Jason Solanki

Dopff & Irion Vorbourg Pinot Gris 2009, Ac Alsace Grand Cru

Nice citrusy, honey and pine aromas from cork. Lots or orange and tropical fruit aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied and creamy texture with lively acidity. Aroma replays of orange and tropical fruits, plus some spice. Medium in sweetness. Quite the intensity on mid-palate, leading to a long, balanced finish. I wish I had more of this. Tasted Jan/2013.

C.H. Berres ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2009, Prädikatswein

Screw cap. Medium-high intense aromas of slate, honeyed pear, floral, petrol, and minerals. Medium sweetness with zippy acidity that rushes across the palate and has very nice aroma replays. Slightly chalky mouthfeel. Finishes long and smooth with a honeyed tinge. Gorgeous! Tasted Oct/2013.

Jackson Triggs Delaine Syrah 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Low intensity aromas of ripe dark fruits, oak, and some spice. Medium-bodied with currant and minty notes on palate. Mouth-watering acidity and quite smooth, integrated tannins throughout. Tasted Jan/2013.

Château Pipeau 2009, Ac St émilion Grand Cru

90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Lots of big oak, currant and dark fruit aromas. Gobs of chunky, dark fruits on palate that is joined by coffee and chocolate notes. French barrel oaking shines through on this very big, full-bodied Merlot. It's well-balanced, has very good acidity and a long finish. Tasted Nov/2012.

Château Des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Lime, citrus aromas and hints of lemon with replays on the smooth, full-bodied palate. Finishes clean and off-dry. Quite nice. Tasted June/2012.

Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvédre 2010, Barossa

Nose seems closed, but showed smoky, black & red fruits. Palate is medium-bodied with spicy, red fruits, sour cherry, and black cherry flavours. Nice acids, along with balanced, integrated tannins. Long, smooth finish. Tasted Feb/2014.

Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2011, VQA Okanagan Valley

Partially fermented in American oak and has crisp tropical fruit and citrus aromas of medium intensity from the glass. Medium-bodied with lively acidity. Palate is fruit-forward and brings poached pear and tropical fruits, with light hints of butter and oak. Long, clean, lemony finish. Tasted Sept/2013.

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

Mission Hill Quatrain 2009, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Blend of 35% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc. Very nice aromas of dark fruits, blackberries, blackcurrants and (French) oak. Full bodied with good structure. It's very smooth with blackcurrant, dark cherry, ripe dark fruits on the palate. Refined tannins are well-integrated. Well-balanced with a long finish and hints of sweet fruit. Very approachable right now, but could be cellared another 1-2 years. Gorgeous! Tasted Jan/2013.

Loan Wines Special Reserve Semillon 2004, Unoaked, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Screw cap. Complex aromas of orange, tropical fruits, tea leaf, and beeswax. Medium-full bodied with an oily and very creamy texture. Palate is ever-so-slightly off-dry (slightly sweet) and has tropical fruits, tea and beeswax flavours. Smooth, lengthy finish that is slightly tart, bitter and extra dry. For a 2004, this is drinking very well, but drink this yummy white now. It's different. I enjoyed it! Tasted Sept/2013.

Konzelmann Vidal Icewine 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula (200ml)

Effervescent apricot, peach and honey aromas of strong intensity. Gorgeous aroma replays on the palate with hints and melon and ginger. Balanced with very good acidity and notes of apricot and melon on the very long finish. Yummy! Tasted Jan/2014.