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.

Geyser Peak 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

22 Jul 2016

(December 1, 2015) ... It came as quite a surprise that I still had a bottle of this kicking around, it was a special buy at the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) years ago and it was a tasty little wine back then, so when I found a bottle while cleaning out the cellar I immediately set out to taste it that night. I'd have to say I was rightfully impressed with this one. The nose hit the right notes of oak, baker's cocoa, vanilla, and spice - fruit seemed to be lacking but that was to be expected at this age. The palate also suffered the same "dilemma", there was a mellowed out mouthfeel with licorice, cassis, smoke, and hints of coffee soaked oak. The acidity was still good and that helped to balance the wine, plus the toasted-mocha finish was long with smoky character and a grittiness on the tongue. Better than I expected.

Grant Burgh 2002 Barossa Vines Shiraz (Australia)

22 Jul 2016

(November 30, 2015) ... 13 years has not done justice to this wine, the fruit aromas are on the cooked and stewed side, though dried would also be a descriptor here. On the palate there's a warming sensation on the first few sips (attributed to the 14.5% alcohol), but it does smooth out and gives one a taste of mocha, leather, licorice and prune. Drinkable but not overly enjoyable; if I hadn't been curious as to where it was headed I would have stopped tasting it hours before.

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