Ontario Wines - look out Niagara...

When the world thinks of Canada in terms of wine, the first thing that comes to mind is the Niagara region icewine. While these are indeed outstanding wines, there is more to Ontario than the Niagara escarpment.

Look farther East along the North shore of Lake Ontario to Prince Edward County, South of the Bay of Quinte. Here lies a wealth of land which has recently begun to be developed as wine country. Although it is young, our recent meeting of the winos found that there is promise in this land! The tasting was completely blind. No one was aware of the Country, region, varietal, or style of any of the wines.

The notes on the bottle did not seem to match what we experienced however - we think that it may be marketing at work {:c)

The wines we tried with a compilation of our notes:

Wine #1 Trumpour’s Mill, 2006, Chardonnay Prince Edward County

Bottle Notes: "Sweet oak and vanilla on the nose and a lengthy refreshing finish of melon and mango make this barrel fermented chardonnay the perfect accompaniment for lobster, white fish, in cream sauce or delicately flavoured cheeses such as asiago or emmenthal."

Winos Notes:

Appearance: Golden, Tick, Clear, Long Legs

Nose: Pear, Honey, Apple Juice - some discussion as to whether it smelled more of Rougemount or Allen's! Reminiscent of Calvados. Lush Fruit.

Taste: Steely, Thick, Mild Acidity, Apple Juice, Mid-length Finish, Swiss Cheese (salty, buttery, yeasty)

Overall: When revealed that this was a Chardonnay all were surprised. Not terribly drinkable.

Wine #2 Norman Hardie, 2007, Pinot Noir, Prince Edward County
Bottle Notes: "The vines and oak barrels are from France. The limestone soil and ideal climate are in the County. The taste and nose are from me. Enjoy."
Winos Notes:
Appearance: Strawberry-Ruby Red, Watery, Thin, Clear
Nose: Perm Solution, Tabacco, Smoke, Cigar
Taste: Light, Sour Cherry, Strawberries, Mid Acidity, Low Tannin, Slightly Sweet and Sour at the same time.
Overall: Again, surprised at the Varietal. This is not a good example of Pinot Noir. Reminiscent of a Zinfandel Blush.

Wine #3 – Rosehall Run, 2007, Sullyzwicker Red, Prince Edward County
Bottle Notes: "Lively blend of Gamay (61%), Cabernet Franc (30%), and Pinot Noir (9%) reflects the gentle warm summers of our cool climate region. This medium bodied wine with bright red fruit flavours and soft tannins is ideal to enjoy with pizza, tomato pasta, and grilled dishes."
Winos Notes:
Appearance: Ruby, Semi Transparent, Clear
Nose: Brine, Olives, Quiet, Light Tabacco, Light Red Fruit, Light Scent of Chocolate
Taste: Smoky, Red Fruit, Sour Cherry, Mid Acid, Clean, Light Chocolate, Yummy
Overall: Acceptable. Refreshing after #1 and #2. Interesting Blend of Varietals.

Wine #4 – Rosehall Run, 2007, Cabernet Franc, Prince Edward County
Bottle Notes: "The long warm summer of 2007 in the Hillier Region was perfect for achieving the abundant fruit and subtle ripe tannins that are hallmarks of this vintage. A bouquet of black cherry and currents jump from the glass. Lush fruit flavours are supported by sweet smoky nots from the oak elevage. This lively wine will age well for five years or can be enjoyed today with rare beef or game."
Winos Notes:
Appearance: Dark, Ruby Red, Semi Transparent, Clear
Nose: Floral, Herbaceous, Soap, Cigar
Taste: Slight Fizz, Astringent, Young, Lively, Red Fruit, Light Tannin, Salt, Mid Acid, Short Lived
Overall: Acceptable Plus!

Wine #5 – Sandbanks, 2008, Baco Noir, Prince Edward County
Bottle Notes: "A full bodied red wine with intense plum and wild cherry flavours. Notes of toasted oak provides a lingering finish."
Winos Notes:
Apearance: Purple Red, Almost Opaque
Nose: Mushrooms, Earth, Cigars, Musty Library, Smoky
Taste: Fruity, Sweet Cherries, Caramel, Vanilla, Mid Acidity, Mid Tannins, Like a Red Zin.
Overall: Balanced. Apparently the 2008 is better than the 2004 vintage. Very Acceptable.

Wine #6 – Huff Estates, 2007, First Frost Vidal, Prince Edward County
Bottle Notes: none
Appearance: Pale lemon, Long Legs, Thick
Nose: Minerality, Clean, Sidewalk, Lemon
Taste: Ripe Peach, Lemon, Off-dry, Refreshing, Lively Acidity, Mid Finish.
Overall: Very Acceptable. Refreshing.

All agreed that it was an interesting tasting experience, and excellent wine can be found in Ontario without breaking the budget! The wines tasted represent a price range of $14.95 - $35.20. The Sandbanks Baco Noir and the Huff Estates First Frost Vidal were wines that we all plan to buy again!