Jason Solanki

Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Paso Robles

Lovely crushed black fruit, red cherries and cedar oak aromas. Medium-bodied with nice aromas replays on palate, with hints of blueberries and cocoa on the long, smooth finish. Has mouth-watering acidity and velvety tannins. Very nice! Tasted Feb/2013.

Liberty School Chardonnay 2011, Central Coast

Consisting of 90% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier, and for the first time 5% Marsanne. Crisp orchard fruit, pear and earth aromas. Full bodied and dry with a creamy mouthfeel and oily texture. Very nice flavours of apple, pear, butter and sweet vanillan. Quite well-balanced with lively acidity. Finish is medium-length. Tasted Feb/2013.

Tawse Cabernet Merlot 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Blend of primarily Cab Franc, plus 27% Cab Sauv and 15% Merlot. Fresh berries, raspberry aromas. Dark fruit, dark cherry, mocha and black currant palate. Very good acidity. Good tannins are integrated and will reward 1-2 years cellar time. Tasted Jan/2013.

Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Screw cap. Closed nose of sweet, ripe red cherries, blackberry, and fresh oak barrels. This red wine is medium-bodied with dusty oak and slightly sweet aroma replays on the palate. Has balanced acidity and slightly dusty tannins. Medium-length finish. Drink now or hold up to 2 years. Tasted Jan/2014.

Casa Lapostolle Gran Seleccion Carmenere 2011, Rapel Valley

Blended with 6% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Lovely red & black fruits, meaty, earthy and wood aromatics. Full-bodied with nice aroma replays. Mouth-watering acidity and a long, smooth finish. Shows great balance with nicely integrated tannins. Could be aged 2 years, but is definitely (very) enjoyable now! Amazing that this is part of the LCBO General List. My favourite of the tasting. Highly recommended. Tasted June/2013.

All wines from the Lapostolle Tasting:
http://www.winealign.com/user-list/cono_sur/2013-06-11-lapostolle-tasting

Dan Aykroyd Cabernet Shiraz 2011, Niagara Peninsula

38% Cab Franc, 37% Cab Sauv, and 25% Shiraz. Medium intensity aromas of black fruits, currant, and cassis. Medium-bodied with smooth, round tannins and nice aroma replays on the palate, with hints of blueberry on the smooth, lengthy finish. Quite fruit forward and has good acidity. Crowd pleaser. Tasted Sept/2013.

Jacob's Creek Moscato 2012, South East Australia

Screw cap. Has effervescent aromas of petrol with underlying orange citrus and floral aromas that give way to grapey notes as it warms. Frizzante nuance adds interest on the light-weighted palate that has sweet floral and tangy orange flavours. Delicate, juicy acids and good length on the finish. Only 7.2% abv. Patio sipper for sure! Tasted May/2016.

Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rosé 2012, Niagara Peninsula

Screw cap. Also contains 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Gamay. Nose seems rather closed but shows an earthy character with notes of cherry and wild berries. Medium-bodied palate with tart fruit, and cherry flavours. It's dry (i.e. not sweet), with good acids and a medium-length finish. Serve only lightly chilled. Tasted May/2014.

Union Gold 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Screw cap. Blend of mostly Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, and small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. Low-medium nose with apple/pear/orchard fruits, grass and hints of floral aromas. Medium-bodied with vibrant acids. Flavour profile is dry and consists of orchard fruits, citrus and spice. Oak influence is present, but not overshadowing. Finish is slightly tart and medium in length. Tasted Mar/2014.

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

Pondview Gewürztraminer 2010, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula

Screw cap. Medium+ intensity aromas showing ripe honeyed fruits, lychee and floral nose. Palate is medium-bodied and slightly viscous, while the flavour profile is medium (M) in sweetness, replaying aromas, plus some orange peel flavours. It's lacking a bit of acidity. Medium length finish with floral tones and hot because of 14.2% alcohol. Tasted Nov/2014.