Shawn McCormick
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Reviews (79)
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Passionate local wine/food supporter. Sommelier-in-training. Wine blogger. Tech guy and social media enthusiast. Chief Instigator of Uncork Ontario iPhone/iPod App (Ontario Winery Locator) in iTunes Store!
Reviews
Stratus Red Icewine 2010, VQA Niagara On The Lake (200ml)
Ontario, Canada$39.95
At 15.5% alcohol, a lot of the sugar in this wine has been fermented into alcohol. But it is by no means lacking in sweet, juicy fruit at 140g/L. The nose hits you right away – strawberry-rhubarb pie…not just out of the oven but more after the fruit has cooled slightly and offers a bit more of those jammy notes. The acid is in total balance with the sugar in this beauty and is likely the finest, most appealing ice wine I’ve yet to encounter. $40, and there is some still in LCBO stores (as well as at the winery).
4.0 Stars
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Schloss Reinhartshausen Erbacher Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2005, Prädikatswein
Rheingau, Germany$19.95
Lovely Spätlese Riesling with tons of buckwheat honey, light apricot, light peach, and a nutty element akin to marzipan. Delicate and balanced, the viscous golden liquid coats your mouth with a dominating honey which gives way to a slightly drier finish that lingers. Some light lemon and floral notes emerge as it warms.
4.0 Stars
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The Good Wine Cabernet Franc 2012, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
Ontario, Canada$20.95
Great colour, with a nose of sweet spice, lots of oak influence, and red and black berries. There's something dusty, and leathery there too. The palate is more red fruit than black, but hints of plum intermingle with chocolate, mocha, and pencil shavings. Lovely texture, with ripe smooth tannins. Paired well with rare steak.
4.0 Stars
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Henry Of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2009, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$29.95
Fruit forward, the nose and palate were in congruence with apple, flint, light citrus, peach & hint of custard. The oak is present - just enough to add complexity & intrigue with light spice notes. With decent acidity, this had a medium finish with the green apple dominating. Tasted March 2014.
4.0 Stars
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2027 Cellars Pinot Noir Queenston Road Vineyard 2010, St Davids Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$35.00
Like the 2011 barrel sample, Kevin has gone more “masculine” with the 2010 Pinot. Very fruit forward with cherry and spice on the nose, the oak is mellow and takes a backseat to the dominant fruit. There is a long cherry and spiced vanilla finish on the wine. Given the power in this, it is no wonder that Kevin recommends that this can cellar for 5-8 years. Only 160 cases were made. $35 if any is still available (website still lists it).
4.0 Stars
The Old Third Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$42.00
With the heat of 2010, this Pinot has a bigger, fruitier body that either the 2008 or 2009. The nose is first red raspberries and cherries with sweet spice from the nicely integrated oak. There are nuances of something herbal and a light earthiness. On the palate, the fruit is sweet and supple, the tannins and acidity in nice balance with the fruit. The County minerality shines through and the finish is slightly tart cherry/cranberry. Without tasting side by side I would have to guess whether I like this more than the 2009, but both of them are in my list of favourite wines from the County (and I’m collecting until I can do a full 6-7 year vertical).
4.0 Stars
Exultet Estates 'the Blessed' Chardonnay 2011, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$40.00
Lots of French oak influence with coconut and buttery fruit. Stone fruit and apple behind the oak. Acidity and minerality keeps everything in check.
4.0 Stars
Leaning Post Lowrey Pinot Noir 2010, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$38.00
With an expressive nose of cherry, cranberry, and sweet spice, the wine becomes more intriguing with more air time - this is the kind of Pinot you want to have over the course of an evening, discovering it bit by bit. The palate repeats, but the sweet cherry turns slightly tart and the cranberry notes kick in to remind you that this wine will match nicely with food. Moderate tannins will hold this for a while if you want to put it away. Tasted Dec 2013.
4.0 Stars
Leaning Post Mccleary Vineyard Merlot 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$38.00
This was a very interesting wine. Deep ruby-purple hues hint at the complexity. Plums, black cherry, and hints of vanilla and mint greet the nose. This is a monster Merlot that is not for the faint of heart - big fruit, solid structure, and hearty tannins will carry this beauty for a long aging period if you so desire. The finish is tart Damascus plum, and slightly chalky (but not grippy) tannins. A keeper! Tasted December 2013
4.0 Stars
Domaine Les Yeuses Les Épices Syrah 2012, Igp Pays D'oc
Languedoc, France$15.95
A French wine under a screw cap! Nose is very similar to the 2011, albeit with a little more finesse, and stronger smoked meat and pepper notes. Palate follows but fruit dissipates quickly leaving a slightly astringent, tannic finish.
4.0 Stars
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