Jason Solanki

Cave De Roquebrun La Grange Des Combes Saint Chinian Roquebrun 2010, Ac

Blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre. It was raised in stainless steel tanks and bottled unfiltered. Fragrant earthy, smoky, savoury, meaty nose accented by peppery spice, black cherry, and touches of floral aromas. It is almost full bodied on the lively palate with savoury dark cherry, mineral, smoke, garrigue, blackberry flavours. Acids are still quite fresh, while firm, gritty tannins are chalky and drying. Garrigue, pepper, savoury, and mineral notes linger on the fine, long finish. A pleasure to drink, but tannins are starting to overpower the fruit. Tasted Oct. 2018.

Huff Estates South Bay Chardonnay 2010, VQA Prince Edward County

Light mineral, pear and floral aromas. Medium bodied with vibrant acidity on the palate along with very ripe, green, tropical, herbal fruit flavours. Subtle oak. Medium-long finish. Pleasant and relatively easy drinking. Tasted Apr/2013.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley

Blend of 88% Cab Sauv and 12% Merlot. Nicely balanced oak and chocolate aromas. Medium-full bodied with blackcurrant and violet on the palate. Very smooth and round. Tannins are integrated and overall is a well-balanced red. Tasted Dec/2012.

Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley

Leather and spice dominate the aroma profile, with undertones of bramble, violet and sweet vanillan. Well-integrated tannins with finish that is spicy with chocolate & mocha notes. Delicious. Tasted Dec/2012.

Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling 2011

Light floral aromas from the cork. Delicate slate, apricot, peach and hints of honey and lemon rind aromas. Slightly off-dry with a spritz that subdues the sweetness. Flavour notes of slate, beeswax, lemon peel and orange rind. Good acidity and a finish that is long and slatey with a beeswax-tinged finish. Nice! Enjoyed this with one of my favourite Indian comfort foods - homemade chicken curry. Tasted June/2013.

Mission Hill Compendium 2009, BC VQA Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley

Bordeaux blend of 40% Cab Sauv, 35% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Medium-high intensity aromas of herbal, pepper, oak, dark fruits and sour cherry. Palate is medium-full bodied with flavours of black currant, black fruit, cedar, and vanillan. Subtle spice on the mid-palate continues on the very long, smooth, and silky finish. This red wine has food-friendly acidity and velvety tannins. Tasted Sept/2013.

All wines from Mission Hill tasting:
http://www.winealign.com/user-list/cono_sur/2013-09-16-nwac-mission-hill

Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2011, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Clean and fresh aromas of lime and minerality. Lots of zesty citrus with zippy acidity on the palate that finishes with some tart lime. Well-balanced with a medium-length finish. Needs some time to soften. Tasted Nov/2012.

Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula

Organically farmed. Intense crushed red fruit aromas and vanillan. Medium-full bodied with very nicely integrated tannins. Dark fruit, currant and cedar on palate. Oak is very well integrated. Finishes smooth. Will reward 1-2 years in cellar. Tasted Jan/2013.

Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Icewine 2011, Okanagan Valley (375ml)

Gorgeous peach, apricot and honey aromas. Medium-full bodied with very nice aroma replays and subtle spice. Sweet, but not cloying because of crisp acidity. It's balanced throughout and has a medium-long finish. Tasted Sept/2013.

All wines from Mission Hill tasting:
http://www.winealign.com/user-list/cono_sur/2013-09-16-nwac-mission-hill

Pillitteri Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine 2011, With Gift Box, VQA Niagara Peninsula (200ml)

Nose seemed closed but offered up aromas of black pepper, red fruits and spice. It's sweet with balanced aroma replays plus some strawberry notes. Bright acidity is balanced throughout and has a medium-long finish. Interesting in that it shows much of the varietal character. Tasted Jan/2014.