Reviews

De Simone Vineyards 2017 Stallion

Stallion is definitely not a wine for everyone. First, some may find it a little cost prohibitive at $125 - but when you look at the method in which it was created you can see where the price comes from. First Vincenzo De Simone uses a "natural" appassimento (drying) method used in the Veneto region of Italy - instead of a drying room and mats he clips the stems of the bunches in half to stop them from getting any nutrients from the plant, thus allowing them to desiccate on the vine for 3 weeks before finally picking the grapes by hand. The wine is then barrel aged for 2 years, some of which sees brandy barrels for 6 months. Next, the taste - it's bold, rich with gripping tannins and it drips with old world longevity. A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc, 12.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and a mere 2.5% of Merlot. The fruit is black and smoky with sweet undertones: plum, black cherry, blackberry, and cassis along with leather, licorice and coffee - but at the moment those tannins really get in the way of total enjoyment. This needs time to settle, so give it another 5 years before popping the cork. Price: $125.00 - Rating: ****

2017
Red
Cabernet Franc
4
$125
Canada
Ontario
Niagara-on-the-lake
at the winery & online
www.desimonevineyards.com
2021-04-21

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