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
Calamus Meritage 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$30.20
I admit it. I have this thing for Meritage (Ontario’s version of a “Bordeaux blend”…we just can’t call it that). With 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot – all from a great vintage in Ontario…I loved this wine.On the nose I detected cassis, vanilla, and dark chocolate. The palate seemed true to this and added more fruit notes from both red and dark fruits (red raspberry, black cherries). The tannins are already well integrated. I would likely only cellar this another 3-4 years at most, but if you wanted to break open a bottle now, it is raring to go. I thought it was $27.20
3.0 Stars
Legends Estates Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2002, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
After 20 mins this wine opens up the fruit that appears hidden at first. Great accompaniment to meat...maybe even a steak. Quite dry on the finish.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Trumpour's Mill Riesling 2008, Ontario
Ontario, Canada$15.95
With a bit of age this one is showing a bit more golden hue to it and the petrol aromas are more pronounced, especially when the cork is first pulled. Along with the petrol I picked up lemon-lime, and a strong nose of county minerality. Light and mouth-watering, the palate exhibits refreshing lime, and steely minerality. The dry finish and medium+ acidity leave one's mouth watering for sure...and there is a decently long lime finish.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
G. Marquis The Silver Line Chardonnay 2008, Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$17.95
The bright, slightly pale straw colour gives hints to a moderate oak treatment, and the nose remains truthful. With green apple, lemon, and pear dominating the buttery secondary aroma, and the even lighter smoke and butterscotch. On the palate, light butterscotch notes permeate lemon-lime, tangerine, and red apple. There’s decent minerality here and enough acidity to keep the palate fresh and mouth-watering on the medium citrus finish. $16.95 (Great value ON Chardonnay).
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Hinterbrook Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Ontario, Canada$14.25
The dominant petrol (pool vinyl) masks the honey, lemon-lime, and peaches. The petrol shows early in hot vintages so this is not surprising. On the palate, the juicy, sweet peach, apple, and honey is almost a touch flabby (very full bodied) with slightly less acidity than I expected. The finish is long, sweet lemon-lime that matures into a lemon-pith finale. Nice paired with sweet potato and lentil curry. Tasted January 2013.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
S D.O.V. Grenache 2008, Barossa Valley/Mclaren Vale, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$22.95
Remarkably light (pale) colour. Nose of candied raspberry and cherry, with slight menthol/eucalyptus notes accentuated by the alcohol (16%). The palate is raspberry, strawberry, and sweet spice notes with surprising acidity and smooth tannins. Very drinkable now.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Hogue Genesis Syrah 2009, Columbia Valley
Washington, Usa$19.95
Deep purple colour, the nose is spicy, black pepper, and damsom plums. On the palate hints of vanilla and chocolate complement the dry, cherry-plum fruit. Nice acidity would pair with food well. Somewhat long, slightly astringent cherry finish smacks of minerality.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Mike Weir Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
One of the last to release of Ontario’s fantastic 2009 Pinot Noir collection, this wine has been worth waiting for. The nose is primarily cherry, raspberry, and red currants, with a lovely earthiness and a light mineral component that reminds me of graphite. There’s hints of coffee and milk chocolate there too, but so slight that they come as an afterthought. Served somewhat cool, this wine’s palate is dominated by cherries and black raspberries, and just the hint of tart cranberries. Light cigar box notes from the oak become more influential as the wine warms, bringing out more vanilla and sweet spice notes. Pair this with lamb, beef stroganoff, mushroom risotto, or a vegetarian nut loaf.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Kevin O'leary Unoaked Chardonnay 2011, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$13.95
2011 O'Leary Unoaked Chardonnay: Yes. That Kevin O’Leary. “Honest and Direct” as the label states, but also a somewhat unlikeable fellow. I really didn’t want to like this wine, but when Brian Schmidt from Vineland Estates is the winemaker, it makes it very challenging to not like a wine. As Vineland has their own very successful Unoaked Chardonnay, Brian explained that they needed this one to be different. They achieved this by leaving the wine in contact with, and frequently stirring the lees. So while this wine exhibits crisp fruit like ripe green apples and lemon-lime of the Vineland’s ow
3.0 Stars
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Malivoire Musqué Spritz 2012, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Medium sweet sipper with notes of fresh peach, tangerine, melon, & hint of lemon. Light effervescence & mod. acidity keep it from cloying. Fun wine!
3.0 Stars
(0)V