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
Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2007, Doc
Abruzzo, Italy$12.95
Rich dark fruit, leather, light earthy and herbaceous notes on the nose. Palate is rich, spicy fruit dominated black cherry and damson plums. Slightly drying tannins, crisp acidity make this a well balanced wine for the price.
3.0 Stars
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Domaine Les Yeuses Les épices Syrah 2010, Igp Pays D'oc
Languedoc, France$15.95
2010 version under a synthetic cork. Sharp cherry, pepper and some slightly sweeter blueberry notes on nose with an overriding medicinal note. Palate contrasts the nose with astringent & spicy red fruit. Slightly thin and tannic.
3.0 Stars
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Domaine Michel Goubard Mont Avril Bourgogne 2011
Burgundy, France$22.95
Quite lean Pinot reminiscent of a cool vintage from PEC. Cherry, red currant and some slightly sour notes after a medium sweet mid palate. Some earthy notes. Slightly astringent finish but good with food.
3.0 Stars
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Jackson Triggs Delaine Chardonnay 2011, Delaine Vineyard, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$24.95
I was surprised that this had the finesse it does. Nice apple, pear, mango, coconut, & baking spices on the nose. The palate displays lively acidity along with the bright fruit, and has a definite sweet & buttery component. Little bit of lemon on the finish.
3.0 Stars
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Lailey Chardonnay 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Like a ripe apple clafoutis - sweet apple, pear, pineapple, and creamy notes dominate the nose and palate. I can't stop thinking about apple and cream based desserts when I drink this. When winemaker Derek Barnett confirmed that the wine was left on the lees for 8 months, it made perfect sense. Medium bodied and luscious, the definite citrus/acidic core cuts through the creamy fruit and refreshes the palate. The finish is long and both tart apple and buttery at the same time. Would pair nicely with muenstrella chicken.
3.0 Stars
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Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Made from Cab Franc, Gamay Noir, and Pinot Noir, these wines are elegant and food-friendly even though most people don’t think of drinking Rosé in the winter. The nose and palate are dominated with red fruits (raspberry, cherry, red currants) and there are some interesting herbal notes added to the palate. Pairs with just about anything, works exceptionally well with ham.
3.0 Stars
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Peninsula Ridge Reserve Syrah 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$20.25
Lighter ruby in colour than I expected. Great nose of sweet cherry, sandalwood, and white pepper with a hint of smoke. There's definitely an element of brett as Sara indicates but not too strong. Palate is slightly tart to sour cherry, black pepper, some rhubarb or cranberry influences, with modest tannins and a slightly smoky finish. Would very pair well with venison or other wild meats.
3.0 Stars
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Stanners Pinot Gris Cuivré 2010, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$25.00
After hearing about this wine from both Dann Tanner and Rick Van Sickle, I knew I had to find a way to get some. By the time I contacted the winery, it was sold out. Owner Mary tracked down a couple of remaining “blemished” bottles for me and I made arrangements with a friend touring the County to get them back to Ottawa for me. Not only did this wine have much more of a copper colour than I expected, but there were decent tannins from the slightly prolonged skin contact. There is lots of fresh fruit on the nose and palate, finishing with sharper tangerine peel notes. Great acidity, great County minerality. Was $25 but this vintage is no longer available. I don’t see a current vintage on their site, but hopefully one arrives soon.
3.0 Stars
Rosehall Run Cuvée County Chardonnay 2009, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$21.95
2009 Rosehall Run Cuvée County Chardonnay: Winemaker Dan Sullivan explained that 2009 ended with near perfect conditions for harvest - dry days that ripened the fruit but cool nights that left the acidity and structure in place. 100% barrel fermented, the wine spent 14 months in French oak (about 50% new), a mixture of 500L puncheons and 228 litre barriques. On the nose at first it is ripe pears, red apples, and some smoky butterscotch nuances. As it warmed closer to room temperature, the pear became more dominant and a nice accent of melon appeared. With all the fruit sourced from Hillier cl
3.0 Stars
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Matua Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Marlborough, New Zealand$12.95
Delicate Pinot with light cherry & cranberry notes on the nose and palate. Oak is used sparingly but adds some sweet spice notes. Finish is tart cherry and cranberry.
3.0 Stars
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