From the Cellar

Just because I started a website called OntarioWineReview.com doesn't mean it's All-Ontario-All-the-Time. When I kick back at night my mood (and sometimes my curiosity) decides my wine of choice. And the title should read, "Uncorked and Un-Screwed Tonight" ... but that just sounds wrong.

Vinea 2007 - Pinot 2009 (Italy / Chile)

15 Dec 2017

Vinea Corvina(September 21, 2016) ... Back when I bought this wine to find a straight Corvina wasn't as prevalent as it seems now (there are definitely a few more being made) - tonight I pulled a bottle of Cantine Riondo 2007 Corvina Vinea, and it makes you wonder why it wasn't being made earlier, but it makes you realize why it is now: plum, black cherry, blackberry, mocha, and lovely spice ... Very lush and supple.

Leyda Pinot NoirIn theory this wine should have come first, but I was just having a little fun with my guests and someone mentioned a non-traditional Pinot would be something interesting to taste ... how about something from Chile then?  Leyda 2009 Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard - Las Brisas Vineyard: silky, earthy, black cherry, supple cranberry, and lovely acidity with a long finish touched by spice which mingles with the acidity to make this an awesome wine at any age.

 

Cline 2003 Los Carneros Syrah (California)

14 Dec 2017

Cline 2003 Syrah Los Carneros(September 20, 2016) ... Here we have one of those dichotomy wines, it goes against the old adage of not putting something in your mouth due to the smell ... There's a little VA (volatile acidity, aka nail polish remover) that starts to emerge slowly on the nose, it almost overwhelms the aroma-factor within 15 minutes, but take a sip and the palate doesn't show any of it: it starts off with some peppery notes but smooths quickly and shows just a tickle of dried dark berries. It's not a bad wine for 13 years of age, it's drinkable, but the nose might be a little off-putting to some, so be warned.

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