Jason Solanki

Bula 2011, Do Montsant

Blend of Carinena, Garnacha (Grenache), and Syrah. Medium-high intensity aromas of red currants, cherries and subtle smoke and dried figs. Full-bodied red fruits, licorice, new leather, and sweet vanillan notes. Good structure, with tannins integrating very nicely. Finish is long and smooth. Has the stuffing to age 5 years. Tasted Nov/2013.

Kacaba Terrace Vineyard Syrah 2011, VQA Niagara Escarpment

Made from the oldest plantings of Syrah in Niagara, this has medium-high aromatics consisting of barnyard, cracked pepper, smoke, iodine, and some acetone. Medium bodied palate with black pepper, herbs, cassis and hints of chocolate on the medium-length finish. Balanced acids and drying tannins. Tasted Jan/2015.

Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Stelvin screw cap closure. In addition to Cab Sauv, it contains 6.1% Petit Verdot, 3% Syrah, 2.3% Merlot, and 2.2% Cab Franc. Barnyard, vanillan oak, red currant aromas that also shows some meaty notes as it warms up in the glass. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Flavour profile consists of sweet red currants, blackberries, subtle spice, and vanillan oak in the background. Good acids and a long finish that has hints of milk chocolate. Could be cellared another 2-3 years, but drinking well now. Has good crowd appeal. Tasted May/2014.

Diamandes Perlita Malbec/Syrah 2011, Uco Valley

Blend of 85% Malbec and 15% Syrah. Medium+ aromas with fresh herbal, mineral, dark fruits notes. Full bodied with flavours of sweet tobacco, licorice, green/herbal and slightly earthy. Has bright acids, medium-level tannins and a long, warm finish. Tasted Apr/2014.

Union Noir 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Screw cap. Blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir. Medium intensity aromas of sour cherry, cranberry, cedar oak, and hints of earth. It's lightweighted with good acids and pleasant, savoury aroma replays. Taut tannins. Interesting finish that is long and smooth, warm, and has a kiss of sweetness. Serve lightly chilled. Tasted Mar/2014.

http://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com/2014/03/union-wines-tasting.html

Trivento Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2012, Mendoza

This blend of 80% Malbec, 10% Bonarda and 10% Syrah has medium-high intensity aromas of new oak, fresh leather and black fruits with much of the same on the medium-to-full bodied palate. Also has some spice notes. Balanced acids, chalky tannins could use another couple of years to integrate further, while the finish is long. Tasted Apr/2014.

Pascual Toso Malbec 2013

Screw cap. Medium intensity aromas of plum, blackberry and blackcherry which replay nicely on the medium-bodied palate. Mineral and oak also show up on the dry flavour profile. Fruit-forward. Refreshing acids and ripe, integrated tannins and a clean finish make this a very good weekday wine. Tasted Aug/2014. Score: 88+ pts

Troupis Fteri Moschofilero 2013, Igp Arcadia

Very pale yellow colour, almost clear white. Fragrant aromatics that show floral, citrus, peach and some lychee and herbal notes as it warms up. The palate is medium-bodied and creamy with balanced acids. Flavour profile consists of floral, white peach and hints of orange. Initial kiss of sweetness tapers off into the dry spectrum. Decent length on the finish. A very good introduction to the grape. Tasted Apr/2015.

La Marca Prosecco, Doc, Veneto, Italy

Fresh, medium+ intensity nose delivers attractive honeysuckle, pear, acacia floral, and lemon citrus aromas flecked with white peach notes. The mid-weighted palate is off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) with delicious honeyed pear and acacia floral flavours accented with lemon peel and white peach notes. There's good structure on the mid-palate, and it's supported by crisp and lively acidity and bubbles. Balanced flavours of honeysuckle, pear, floral, and lemon citrus taper to minerals on the finish, with very good length. Tasted Feb. 2025. Score: 88+ pts

Benmarco Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Nose seemed closed but showed cassis, oak, and red currant aromas. Medium-full bodied and fruit-forward with simple red & black fruits on the palate. Integrated tannins with balanced acids and a medium-length finish. Tasted Apr/2014.