Vinetages

by Daniel Gilbert of Daniel’s of Nobleton
2009 will be called a difficult vintage, which means some good wine will be made and it will be the wine maker’s job to make that happen.

Those wines are two years away, so let’s celebrate the wines that have just been released, the fabulous 2007s.

2007 was an excellent year in Niagara. The wines are drinking well now and have the potential to last. Temperatures were much warmer than normal from June to October, so the grapes could achieve perfect ripeness. The heat and the extended growing season gave the wine a richness of concentrated flavours, for both reds and whites.

For those of you who have been sitting on the fence about Ontario wines, there is no better time than now to take the plunge and try some 2007 Niagara wines. Be careful to buy
only V.Q.A. wines, and like everywhere else in the world, price matters.

2007 was one of Niagara’s perfect years for red wines, creating bold Cabernets, luscious Merlots, peppery Syrahs, and silky seductive Pinot Noirs. Let’s not forget the whites, rich
Chardonnays, spicy Gerwerstraminers and aromatic Reislings, but it’s the reds we will most remember from 2007.

Because of the great 2007 vintage, the LCBO has brought more than ever, Niagara wines into the vintages section. The brands come and go and the price is generally higher,
but to give Niagara wine an honest try this is the best place to shop other than going to Niagara itself.

Here are a few suggestions: Cave Spring Estate Gerwerstraminer- exotic spice and lychee fruit on the nose, and a mouthful of flavour with spiced yellow plum and tropical fruits. $15.95.

Henry Pellam Off Dry Reserve Riesling - apple and peach on the nose carries over to the palate and develops a pleasant mango note. This wine will develop beautifully in the next
two years. $15.95.

Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay - tropical fruit and green apple, balanced by perfectly integrated oak. $19.95.

Coyote’s Run Black Paw Vineyard Cabernet Franc - prepare to be amazed - ripe dark berry fruit, anise, spiced plum and herbs, just enough tannin and a long finish. Drink some now, but save some for 2-5 years. $19.95.

Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir - Winemaker Thomas Bachelder is 2009 winemaker of the year and this deeply coloured Pinot has the strawberry and blueberry
nuances but with muscle. This wine can be easily aged for five years or more. $40.00.

Tawse Sketches of Niagara Merlot/Cabernet - this is a Bordeaux style wine with excellent structure, fruit and elegance. There is a refreshing acidity that will allow it to age nicely for the next 10 years or drink it now and enjoy the freshness. $19.95.

Southbrook Triomphe Syrah - peppery black and red fruits with oak notes on the nose, cherry and vanilla on the palate, with soft tannins, drinking very well now and for the next 5
years. $24.95.

There are many more fabulous 2007s both in general list and vintages, so experiment and have fun.

Daniel’s of Nobleton events:
Tuesday December 8 - “Best Buys” Wine Tasting Dinner
Tuesday December 15 - Adam Saunders Jazz Dinner December 24, 25, 26 - Closed
Thursday December 31 - New Year’s Eve
Thursday January 25 - Robbie Burns Dinner
www.danielsofnobleton.com for events