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
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
Stoney Ridge Warren Classic Chardonnay 2010, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$16.95
The nose is very sweet - apples and tropical fruit (reminds me of pineapple upside down cake, with caramelized brown sugar!) with hints of citrus and smoke. Juicy fruit on the palate is never as sweet as the nose, and is cleansed with crisp acidity and citrus, with a long lemon peel finish. Mouth-watering and delicious!
3.5 Stars
Back 10 Cellars The Big Reach Riesling 2012, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
Ontario, Canada$25.00
Aromas of stone fruit, lemon,& hint of beeswax. Palate is an energetic mix of crisp green apple, edgy citrus with a touch of sweetness. Great yin & yang!
3.5 Stars
Coyote's Run Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2010, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$16.75
Compared with the more Burgundian style Red Paw, the Black Paw has stronger notes of green apple and citrus dominating the nose, the palate gushes with full-bodied fruit. There is a dreamy creaminess and smokiness to this wine from the decent oak integration that made it my wife's favourite Chardonnay of the 2010 vintage.
3.5 Stars
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Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Riesling 2011, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
The nose is loads of fruit with lemon-lime, peaches and nectarines. There is a hint of flint (minerality) on the nose that alludes to the evident minerality once you taste it. This wine absolutely rocks your palate with juicy honeyed peaches followed by crisp acidity. Buy lots and drink now through the next 10 years if you think you can leave it alone.
3.5 Stars
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Malivoire Stouck Cabernet/Merlot 2010, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$24.25
This wine is firing on all cylinders right now, but can also hang on for several years and will undoubtedly reward you on different ways. Bold ripe plum, black cherry and cassis join sweet spice on the nose. There are hints of graphite and a little earthiness at first that give way to the fruit with air. The palate is structured with acid, slightly grippy tannins, and that bold fruit all in perfect tension. Long black cherry finish.
3.5 Stars
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Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Prince Edward County, Unfiltered
Ontario, Canada$39.00
2010 Norman Hardy County Unfiltered Pinot Noir: There is no way to describe the nose on this wine except “seductive”! Earthy, with sweet cherries, raspberries and plenty of spice make for a treat for your nose. The palate follows closely with raspberries, cherries, sweet spice, and vanilla, transitioning to mild notes of sour cherry and cranberry. Crisp acidity and smooth but present tannins carry you into a mild cherry-cranberry finish. Will age gracefully over the next few years but I would enjoy this now with some lamb or the even beef stroganoff that I paired it with. 11.5%
3.5 Stars
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Leaning Post Chardonnay 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$35.00
This oak-fermented and oak-aged delight is vibrant and lively. The nose is red apples, brioche, and caramel apple pie. The palate adds some green apple and citrus, light lemon curd. The wine is lush and smooth in your mouth at first, and then the lively acidity kicks in and leaves some lemon pith lingering on a crisp finish. Tasted December 2013.
3.5 Stars
Domaine Les Yeuses Les épices Syrah 2009, Igp Pays D'oc
Languedoc, France$15.95
Nose is big, bold dark fruit, slight dusty smoke,light funk. Adds some sweet berry and smoke as it warms. Palate is plush dark fruits with hint of stewed plums. Tannins stronger than the '07 but still very mild. Finish is slightly sour cherry.
3.5 Stars
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13th Street Sandstone Old Vines Gamay Noir 2010, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$22.75
This Cuvee award winner is superbly integrated, from the nose to the finish. Cherry, sweet spice, with some cedar and oak notes and a hint of alcohol on the nose. Bright acidity keeps the bold cherry fruit in check. With a decent tannic structure from 9-10 months in oak, this wine should hold together for several more years and expose even more character.
3.5 Stars
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