Wine Review by Tasting Team Member Wine Chick.The publisher was unfortunately out of town for this tasting, but while he worked the TWAV Tasting Team uncorked three special red wines: two Ontario Cab Francs and a Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon.
Happy New Year! Once the holidays ended and schedules weren't so hectic, members of the TWAV tasting team met to celebrate wine and friendship with some great reds. Sax Man and Wine Chick hosted. Green Dragon, Glorious T, and Cabinator attended and brought bottles to share.
The first was a 2009 Cabernet Franc from Rosewood Estates, Beamsville Bench VQA, near Niagara Falls, Ontario. We decanted this bottle for about 30 minutes, allowing the spice to come forward in the nose and the palate and smooth out to a blackberry jam finish. The fruit notes broke up the tannins and peppery notes, creating a nice balance for those who like pepper and spice as well as those who like more fruit flavors.
The second was another Cabernet Franc by Pillitteri Estates, Niagara Peninsula VQA, also of the Niagara region. This was a 2007 that decanted for 15 minutes. It had a smokier nose than the first, more tannins, with notes of spice and green pepper on the nose and the palate. Tasting notes on the label also suggest hints of tobacco, dark chocolate, and rhubarb. Less fruity than the first wine, but enjoyed by all.
The third and final wine was a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon by Wyland of Sonoma Valley. This one stood out in its complexity and bold, assertive flavors. Peppery in front, the wine smoothed out at the end and was described by the group as a "feel good, traditional" Cab. A great wine to warm up with during the winter months.
Overall, a great night! If you are traveling to Ontario, take some time to sample some of the wineries in the region. Wyland can be purchased locally.
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