Jason Solanki

Rosewood Harvest Gold Mead 2011 (500ml)

Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. Raw, dry honey aromas. Off-dry on the palate with light floral and honey notes. Natural acidity takes over at mid-palate, while the finish is medium-long. This wine did pair well and was nicely balanced with the Chicken Tikka with Mango Chutney. Tasted Oct/2012.

Abad Dom Bueno Crianza 2006, Do Bierzo

Made using the Mencía grape and highly fragrant with sinewy black fruits, violets, smoky oak and hint of barnyard from the glass. On the palate, it's full-bodied with very nice aroma replays, earthy and elegant oak spice. Big, smooth tannins are still full and integrating nicely. Very good acids and length. Ageing gracefully at 8 years old, will reward further 4-5 years in cellar. Expect some sediment. Reminds me of a Brunello. Amazing value. Tasted Aug/2014.

Mission Hill Five Vineyards Rosé 2010, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

A lot of bubbles that sink to the bottom for a wine that is not a sparkling wine. Aromas of sweet cherries, sandalwood and grapefruit. Candy covered cherries and blueberries on the palate. Off-dry and absolutely delicious! Will be enjoying this with chicken nachos. If you know someone who is not a wine drinker, this would a be a great introduction to wine for that person. Tasted Sept. 2011.

Errazuriz Estate Pinot Noir 2012, Aconcagua Valley

Medium intensity aromas of smoke, earth and beetroot. Light-bodied with notes of plum, cran-raspberry, strawberry and oak on the palate. Good, round tannins. Finish is short and very hot. Tasted Sept/2013.

Reviews from Errazuriz Wine Tasting:
http://www.winealign.com/user-list/cono_sur/2013-09-26-errazuriz

Lacroix Vanel Fine Amor Pézenas 2008, Ac Coteaux Du Languedoc

About 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah/Cinsault/Mourvedre/Carignan. Black cherry, plum and barnyard aromas from the cork. Medium+ intensity, perfumed nose of dried herbs, garrigue, black fruits, blackberry surrounded by earthy, barnyard elements. It is medium-to-full bodied with chunky, dusty tannins that are slightly drying, but well supported by good fruit concentration. Yummy flavours of violets, black cherry, black berry, and oak spices. It has juicy acids and is long finishing with earthy, black cherry flavours. Fantastic! Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Tasted May/2016.

Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay 2012, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Screw cap. Fruit-driven apple and pear aromas of medium intensity. Medium+ bodied palate with balanced acids. Apple and pear flavours with a distinct caramel note on the lengthy finish that also shows some minerality. Oak is definitely in the background. Just off-dry and nicely balanced. Serve only lightly chilled. Recommended. Tasted Jun/2014. Score: 88+ pts

Bollig Lehnert Dhroner Hofberger Riesling Spätlese 2011, Prädikatswein

Smoke, slate, honey and orange aromas with lively acidity. Complex with orange, peach and grapefruit flavours. Lengthy finish. Yum! Tasted May/2013.

Vineland Estates Riesling Semi Dry VQA 2012, Niagara Peninsula

Medium-high aromas that show lemon, pear, tropical fruit and hint of petrol. Slight spritz on the off-dry palate with lively acids, lemon, mineral, and touch of honeyed fruit flavours. Finish is lengthy, with sweetness tapering off to a dry finish. Even though designated as "semi-dry", was not as sweet as I expected. Tasted Aug/2014. Score: 88+ pts

Trapiche Malbec Reserve 2012

Medium-high aromas with earthy, green, black cherry, and hint of brett (barnyard) notes. Full-bodied with sweet ripe black fruits and gentle oak spice flavours. Tannins are big, yet very smooth and integrated. Very good acids and finishing long. Fine value at this price! Tasted Apr/2014.

Clos De Los Siete 2010, Mendoza

Malbec blend containing 57% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 3% Petit Verdot. Medium-high intensity aromas consisting of spice, peppercorn, oak and dark fruits. Palate is full-bodied showing sweet tobacco, red & black fruits, and Asian spice. Firm, yet refined, tannins, very good acids and finishing long. Tasted Apr/2014.