Jason Solanki

La Ferme Du Mont Côtes Jugunda Gigondas 2013, Ap

This red wine is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, showing medium+ intensity aromas of purple fruit, pepper, plum and hint of meatiness. On the palate, it's medium-to-full bodied with balanced acids and pepper, spice and licorice notes. It has medium-to-firm chalky tannins that would benefit from 2-3 years bottle ageing, but drinking well now. Good structure. Finishes long with violet notes. Tasted July/2015.

Catena Alta Malbec Historic Rows 2009, Mendoza

Gorgeous ripe blackberry, and raspberry aromas. Medium-bodied with ripe dark fruits, and sweet, sexy vanillan on the palate. Balanced wine with a long finish. Lovely! Tasted Nov/2012.

Wegeler Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2012

Highly aromatic with elegant petrol, orange, and citrus nose. Medium+ bodied. Medium (sweet) aroma replays are nicely balanced on the palate by the bright, crisp acidity. Very long, minerally finish. Drink over the next 7 years. Tasted July/2015. Score: 91+ pts

Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay 2010, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula

Apple and butter aromas with lots of minerality shining through. On the palate there is more minerality with citrus notes and lively acidity at mid-palate. Oak is very well integrated. Tasted Sept/2012.

Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2013, Four Mile Creek

Ripe pear, green apple and hints of butter aromas from the cork. Elegant bouquet of coconut, pear, Golden apple, with hints of honeycomb and white flower. The palate is medium-bodied and dry with vibrant acidity and honey-tinged aromas replays. A saline note comes through mid-palate. Finishes long with mineral, honey, apple, floral and vanilla aftertaste. Some intriguing coffee notes emerge as it warms up in the glass. Lots going on in this yummy Chardonnay. Eminently drinkable now and should be better in a couple of years. Tasted Dec/2015.

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2013, Wo Hemel En Aarde Valley

Medium+ intensity nose featuring lush buttery apple, toasty integrated oak, vanilla and some earthy notes add complexity. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and smooth with very nice aroma replays, integrated vanilla oak, and some mineral flavours. Crisp, balanced acids add freshness. Excellent length on the long, smooth and balanced finish. A pleasure to sip. Tasted July/2015.

Louis De Sacy Originel Brut Champagne, Ac

Hartford Court Chardonnay 2012, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

Aromas of medium+ intensity with notes of sweet vanillan, poached pear and butterscotch. Creamy mouthfeel on the medium-bodied palate with orchard fruit, mineral, and elegant oak flavours. Balanced acids and medium-length finish. Tasted Oct/2014.

Grant Burge Corryton Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Barossa

A big wine with blackcurrants, tobacco, smoke, meat and oak aromas. On the palate, there is blackcurrant and red fruits (cranberry and cherry) that are well-integrated with fine tannins. Very smooth. Medium-bodied with a very long finish. Yummy. Tasted May/2012.

The Good Wine Cabernet Franc 2012, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore

Medium intensity nose with green pepper, oak and pomegranate aromas. Palate is medium-to-full bodied with oak, earth and tobacco flavours. Tannins integrating nicely. Has good acidity and lengthy finish. Tasted Oct/2014.