todd10

Megalomaniac To Be Frank Cabernet Franc 2019, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Dark fruit on the nose. What surprised me the most was even though I received no oak on the nose, the taste of oak was very strong.
Tannins are enough to enjoy with food, but not too much were it can't be enjoyed on it's own.
Tasted December 2022 (New Years eve)

Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Napa Valley

Aromas mostly of Cassius with a hint of oak. This wine was very balanced. Beautiful flavors of dark fruit. It was not as complexed as I would have expected, but the flavour and balance more than makes up for that.
Tasted October 2022

Castello Di Neive Barbaresco 2018, Docg

Aromas of cherry syrup. I enjoyed the flavor. It had the taste of cherry with some leather.....yes I said leather, but it was very good.
Tannins were grippy but not over powering. It matched perfect with the salami and cheese that I ate with it.
Throughout the evening, I did not find that it evolved too much so I see no reason to decant
Tasted April 2022

2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard Foxcroft Block Chardonnay 2020, Twenty Mile Bench

This was an interesting wine. When I first tasted it, I was getting aromas of peach and flint. The taste was not fruity, more like stone and copper. This wine is medium bodied and low acidity. At this point it was good, and I was giving it a 90. I was tasting this at 12C. However, I put this in my wine chiller and when it got down to about 10C, I enjoyed this wine more, I found the flavours became more refreshing. The nose changed to citronella candle. I love when a wine can evolve so much in a good way in one sitting. That is why I am giving it a 92.
Tasted July 2022

13th Street Winery Expression Series Cabernet Merlot 2020, Niagara Peninsula

Aromas of black current with a hint of herbs.
Firm tannin that works well with a charcuterie.
Overall it was a nice wine, but not too complexed. Good for under $20.

Henry Of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2020, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula

This wine had some nice complexity. The key is, to drink it at 11C or 12C. At 12C when I took it out of my wine fridge, I was getting aromas of candle wax, hazelnut, and butter. The taste was butter and apple. Nice long finish.
As the wine cooled down in my wine chiller, the complexity really got muted. So again, try this at 11C or 12C. I wonder what temperature this was served at in the National Wine Awards of Canada. If it was at 12C, I bet this may have won Gold.
Tasted November 2022

Creekside Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Niagara Peninsula

Two days ago, I had a $60 Châteauneuf-du-Pape that I found underwhelming. Then yesterday, I tried a $16 Sauvignon Blanc from Ontario—and I was genuinely impressed.

Right away, I picked up notes of fresh-cut grass and citrus. Brad and Michael mentioned jalapeño; I didn’t get it at first, but once I looked for it, I could see what they meant.

The acidity and crispness were spot on. The flavour was definitely there, though it muted quickly when the wine was too cold—something to keep in mind when serving.

That said, I can absolutely see why this won a silver at the National Wine Awards of Canada. It’s a well-crafted and enjoyable wine.
Tasted June 2025

Château Saint-roch Chimères Grenache Carignan Syrah 2022, Aop Côtes Du Roussillon Villages

Beronia Reserva 2020, D.O.Ca Rioja

I found this wine to be well-balanced and approachable, with tannins that are present but not overpowering. Throughout the evening, it remained consistent and didn’t noticeably evolve after opening, so I would say decanting is not necessary. I particularly enjoyed the subtle hint of oak, which added nice complexity without dominating the profile. On the palate, there are classic dark fruit notes that give it depth while keeping it smooth and easy to drink. Overall, this is a wine I would happily purchase again
Tasted June 2026

Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2023, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

This wine is defined by its oak influence, with notes of pear and apple and relatively low acidity.

Oak aging adds complexity and layered flavours, though the strong oak character may not suit everyone.

For a subtler profile, serve slightly cooler. To highlight its full complexity, serve at around 13°C.

Overall, an interesting, oak-driven wine for those who enjoy bold character.

tasted August 2026.