Andy Harbison

Pol Roger Brut Réserve Champagne

Drink on a special occasion in 2015 It is a classic champagne.

Fattoria Dei Barbi Brunello Di Montalcino 2006

Wine Enthusiast - "Fattoria dei Barbi’s Brunello is very rich and decadent with black cherry, plum, prune and tobacco aromas. The wine shows great tannic structure and smooth consistency. Very nice.

Tawse Cabernet Franc Van Bers Vineyard 2009, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula 2009

The Van Bers Vineyard consistently provides one of Niagara's best examples of Cabernet Franc. The 2009 vintage is already delivering on this reputation. Demonstrating the characteristic cabernet franc fruit, it shows black cherry, blackberry, and cassis on the nose. The fruit is layered over a rich bouquet of tobacco, cedar and barrel notes. On the palate the smooth tannins are enveloped in ripe black cherry, cassis and white pepper, framed with soft oak. The Cabernet Franc finishes with a superb balance of acid, tannins, spice and dark fruit, with a hint of bitter dark chocolate on the lingering finish."With an exceptionally long vintage (the fruit hung until Dec 1st) the grapes had plenty of time to gain flavour and complexity. Layers of cranberry, cherry, thyme and pepper fill the glass and taper off into a generous length. Serve with herb crusted lamb chops.

Cattier Brut Premier Cru, Champagne

he perfect wine for an aperitif: this is what I thought when I tried the Cattier Brut Premier Cru Champagne for the first time. Forty per cent Pinot Meunier, 35 per cent Pinot Noir and 25 per cent Chardonnay this sparkling wine is able to melt together all the main characteristics from these three grapes. The aroma is floral with beautiful notes of apples and citrus with a dominant buttery flavour that is reminiscent of the fragrance of French croissants. A very good product that is available for $40,75. A very good companion that gives the best if is paired with shellfish, fish and also with poultry.
Visual examination: Brilliant with a golden yellow colour with a slight amber tint, this champagne has many little and persistent bubbles.
Olfactory examination: intense, complex, fine in quality with a floral and fruity aromas very well mixed with many fragrant notes.
Taste-olfactory examination: dry with just 10 grams of sugars per litre, moderately warm, this champagne is fresh and moderately sapid. A very good balanced sparkling wine, that after tasted reveals a good intensity and persistence, and of course a very good quality. A good structure very well balanced, harmonious and ready to drink.

Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2014, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Vina Leyda Reserva Pinot Noir 2013, Leyda Valley

Great value for a soft fragrant, juicy and very flavourful pinot noir from the cool coastal Leyda Valley. Expect mild aromas of red cherry and raspberry fruit with mild oak spice with hints of cranberry jelly and sweet tobacco. It is lightweight and juicy with the fruit well balanced by vibrant acidity and mild tannin. Very good length. Chill a little and enjoy with baked ham.
Decent value here at $12.50, with quite ripe, dried cherry, herb and leathery character plus charcoal and chocolate notes. It's medium weight, fairly smooth then gets hot and bitter on the finish. Quite tannic actually, Black cherry fruit meets cocoa notes of oak with an appealing minty aspect describes the aromas and flavours in this youthful Leyda Valley pinot. Tight tannins and strong oak character clamp down a bit on the finish, so give a quick decant to open up before serving.

Flat Rock Red Twisted 2012, Niagara Peninsula

JESSICA NAGY rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Pink-honey gold and clear, with apple blossom, citrus and a hint of buttered bread on the nose. This is the popular Flat Rock Twisted white blend made a bit more sophisticated and complex by some time in oak barrels. The palate brings out more citrus and tree fruits with a bit of the characteristic spiciness of Gewurztraminer found in the blend.
A pretty, quaffable wine that pairs well with a winter vegetable hotchpotch or roasted poultry.

Feudi San Pio Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2013, Doc

Mocha-dark chocolate on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with a firm tannic grip on the palate and lots of mouth-watering acidity. Decant for 1-2 hours. Pair with hearty meat dishes like a coffee-rubbed grilled chicken or steak.

Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: hearty meat dishes, coffee-rubbed grilled chicken, steak.