see-through rim. The film sticks and builds up a rounded rim that drops a dozen slow tears. A clean lacquer layers a spicy black cherry/raspberry, well balanced flavour persistent as a long and warm sipper starting with a hint of sweetness. Aerating smoothes an early sharpness and is recommended. An excellent steak companion... or roasted lamb soaked in a savoury sauce. Should do well with several years in the cellar. 89a
KELLERMEISTER BAROSSA VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2011, Lyndoch, South Australia, 12.0% XD 2g/L, #400424 $15.10 (Tasted November 12, 2015)
A General listing. My notes: A light yellow, crystal clear in the glass. A swirl leaves a firm film accumulating slowly from a krinkled rim then falling uniformly until the glass is clear. Earthy aromas of zesty citrus, tart lime and gooseberry. Penetrating citrus shows no sweetness leaving the palate extra dry and a tad tingly. Serve chilled and sip for an invigorating acid cooling over a long finish or pair with lemon chicken, arctic char/salmon, a Chinese buffet or Japanese Bento Box: tempura veggies and thumb sized shrimp. 87
DOMAINE BOUSQUET CAMELEON CHARDONNAY 2014, Tupungato Valley, Argentina, 12.5% XD 4g/L, #408450 $13.95 (Tasted November 5,
2015)
Released by Vintages on August 8, 2015. My notes: There's a subtle bronze hue to a mid yellow colour in the glass - charming. Served at 10oC the nose stays closed until enough warmth releases a peach lemon apple aroma with a soft tang. A thin film spreads with a swirl topped by a krinkled rim then disintegrates into lacy nodules. For those having an acquired taste for a chalk dryness, a fading melon tinged with cool cardboard finishing on a prolonged sour note. A meal white not to be served solo - pair with seasoned pork chop, roast chicken or a Chinese buffet. A drink now when shared with appetizers or mains. 81
DOMAINE SAINT PAUL VIOGNIER PAYS D'OC 2013, Meursault, France, 13.0% XD 4g/L, #414490 $13.95 (Tasted November 3, 2015)
Released by Vintages on July 25, 2015. The label's Organic Claim is not recognized by Canada. My notes: A clean mid yellow that swirls a thin film with a krinkled rim that drains quickly. The nose is a mild floral, honeysuckle rather than fruit: pleasing as a sipper, just noticeable with chicken cacciatore but refreshing. Pair with light seafood or sweet and sour pork. The first sip reveals a tang, a touch of warmth and a drying, peach stone/light lemon layer with a long xdry finish. A drink now. 84
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP WHITE 2014, McLaren Vale, South Australia, 113.8% D 7g/L, #922203 $14.95 (Tasted November 6, 2015)
Released by Vintages on July 25, 2015. A Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne blend. My notes: A platinum blond on pouring with a mild aroma for sniffing: soft and dry, a touch of lemon and pear without sweetness. A dry tartness comes with the first sip, thin-bodied just enough to pair with seared scallops on bird's nest pasta, tempura shrimp or a sushi/sashimi combos. A seam of sweet backgrounds an ascetic bite although not staying long as a dry finish settles in. A drink now. 85
COPPER MOON ‘MOONLIGHT HARVEST’ MERLOT NV, Kelowna, BC, 12.5% D, #173526 $9.45 (Tasted November 5, 2015)
A General listing. My notes: A product of Roundpetal Wines (Andres Wines) of Kelowna, British Columbia. Not tasted since August 2010 when it was rated 80. A swirl brings a sticky film dropping slow tears. The colour is a deep ruby and a sniff of raspberry jam edged with a brightening tang. The first sip is thin and sharp, instantly drying with flavours of light raspberry touched by thyme and ending with a coating of fine tannin. Serve with stuffed mushrooms, pigs-in-a-blanket or bacon wrapped asparagus - something with natural oils and herb flavoured. A drink now. 80
