cardamom

Reif Estate Riesling 2017, Niagara River VQA

Well made and nicely balanced. Wanted a little more length and complexity, but good value at the price.

Cave Spring Pinot Noir 2017, Niagara Escarpment

Earthy tone, perhaps a little astringent. Quite light. Still, I enjoyed it.

Château Des Charmes Gamay Noir 2017, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Review is for 2018, which is not listed. The definition of a light red. Well made and pleasant. Tastes of sour cherries. Decent value at the price.

Henry Of Pelham Cabernet Merlot 2021, VQA Niagara Peninsula

I found this a tough slog. HoP has really ramped up the sweetness levels.

Black Tower Qualitatswein 2012, Rheinhessen

This is one of the few wines available at the nearby chinese restaurant. Much better than I expected. Clean flavours and some acidity. Not difficult to drink at all.

Periquita White 2013

Current vintage is 2015, but that doesn't seem to be listed. Quite assertive, acidic and dry, but goes well with food. Not a wine of elegance and depth, and a bit short on the finish. However, the price point is attractive so I will keep buying despite some ambivalence and a 'sometimes I like it and sometimes I don't' quality to the flavour profile.

Certainly, I am much less ambivalent about Periquita Red and Periquite Rose, so these will continue to be regular stalwarts (altho not sure the rose has been turning up in Ontario recently).

J P Azeitao Red 2013, Penisula De Setubal

This wine is much better than I remember. Mid-weight, good acidity and tannins. Reasonably smooth. Quite a decent buy at the price.

Deinhard Green Label Riesling 2014, Mosel Saar Ruwer, Germany

A touch of grapefruit. Slightly drier than expected. Not hugely complex but clean and balanced and without faults.

J. Portugal Ramos Loios White 2015, Aletejano

Overly acidic and tart, and a bit thin. Definitely needs food. Won't rush to buy again.

Les Dauphins Côtes Du Rhône Réserve 2015

Quite sharp on entry. Volatile and thin. Not much here to recommend but it is at least drinkable and quite dry.