Jason Solanki

Beringer Stone Cellars Merlot 2009, California

Non-vintage. Slippery cork was pulled out rather easily. Cork aromas of crushed red berries and some prune. In the glass, aromas of ripe red berries, raspberry, plum, licorice, and some earthy elements. Lots of blackberry notes on the palate, mulberry, some spice, and hints of milk chocolate. Sweet core, medium-bodied with chewy ripe tannins. Finishes somewhat hot - alcohol seems higher than the 13.5% on the label. Easy drinking. Tasted Apr/2012.

20 Bees Pinot Grigio 2011, Ontario

Screw cap. Honeysuckle, orange and tropical aromas from this white wine. Light-bodied with lots of floral and tropical fruits on palate, and hints of honey. Low acidity and finish is medium-length. Refreshing palate cleanser, good as an apertif. Even though classified as extra dry, this is an off-dry P.G. Tasted Apr/2013.

Fielding Estate Rosé 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Muted aromas of cran-cherry and hints of strawberry that follow through on palate. Refreshing acidity leads to a clean, dry finish. Has good weight for a rosé. Pleasant. Tasted June/2012.

Alamos Malbec 2011, Mendoza

Intense and focused aromas of violet/lavender and dark fruits. Medium-full bodied with lots of spice on the palate that tapers off to a subdued dark fruit finish. Integrated tannins a bit grippy - could use 1-2 years in cellar. Alcohol (13.5%) shows. Tasted Nov/2012.

Red Rock Malbec Reserve 2010, California

This wine is all about the fruit. Ripe red fruits, jammy strawberry and meaty aromas with nice aroma replays. Hints of oak on the medium-length and slightly hot finish. Tannins are nicely integrated, could be cellared another 1-2 years. Tasted August/2013.

Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Plum and jammy aromas from the cork. Medium-intensity aromas of cassis, cedar and plum from the glass. Vibrant acidity and medium-bodied on the palate. Sweet core of cassis, cherry, red currant and hints of eucalyptus flavours. Ripe tannins are integrating nicely. Light spice on the medium-length smooth finish. A rather easy drinking wine. Tasted July/2013.

Bouchard Aîné Beaujolais Supérieur 2011, Burgundy

Not very aromatic, but shows some sour cherry, strawberry and oak aromas. Spice, cranberry and black fruits on the palate. Good acidity and a lingering finish.

Tasted May/2013 with other Beaujolais BBQ wines listed here:
http://www.winealign.com/user-list/cono_sur/2013-05-15-beaujolais-bbq

Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvginon 2010

2011 vintage. Plum, blackberry jam, cassis, cedar and hints of sweet fruit aromas. Medium-bodied with sweet, ripe fruit on the palate. Very fruit-forward with red and dark fruit flavours, with oak undertones. Tannins are a bit chalky, but otherwise well-integrated. Off-dry with a short finish. Not your typical, big, dry Cali Cab. Easy drinker. Tasted Jan/2013.

De Sousa Seasons Reserve Meritage 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula

2011 vintage is 72% Merlot, 25% Cab Sauv, and 3% Cab Franc. Strong oak aromas from glass give way to black currant and blackberry aromas. This red wine is full bodied with chalky tannins that are integrating nicely. Sour cherry, blackberry jam, wood and hints of mocha on the palate. Has mouth-watering acidity and a long finish. Could be cellared 1-2 years. Tasted Sept/2013.

Anselmann Gewürztraminer Kabinett 2011, Prädikatswein

Honeysuckle and pear aromas from the cork. Soft aromas of lychee, melon, rose, honeysuckle and lemon from the glass joined by citrus and more prominent rose notes on the palate. It's medium-sweet with an oily texture that gives way to a chalky-mouthfeel and moves to an off-dry, medium-length finish. Has enough acidity to pair with lightly spiced foods. Tasted Feb/2013.