dmytro

Hitching Post Hometown Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Barbara County

More youthful and aromatic than more expensive Cork Dancer cuvee. Great balance of acidity and fruit. Delicate (by California standards). Very enjoyable. Celebrity equivalent: Miles from Sideways movie.

Château Des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2008, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Tasting it May 2012. Petrol note of gracefully aging German Rheingau with good orchard fruit. Intensity of Spaetlese, but sweetness of Kabinett (translation - not too sweet). it looks like age has toned down the sweetness. Love it, Canada can really do stunning Riesling. Celebrity equivalent: Uma Thurman in Kill Bill.

Muratie Ansela Van De Caab 2008, Wo Simonsberg Stellenbosch

This is what would have happened if best Bordeaux winemaker would have come to California - old world elegance and sensibility with some new world power. Cassis, hint of mint (SA feature), velvety tannin. A bit feminine. Comparable to great wines of De Toren. Celebrity equivalent: Charlize Theron.

De Toren Z 2008, Wo Stellenbosch

Tasted it @Stellenbosch with Emile, the owner of De Toren against Fusion V. My preference has been Fusion, while my wife liked Z better. Bought Z on release at LCBO. Gorgeous wine, only slightly less complex than Fusion V. Think top Pomerol with a bit of a New World twist. Feminine. Celebrity equivalent: Charlise Theron.

Domaine Marchand Grillot Morey Saint Denis 2008, Ac

Found this one a bit died. Elegance? Yes. However, tannins a a bit too drying. Does not meet the expectation of Moray St. Denis. Still, fine price on LCBO sale.

Rustenberg Chardonnay 2012

Richness balanced by nerve and acidity. New World style for sure, but with some French sensibility. Great value.

Kenneth Volk Santa Maria Cuvée Chardonnay 2009, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara

No, you will not think this wine is European. I has more oak, but not too much (just like good Sonoma/Carneros chardonnay should taste). Stone and yellow fruits, with some oak spice (ginger) and balancing acidity + mineral. Bravo to Ken! Celebrity equivalent: Diane Lane.

Closson Chase Vineyard The Loyalist Chardonnay 2010, VQA Prince Edward County

My favorite winery @ PEC that really knows Chardonnay and has developed own style. Love the lightness and elegance, with a bit of a smokiness, spice and lemon custard notes. Not a bargain, but have you tried to make a wine @ PEC? Great alternative for Cru Chablis (oaked) or simpler Meursault.

Celebrity equivalent: Sandy Rinaldo.

Fielding Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

This is what Cab Franc should be: flavorful, nervy, elegant. Tobacco and fruit. Intrigue. Long aftertaste. Celebrity equivalent: young Edith Piaf.

Rust En Vrede Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Wo Stellenbosch

Yes, complexity is there. A bit too savory and rustic to my taste.