cardamom

Ernie Els Big Easy 2016, Wo Western Cape

Definitely a BIG wine. Needs food. Smooth, dense, but good acidity.

Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande Branco 2015, Doc Douro

This wine is very acidic, which detracts for me. Clean, but also a bit thin.

Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2015, Wo Coastal Region

Dense. good acidity. spicy with lots of fruit. Very enjoyable.

Quinta Da Pellada D A C Tinto 2014, Do Dão

I was taken a back a bit by some spritz. Quite lively and good acidity. Usually a fan of the Dao but not sure this really works for me at the price point.

Bouchard Père & Fils Mâcon Lugny Saint Pierre 2015

Really, a perfectly balanced wine. Remarkably unobtrusive and poised. Full-bodied, but not assertively so. Enough acidity but you don't notice it. A wallflower, but competently so. Offers something for everyone. Somebody making this wine knew what they were doing.

The Wolftrap White 2016, Boekenhoutskloof

Quite full bodied and good complexity. As David notes, a slight bitter finish.

I actually prefer the Roodeberg White, a similar blend, which is available in Manitoba for a little less. The Roodenberg has a slightly rounder and sweeter flavor profile, but is also quite complex and good value for the money.

Fergie Jenkins Limited Edition Riesling 2014, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment

Bargain of the decade. David's tasting notes are spot on, but I will give this one more point. Quite lush.

Château Des Charmes Old Vines Riesling 2014, Niagara On The Lake

This wine has the perfect balance between acidity and sugar. They have nailed it. On the dry side of off-dry. Good depth.

Château Des Charmes Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2011, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Very well balanced. Not too much oak. Amazing value for $13.95. This should be flying off the shelves.

3c Premium Selection Cariñena 2013, Do Cariñena

Curiously sweet finish (despite 3 g/L residual sugar) and a slight medicinal quality. Enjoyable and good value but not elegant.