Barry McLarnon
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Reviews (180)
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Reviews
Rosewood Estates Natural Fermentation Reserve Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$39.95
This wine has matured beautifully - tasted blind, I would have difficulty placing it in Niagara, as it strikes me as a marriage of California-style richness and old world elegance. In any case, it is velvety, smooth, and compelling, and will surely drink well for several more years. Alas, this was my only bottle.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Eastdell Pinot Grigio 2021, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$14.95
My taste in pinot gris/grigio tends towards the lusher gris end of the spectrum, such as those from NZ. That said, this wine is a great value at this price point... not a fruit bomb, but an impeccably balanced and food-friendly amalgam of fruit and minerality with a European flair. What is even more remarkable is that, 3-4 months after it garnered those platinum plaudits at CWA, it remains widely available at the LCBO. Last tasted October 2023.
4.0 Stars
(0)G
Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago
Central Otago, New Zealand$36.25
I had the pleasure of meeting Rudi Bauer and tasting his pinots at the winery in 2006. It's a pity we don't see them more often in Ontario. The 2010 is just entering its prime - not an ethereal cool-climate style, but rich, warm and inviting, with soft tannins and attractive oak spice to provide a counterpoint to the abundant dark fruit.
4.0 Stars
(0)A
Bel Echo Pinot Noir 2018, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$25.25
Very savoury/spicy (cinnamon?) when first poured, but the fruit emerged after a bit of aeration, led by sour cherry. This is a sophisticated and nuanced pinot, quite smooth on the palate with a slight edge from soft tannins, and a long finish with just a trace of bitterness. Last tasted September 2024, and significantly improved compared with tasting in the spring of 2023.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2022, St. Urban Vineyard, VQA Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Vineland is a riesling pioneer in Niagara, and has been demonstrating its prowess with this varietal for four decades. The 2023 is out now, but I found 3 bottles of the outstanding 2022 vintage at my local LCBO outlet, and it's even currently on sale at $19.95. The nose is seductive, and the balance is impeccable, with just enough residual sugar to balance the bracing acidity. This world class riesling is the complete package, with under 10% ABV and a long finish - great value! Their entry-level semi-dry riesling is no slouch either. Last tasted December 2024.
4.0 Stars
(1000+)E+(78)O
Invivo Pinot Noir Central Otago 2019
Central Otago, New Zealand$27.95
This is a pale, limpid beauty, very fruity with strawberry and cherry in the forefront. There are also some spicy notes, but little or no oak influence and very soft tannins. Just a delight to sip.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah 2011, Casablanca Valley
Casablanca Valley, Chile$19.95
We visited the winery in 2013, and being organic gardeners ourselves, we were very impressed with their vineyard practices and general philosophy. This wine is soft, smooth and very fruity, without being cloying. 15% alcohol seems a bit over the top, yet there is great balance here and no noticeable hotness in the finish.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Niagara College Teaching Winery Balance Pinot Noir Trek Vineyard 2013, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$18.95
In recent times in Ontario, we've had cool vintages like '08 and '11, in which some delicate and perfumed pinots were made, but many were lean and thin. Then there were the warm vintages like '10 and '12, producing big fruity pinots, but some were overblown and lacking acidity (picked too late?). Lastly, the "in-between" vintages that hit the sweet spot, of which '09 is a prime example. It appears that '13 is another such, and this aptly-named pinot displays the balance I've come to expect: pristine fruit, complexity, and enough acidity to be refreshing and food-friendly.
4.0 Stars
Seresin Chardonnay 2012, Marlborough
Marlborough, New Zealand$19.25
Love the complexity and intensity here - a chardonnay lover's chardonnay. While I can't sniff out all of the nuances that David can, the smokey-peaty notes overlaid on the fruit are compelling. We visited the winery almost ten years ago, and can still remember the vivid positive impression both their wines and their philosophy made on us.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Emiliana Coyam 2016, Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$29.95
Tasted March 2022. My wife and I first encountered Coyam in 2013, when we tasted the 2010 vintage at the winery. It was young and a bit rough around the edges, but we could clearly see its potential. The 2016 vintage is just entering its prime, a rich and rewarding mouthful that has oodles of nuances and is a delight to sip. I see the 2019 is now on the shelves, so that one will need a few years before it can really start to strut its stuff.
4.0 Stars
(0)V