Gary Killops
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Growing up in Essex County most of life I really wasn’t aware that there were so many local wineries producing such good wine. My first introduction to an Essex County wine that I can recall was way back in the early 80’s when Colio wine was the only local winery that I had ever heard of. At weddings it was often Colio wine that was found on the table.
Several years ago Wanda and I took a tour of several wineries in the Niagara Region. This sparked our interest in Ontario wines. Up until that time my perception was that good wines only came from California, France, Italy, and maybe Australia. It didn’t take me long to find out that I was wrong. Grapes grown in Ontario produced some of the best wines I have ever tasted.
After the Niagara tour Wanda and I decided to check out the wineries in our own backyard. It didn’t take us very long to discover one of Ontario’s biggest secrets. Wines produced in Southwestern Ontario (Essex County) are just as good and often even better than wines we have tasted from around the world.
Reviews
Colio Cev Sauvignon Blanc 2006, VQA Lake Erie North Shore
Ontario, Canada$13.25
This is a wine that had to grow on me. First sip was not so good.
I certainly am not going to knock down a wine that was awarded Les Citadelles du Vin’s “Trophée Excellence” at
VinExpo Asia Pacific 2008 in Hong Kong, China. It is an excellent wine but for me took a little warming up too to enjoy.
It has very typical Sauvignon Blanc notes. Citrus (grapefruit) at first followed by taste of fresh cut grass. There is a little bit of acid in the taste that makes it a little harsh but stay with it and you will discover why this wine is an award winner.
The harsh taste may have been due to the temperature of the wine and first tasting it without any food pairing.
It does have a nice long citrus finish.
Okay, some recommendation are in order for this wine. It is not a sipper …. this one deserves to be paired with a nice meal. If you open this wine planning to enjoy it alone you are not doing this wine any justice.
2.0 Stars
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Mastronardi Estate Brianjë Riesling 2007, VQA Lake Erie North Shore
Ontario, Canada$8.94
If you liked Mastronardi’s 2006 BriAnjë Riesling you will want to put this one on your wine list to purchase.
I enjoyed the 2006 and believe that this one is even better. It is a little sweeter, with a bigger floral aroma and taste.
Take your time with this wine and enjoy the nose. It is wonderful. I don’t know of any other local wine that has such a nice floral bouquet. Enjoy it!
Taste is smooth from beginning to end. Notes of pineapple and some other tropical fruits. Finish is quite long.
Very enjoyable alone or with a nice chicken dinner.
This wine has been selected for the LCBO Vintages Program and should be a good seller priced at only $15.
If you like Rieslings, don’t miss this one. Excellent!
2.0 Stars
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Colio Girls Night Out Cabernet Shiraz 2007, Lake Erie North Shore
Ontario, Canada$12.95
An easy going wine that delivers for the value.
Nose was earthy, along with hints on plums and cherry. Green peppers dominated the taste. Hints of cherry and oak followed. Nice balance to this blend. Finish hung around for quite some time.
Would be good with any beef dish. An excellent value.
2.0 Stars
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Domaine Croze Granier Côtes Du Rhône Cuvée Réserve 2007, Ac Côtes Du Rhône
Rhône, France$13.95
Excellent!
Very complex, lots of flavours going on. Nose is very fruit forward. blackberry, dark cherry, along with some earthy notes. Taste is a rush of fruit, rounded with some vanilla. Lots of joy! Easy, smooth wine. Some bitterness near the end that some may not like.
2.0 Stars
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Lindeman's Bin 99 Pinot Noir 2008, South Eastern Australia
Australia$11.95
Those with the sweet tooth will like this one.
Very fruity (cherry) nose and fruit forward taste. Easy to drink. Nice drink for the price.
1.5 Stars
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Girls Night Out Merlot Chardonnay Rose 2009, Ontario VQA
Ontario, Canada$12.95
An odd blend of grapes make up this Rosé but who cares …. it blends well and taste good.
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Of the three currently “Girls’ Night Out” wine releases this is the best. I picked this one up at the same time as the Girls’ Night out Merlot and recommend this one, the Rosé.
Mild notes of strawberries on the nose and in the taste. Finish is short, price is right.
It’s a nice social wine, easy to sip on.
This is a VQA Ontario wine. Good to see that Colio has decided to use grapes from Ontario, rather than make this a “cellared In Ontario” wine with 70% imported grapes.
1.5 Stars
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Colio Girls' Night Out Riesling 2008, Lake Erie North Shore VQA
Ontario, Canada$12.95
I can see why this brand of wine is so popular. It's actually pretty good stuff.
Aromas may not excite you. There is some citrus there but not a lot.
It has good acidity, sweetness and a little bit of minerality on the finish.
All round good sipper at a reasobale price.
1.5 Stars
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Camelot Chardonnay 2007, Sierra Foothills
California, Usa$13.95
(Tasted Feb 3, 2010)
Moderate nose, just not a lot there.
While the taste was not perfectly balanced my overall impression was very good.
Nice attack of apples and tropical fruits followed by a nice smooth mouthfeel in this medium bodied white. Near the finish the scidity picked up just a little too much, (minor flaw in my opinion). Finish was short.
Overall I enjoyed this chardonnay.
1.5 Stars
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Sue Ann Staff Estate Winery Baco Noir 2008, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$14.95
Deep, concentrated purple colour. Fruit forward nose and palate. Strawberry, cherry, and blueberry.
Personally, would have liked more oak influence in this one. Baco and oak work together well.
1.5 Stars
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The Winery Of Good Hope Chenin Blanc 2009, Wo Stellenbosch
South Africa$13.99
Fresh and lively summer time sipper. Crisp acidity, citrus fruit notes. Simple and easy to drink. Just chill and serve.
1.0 Stars
