Dream incorporates some appassimento grapes in an expressive and textured Bordeaux blend that's sure to please. 52% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small portion left to wither and concentrate the flavours, the result it a deeply coloured wine with aromas of bramble berry pie, Saskatoon berry crumble, anise, dark plum, chocolate orange, and herbs. The palate highlights the fleshy dark fruit, more plum, and dark chocolate with fine tannins leading to a refreshing and finely textured finish. A great wine to enjoy with bold BBQ, Mexican chicken mole, or wood fired pizza. Tasted October 2024. 91 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Foreign Affair Winery – The Conspiracy 2020
2020 was a great vintage in Niagara and this wine highlights that with delicious fruit and structure. Conspiracy is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot, and 7% Cabernet Franc where the base wine is re-passed over their appassimento Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes after they're pressed. This ultimately boosts the wine's body, flavours, and textures, producing a wine with impressive complexity for the price. Look for rich dark fruits, dark cherry, raspberry tarts, herbs, and graphite minerality. Medium-full bodied with a creamy texture, this wine over-delivers on price and quality. Enjoy with BBQ fare, beef tacos, pizza, and hearty stewed dishes too. Tasted September 2024. 90+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
#wine review: 2017 Arterra Pinot Noir
Ottawa, ON April 2019 Matt's review: 2017 Arterra Pinot Noir benefits from a touch of appassimento winemaking where a portion of the grapes were carefully set aside and left to dry for a period of time after harvesting, similar to what they do in Valpolicella (Italy) with the iconic Amarone wines, before the partially dehydrated... Continue Reading →
