Jason Solanki

Dr. Hermann ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005, Prädikatswein

Pours a deep yellow-golden colour. The medium+ intensity nose is a bit quiet, offering maturing, caramelized orange, citrus and peach aromas, plus spices and minerals. It's mid-weighted on the deliciously sweet, maturing, and complex palate with caramelized orange citrus, peach, honey, petrol, spices, and floral flavours framed by well-balanced, bracing acidity that keeps the sweetness in check. Sticky on the mid-palate, while petrol, mineral, and spice notes linger on the long, sticky, dry-ish finish. Tasted Apr. 2023.

Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2011, VQA Vinemount Ridge

Highly aromatic with lovely notes of petrol and delicate hints of mineral. Developing nicely, it has an oily texture and off-dry palate consisting of tropical fruits, peach, orange and hints of honey flavours. Fine, balanced acidity and excellent length on the finish. Tasted Oct/2013.

Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Blend of 51% Merlot, 41% Cab Franc and 8% Malbec that is highly aromatic with smoky, black currant, and ripe blackberry nose. It's medium-to-full bodied with nice aroma replays - currant, and hints of cassis and milk chocolate rounding out the flavour profile. Excellent length on the finish. Drink up to 5 yrs from now. Tasted Nov/2013.

Signorello Padrone Proprietary Red 2008, Napa Valley

Blend a bit different than the '07 with 89% Cab Sauv and 11% Merlot. Woodsmoke and plum aromas. Full-bodied with dark fruits and leather on the palate. Tannins are very chalky and need 2-3 years to settle down. Tasted Dec/2012.

Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2013, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment

Effervescent aromas of lovely mineral, petrol, Meyer lemon and citrus waft from the glass. The palate is fleshy with delicate acids, a touch sweet with very nice aroma replays. Harmonious and well-balanced, showing plenty of finesse. Excellent finish length. Very nice indeed. Tasted Oct/2016.

Joseph Burrier Château De Beauregard Pouilly Fuissé Vers Cras 2010

This Chardonnay is 50% oak fermented. Medium-high aromas that feature nutty, mineral, pineapple and tropical fruit notes. Medium+ bodied with balanced acids, slightly creamy mouthfeel, and nice aroma replays. Long, smooth finish that has an oily texture and some light spice notes. Tasted Apr/2014.

Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 2008

Blend of 84% Cab Sauv, 8% Carmenère, 5% Syrah and 3% Petit Verdot. Intense blackcurrant and cassis aromas from the glass. Full-bodied with firm tannins that are still a bit tight. Cedar and dark fruits on the palate. Cellar 3+ years and has potential to reward up to 10 years later. Tasted Sept/2013.

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

Château Des Charmes Equuleus Paul Bosc Estate Vineyards 2010, Niagara Peninsula

Blend of 50% Cab Sauv, 25% Cab Franc and 25% Merlot brings aromas of cassis, smoke and oak. On the palate, there is more cassis, plus vanilla, oak, and chocolate. Very smooth with well-integrated tannins. Lovely! Tasted June/2012.

Rosewood Estates Natural Fermentation Reserve Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Made in an old-world style with intense aromas of smoke, red fruits, earth and cedar. Light-to-medium bodied and bright acidity with ripe red fruits, sour red cherries and beet root on the palate. Has grippy tannins and a short finish. My kind of Pinot! Tasted Oct/2012.

Hess Collection 19 Block Mountain Cuvée 2010, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley

Blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 11% Syrah, 6% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Medium-high intensity aromas that show complex bretty, red fruits, black currant, and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with flavours consisting of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, green pepper and oak spice. Mouth-watering acids and finishing long with tobacco and slight earthy notes. Dry tannins are nicely integrated. Enjoyable over the next 4 years. Tasted June/2014.