Jason Solanki

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.

Norton Privada 2010, Mendoza

Blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Beautiful floral, purple, dark fruit, blackberry, cedar oak and mocha aromas. It's full bodied with big, silky smooth tannins. Flavour palate has nice blackberry liquer, oak, dark chocolate, and spice flavours. Balanced acids and a long, smooth finish. Delicious! Tasted Apr/2014.

André Delorme Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2010

Medium+ aromas that are very red fruit forward, think strawberry and cherry, along with some cooking spice aromas. Medium-full bodied with red fruits on the palate. Bright acidity and dusty/chalky tannins. Long, slightly warm finish. Tasted Apr/2014.

Inception Deep Layered Red 2011

Screw cap. Blend of 81% Shiraz, 10% Petit Verdot, and 9% Mourvèdre. Medium intensity aromas consisting of black pepper, blackberry, clove spice, oak, and chocolate powder. Medium-bodied on the palate with sweet, ripe, lush and fruit-forward with blackberry/blueberry flavours, along with mocha, cherry and spice notes in support. It's definitely on the sweet side (off-dry), with refined tannins and good acids. Medium-length finish. This has good crowd appeal would be suitable for parties. Tasted May/2014.

Tinhorn Creek Gewurztraminer 2013, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Medium-to-high intensity nose that is very rose heavy, with underlying hints of lychee and citrus. Palate is medium-bodied with off-dry (slightly sweet) flavours consisting of rose, floral, grapefruit and ginger. It has good acids and lengthy finish. Tasted Mar/2015.

Pondview Cabernet/Merlot 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Red fruits, cedar oak and pepper aromas. Medium-full bodied with big, chalky tannins. Flavour palate consists of red fruits, currant, and vanilla. Good acidity and medium-length finish. Cellar at least 1-2 years. Tasted Sept/2013.

Château Des Charmes Estate Bottled Old Vines Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Medium-intensity aromas featuring beetroot, lead, cherry and some meaty notes. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with dark fruits, cherry, beetroot, and tilled earth flavours. Hints of strawberry. Good acids, dry tannins, and long, warm finish. Tasted Sept/2014.

Kourtaki Mavrodaphné De Patras

Blend of Mavrodaphne and Black Korinthiaki. Prune and raisin aromas from the cork. Medium intensity aroams of raisins, dried figs, caramel and dates with medium sweet aroma replays on the palate. Smooth, slightly creamy texture, light-to-mid weight body with good acids. Medium length finish that has notes of semi-sweet milk chocolate from a hot fudge sundae. Serve well-chilled. Tasted Apr/2015.