Jason Solanki
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Reviews (3498)
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Wine lover since 2001! My interest in wine began while touring the factory where they printed the LCBO VINTAGES magazine.
Over time, my passion for wine grew. Now, I am highly regarded by friends and colleagues as a resource for when they need a wine for that special occasion, be it an anniversary, birthday, wedding, gatherings at home, or when they want to impress their special friend or the In-Laws.
Combining my interest in the Internet/web/computers, you can find me at https://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com where you will find more wine reviews, events and contests.
Reviews
Bachelder Kirby Vineyard Gamay Noir 2022, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$27.95
Using 43% whole clusters, this has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose of dark red fruits, cherry, raspberry, currant, cranberry aromas nuanced with herbs, pepper, and spice. All of aromas come through on the delicious, dry, and medium to medium-full bodied palate, and joined by subtle oak spice notes. It's well-structured with light tannins and juicy acidity. Finish is long and juicy. Tasted May 2025.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Sorelle Bronca L'Est Brut Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore, Docg
Prosecco, Italy$21.25
From an average of 40 year old vines, minimum 95% Glera, and Bianchetta and Perera completing the blend. This has a fragrant, medium-high intensity, and attractive nose of ripe pear, lemon citrus, and grapefruit aromas. It's a shade off-dry (i.e. hint of sweetness) with a creamy mouthfeel and lovely aroma replays of lemon, pear drop, and grapefruit flavours by supported fresh acidity. Some elegance to the crisp bubbles. Clean and well-balanced, with some leesy minerals and Flintstones vitamins appearing on the long finish. Tasted May 2025.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Kir-yianni Xinomavro Rosé 2024, Pgi Macedonia, Vegan
Macedonia, Greece$19.95
Fresh and fragrant, this has a lovely, attractive nose of medium-high intensity with aromas of red berry, strawberry, cherry, orange citrus, grapefruit, and floral, with touches of spice and mineral undertones. It has good weight on the medium+ to medium-full bodied, dry, and slightly spicy palate with delicious ripe grapefruit, citrusy, red berry, strawberry, and red cherry flavours flecked with minerality. It has fresh, crisp, and vibrant acidity, while the spicy citrus tones give way to leesy minerals on the long, savoury, and juicy finish. Last tasted June 2025. Score: 90+ pts
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Keint-he Greer Road Pinot Noir 2023, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$49.95
The medium-high intensity nose is bright and ripe with lovely red cherry, raspberry, earthy beetroot, mushroom, and strawberry aromas, plus some black tea leaf notes adding further interest and complexity. On the medium to medium-full bodied palate it is dry and crunchy on the palate with pleasing savoury and earthy replays on the flavour profile. It has very good acidity and a lovely textured mouthfeel that is slightly chalky. Earthy, spiced, and savoury notes linger on the long finish. Tasted June 2025.
3.5 Stars
(307)W
Hidden Bench Gamay 2023, VQA West Niagara, Niagara Peninsula, Sustainable, Unfiltered
Ontario, Canada$29.95
The lifted, medium-high intensity nose is reductive with bretty and barnyard aromas off the top, followed by dark cherry, currant, forest berry, and oak spice notes. On the day, medium to medium-full bodied palate it has very good concentration and lovely black cherry, cran-cherry, currant, peppery spice, and integrated oak spice flavours. It's well-structured with very good acidity, alongside smooth tannins. Earthy and savoury with reductive touches on the long finish. Tasted Oct. 2025. Score: 90+ pts
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Henry Of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2023, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$34.95
Fresh, ripe, and open, with a medium-high intensity nose of pear, apple, buttery, vanilla, and some florality with a sense of elegance. The medium+ bodied palate is dry and crunchy with very nice, balanced replays on the flavour profile. Touches of spice on the mid-palate, along clean and fresh acidity. Hints of bubblegum adds further interest. Long, well-balanced finish. Tasted May 2025. Score: 91+ pts
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Creekside Backyard Block Sauvignon Blanc 2024, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Sustainable
Ontario, Canada$22.00
This has crisp, fresh, and fragrant aromas of lime citrus, herbs, and gooseberry, plus hints of tropical fruit, guava, and kiwi. On the dry, medium to medium-full bodied palate it is ripe with lovely aroma replays supported by fresh acidity. Very nicely textured with stony minerals adding further complexity. Herbally with spice notes, plus touches of leesy characters on the long, fresh, and juicy finish. Tasted May 2025. Score: 90+ pts
3.5 Stars
(462)V+(28)O
Creekside Iconoclast Syrah 2022, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$25.00
The fresh, medium+ intensity nose delivers waves of dark berry, cherry, blackberry, and black peppercorn spice aromas followed by hints of perfumed floral and savoury oak spice notes. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has ripe, textured, and grainy tannins and well-balanced acidity which carries the full flavoured palate of blackberry, dark plum, black peppercorn, and earthy flavours. Plummy, blackberry, savoury, and peppery notes linger on the long, tasty finish. Tasted May 2025. Score: 91+ pts
3.5 Stars
(102)V
Divergence Wines Sauvignon Blanc Creek Road Vineyard 2023, VQA Four Mile Creek
Ontario, Canada$24.95
This barrel-fermented and aged Sauvignon Blanc has an elegantly restrained nose of gooseberry, lime, citrus, and herbal aromas with touches of tropical fruit. It's richly textured on the palate with very nice, well-balanced aroma replays with gooseberry, nettle, lime citrus, and leesy mineral flavours. Acids are very good, while nettles with earthy, savoury, and lime notes linger on the long lasting finish. Tasted May 2025. Score: 90+ pts
3.5 Stars
(0)W
Montes Alpha Special Cuvée Carmenère 2022, Do Marchigue, Valle De Colchagua, Chile
Colchagua Valley, Chile$24.95
Mainly Carmenère with 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc completing the blend, this has a fresh, medium-high to highly aromatic nose of vanilla oak, spice, currant, cassis, peppercorn, and black fruited aromas. The medium to medium-full bodied palate is dry and ripe with very nice, balanced aroma replays on the flavour profile, and supported by fresh and very good acids. Tannins are somewhat grippy, while the long finish is fresh, juicy, and well-balanced. Tasted Nov. 2024.
3.5 Stars
(0)V