Vintages Release date: January 19, 2019
• The following 2015 Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree’ Red was 100% barrel matured for 17 months in 65% French and 35% American oak.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree’ Red 2015
VQA Ontario $18.95 (247882) 13.5% alcohol
This very good-value, racy red blend—40% merlot/35% syrah/15% cabernet franc/5% cabernet sauvignon/5% baco noir—leaps from the glass with aromas of rich dark cherry/berry fruit, peppery spice, smoke and tarry notes. It blankets the palate with lip-smacking tang carried on fruit flavours of racy pie cherry and passion fruit decorated with espresso roast and black licorice. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a lasting dry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste laced with dark bittersweet chocolate. Pour with meat lasagna or spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release date: February 2, 2019
• The following 2017 Château Lamothe de Haux Blanc is a white blend of 40% sémillon/40% sauvignon blanc/20% muscadelle fashioned by 4th generation owners and winemakers. The foundations of Château Lamothe date back to the 16th century.
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Château Lamothe de Haux Blanc 2017
AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 (635698) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of honey, floral and grassy notes dominate the nose on this medium bodied, well-textured, value-packed gem. It spreads over the palate in balanced waves with flavours of pineapple, yellow peach and ripe apple to the fore. It finishes clean and crisp riding on a wash of lemon curd with a lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour with pan-seared fish, grilled or skillet-seared pork chops or lemon chicken. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release date: February 16, 2019
• The following 2017 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Riesling was sustainably grown from 100% estate, Weiss 21b riesling clone.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Riesling 2017
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (557165) 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of lime zest and notions of petrol dominate the nose of this value-packed, oily textured, mouth-watering riesling. It races over the palate with flavours of lime cordial, lemon pie filling adorned with peach skin. This is clean, crisp and refreshing with a finish and aftertaste filled with racy, mouth-watering oomph and pizzazz. Pour with salads tossed with verjus or your favourite fish or seafood under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release date: March 2, 2019
• The following 2015 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Cabernet/Merlot is a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot sourced from several of the oldest sections of estate vine. Low yields were 2 to 3 tonnes/acre, fermented in stainless steel with extended maceration then matured 18 months in French and American oak barrel, 40% new.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Cabernet/Merlot 2015
VQA Short Hills Bench $24.95 (395855) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted, lively aromas of cedar, piquant spice and juicy black plum introduce a spirited wash of pie cherry and passionfruit juxtaposed nicely with cassis and dark berry fruit adorned with sharp spice, dark bittersweet chocolate and wisps of ripe, fine-grained tannin. This is structured and balanced with purity of fruit and lots of pizzazz. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and a long finish showcasing palate replays. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours pouring with a thick cut of prime beef grilled rare to medium rare. (Vic Harradine)
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Baron de Hoen Gewürztraminer ‘Réserve’ 2017
AOC Alsace, France $16.95 (377721) 12.5% alcohol
Rosewater, floral notes and exotic spice aromas leap from the glass. Off-dry, sensuously textured mouthfuls of apricot, spice-laden yellow plum, red licorice and lemon pie filling coat the palate persisting through the lingering and luxurious finish and aftertaste. Give it a go with spicy Asian cuisine like tandoori chicken or spicy vegan potato curry, or baked ham dotted with cloves and basted with maple syrup. (Vic Harradine)