Not to say that I haven't been drinking. (GAWD no! How else would I get through this??) Distinct lack of time to write, yes, but the glass has always been full.
I've been diligently following the Canadian Wine Challenge at home, more than happy to open any one of the marvellous bottles I have in my cellar. So much so, that I may have to go shopping again soon. Good thing Savvy Company is having its Outstanding in their Fields event with the wineries of the 20 Valley on November 27, 7-9 PM, at the National Arts Centre.
Lift Haus Cabernet Franc (Prince Edward County) - Fig, tobacco, leather, smoked meat, followed up with muted violets and stewed fruit on the palate. Dry, tangy mouth feel similar to Chianti; great for mid-week spaghetti nights. I think this might have been from the 2008 vintage, but I may be mistaken. The 2009 can be bought at the winery for $24.80.
Bachelder 2009 Chardonnay (Niagara) - This wine achieved rock-star-legend status pretty quick. Full, tropical nose redolent with pineapple and coconut. A creamy taste of butter and caramel come through on a wave of warmth only slightly tinged with a well-structured seam of acidity. Every element has been carefully nurtured to near-perfection and blended with excellence in mind.
Nk'Mip Cellars 2010 Talon (Okanagan, BC) - Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cabernet franc, merlot and malbec. Velvety, with hints of plum, smoke and black cherry, particularly pronounced in the tangy acid. Muted tannins and a short but powerful finish rounds out this substantial offering from the southern end of the Okanagan Valley.
Norman Hardie 2012 Calcaire (Prince Edward County) - Belated birthday treat sampled at Gezellig, the third locale of the Beckta dynasty. Norm's first blend: chardonnay/riesling/pinot gris/melon de bourgogne. Rock-licking minerality and super-zesty citrus bordering on sour lemon, streaking down the tongue with plenty of attitude and leaving shocking pops of tart apple in your cheeks.
Jost Vineyards 2012 Tidal Bay (Nova Scotia) - First time trying this fairly new designated appellation from the East Coast. Breezy lilac, grapefruit, lemon zest and sea salt. Bracing tartness tempered by ripe pear, and finishing clean and light on the tongue. Would be stellar with raw oysters or seared scallops. And is it my imagination, or is there a bit of that brisk, Nova Scotia sea air coming through?
Jost Vineyards Prima Rossa (Nova Scotia) - This is one of those wines I could easily order by the caseload (although Hubby compared it to sacramental wine or fermented Welch's juice. Says him.) The colour ranges from brickish orange to burgundy; the nose is complex, with leather, blackberry, cocoa, tar and oregano. Light-to-medium bodied, with plump, juicy raspberry on the palate and mild tannins to bring it all together. The best part was how well it kept. I opened it on a Monday night for spaghetti night and, under stelvin, it was just as fresh on the Friday as when I first tried it.
Wild Goose 2012 Gewurztraminer (Okanagan) - This one didn't last on my counter. Hell, it didn't last past dinner, it was that good. Succulent orange blossom and candied citrus, honey, apricot and lily of the valley. Tongue-coating weight with moderate acidity, finishing off long and smoky-sweet.
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