Jason Solanki
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Reviews (3294)
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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
Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2022, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Vegan, Sustainable
Ontario, Canada$24.95
This has a fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose of coconut and butter aromas that surround a core of ripe yellow apple, yellow citrus, and lemon, plus touches of vanilla. It’s full-bodied on the dry palate with delicious sweet-fruited ripe stone fruits, apple, butterscotch, oak spice, and toasty flavours, along with touches of vanilla and mineral adding complexity. The juicy, crisp acidity delivers a smooth, nicely textured mouthfeel. Some banana notes on the mid-palate. Citrus and spice notes linger on the long, well-balanced finish. Tasted May 2024.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2020, P.D.O. Naoussa, Macedonia
Naoussa, Greece$18.95
This 100% Xinomavro has a lovely, medium-high intensity nose of Bing red cherry, currant, clove, sweet spice, and cinnamon aromas. It's medium-bodied on the dry, structured palate with lovely red cherry, earthy, and spice aroma replays. It has juicy, balanced acidity, while cherry and oak spice notes linger on the long finish. Still very young and should drink well to at least the end of the decade. Tasted Oct. 2023.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Stel + Mar Chardonnay 2021, California
California, Usa$19.95
With 60% Mendocino and 40% Lodi fruit, this 100% Chardonnay was fermented in stainless steel and aged slightly on its lees in oak. It has some elegance to the medium+ intensity nose which features pear and apple, fruit forward aromas with touches of lemon citrus and earthy-stony minerality adding complexity. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has a lovely earthy mineral, pear, apple, and spice flavours which are supported by well-balanced acidity. It's nicely textured with delicious pear and apple notes lingering on the long, balanced finish. Tasted Apr. 2024.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Malivoire Vivant Rosé 2023, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Sustainable
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Crafted using 100% Pinot Noir, this has an elegant medium to medium-high intensity nose that is dry, crisp, and fresh with currant, red cherry, grapefruit, strawberry, dried herbs, and spice aromas. On the medium to medium-full bodied palate it has a slightly creamy textured mouthfeel that is supported by very good acidity. Lovely aroma replays shine through harmoniously on the dry flavour profile. It has a crunchy mid-palate, while grapefruit, red cherry, mineral, and herbal notes linger on the long, complex finish. Tasted Apr. 2024. Score: 91+ pts
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Black Bank Hill Runway Rosé 2023, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$24.95
Co-fermented blend of 94% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh and red fruited with attractive aromas of currant, cassis, red cherry, and strawberry, all of which echo on the ripe and flavourful palate with a touch of sweetness. It has juicy and succulent acidity that is a touch tangy. Clean and well-balanced throughout with very good length on the finish. Tasted Apr. 2024.
3.0 Stars
(34)W
Mega Spileo Malagousia 2022, Pgi Achaia
Peloponnese, Greece$17.25
Fresh and fragrant, the lifted, highly aromatic nose offers pretty aromas melon, lychee, honeysuckle, floral, and grapefruit citrus. On the dry, medium-bodied palate it has gently spicy notes followed by melon, honeysuckle, floral, lychee, and citrusy aromas replays on the flavour profile. It has juicy, bracing, and tangy acidity, while leesy mineral notes with some pleasing bitterness linger on the juicy, lightly chalky textured finish, with very good length. Tasted May 2024.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Flor De Maio Mayflower 2021, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Vegan
Alentejo, Portugal$15.95
Unoaked blend of Trincadeira, Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah. Medium-high intensity nose is fragrant and open with a lovely mix of brambly, dark red cherry, raspberry, and plum aromas nuanced savoury minerals and earth. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it is ripe with plummy, cran-cherry, raspberry, gentle spice, and earth flavours flecked with minerals. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the smooth & refined tannins have good structure. Gently grippy on the back palate, with plummy, dark cherry & earthy mineral notes lingering on the lengthy, succulent finish. Tasted Mar. 2025.
3.0 Stars
(177)V
Rhonéa Tradition Rasteau 2021, Ap
Rhône, France$19.95
Blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh and open with minerally and peppery aromas followed by perfumed, dark red cherry, cranberry, and dark red plum notes in a complex profile. It's medium-full bodied with very good concentration on the dry palate with nicely balanced aroma replays echoing on the flavour profile. It has juicy acidity, along with smooth, supple tannins on the mid-palate. Finely textured on the long, crisp, and savoury mineral finish. Last tasted Nov. 2024. Score: 90+ pts
3.0 Stars
(490)V
Casa Santos Lima Quid Pro Quo Red 2021, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Vegan
Alentejo, Portugal$11.95
Blend of 30% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Nacional, 20% Syrah, and the rest Alicante Bouschet and Petit Verdot. The fresh, medium-high intensity nose is heavily oak-influenced with dark red berry, vanilla, red cherry, wild berry, blackberry, and ripe raspberry aromas. On the medium-full to full-bodied palate it has very nice, balanced aroma replays supported by elegant, well-structured tannins and juicy acidity. Some purple fruit notes appear on the long-lasting, juicy finish. Tasted May 2024. Score: 88+ pts
3.0 Stars
(0)V
13th Street Expression Series Pinot Grigio 2023, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Generous and fresh, this offers lemon citrus aromas layered over orchard fruit, apple, citrus, and wild garden herbs. It's medium-full bodied, dry, and a touch spicy with balanced acidity supporting the apple, pear, and herbal flavours. It's nicely structured with juicy, fresh lemon citrus, and grapefruit flavours. Finishes long with herbally, lemon, and spice notes. Tasted June 2025. Score: 88+ pts
3.0 Stars
(89)V