Vintages Release: September 15, 2018

87  
Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $24.95 (268391) 13.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of red fruit, spice, violet and dry leaves open this cool-climate Niagara Pinot Noir. The palate is crisp and juicy offering flavours of cherry, plum, baking spices and a distinct mineral undertone. Dry, medium bodied, with fine-grained tannin, there’s a tart, tangy cranberry note to be enjoyed on the mid-length finish. Enjoy as an aperitif with a charcuterie platter. (Lisa Isabelle)

Vintages Release: TBD 2018

88  
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree - Red’ 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (247882) 13.5% alcohol
Syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and a touch of baco noir were blended to produce this intriguing red as it showcases highlights of each variety. Aromas of ripe dark fruit, savoury herbs, smoke, vanilla and a pleasant gaminess tempt the nose. Dry and medium-full bodied with silky texture, the palate unleashes a stream of cherry-berry fruit, vanilla and spice finishing lengthy with a lovely black pepper aftertaste. (Lisa Isabelle)

• From the oldest vineyards of the estate, the following 2016 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family - Reserve’ Pinot Noir was sourced from vines where planting by the Speck brothers began in 1988. Niagara pinot vines approaching three decades of age are a bit of a rarity.

89  
Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family - Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $34.95 (657874) 13.5% alcohol
A medium-garnet bowl and a Burgundian nose —red cherry, forest floor, gamy notes and dried, rose petal aromas—lead the parade for this classy pinot. On the palate, tart red cherry, cranberry and mushroom notes persist through the lingering dry, savory herb and slightly warm finish. This is medium-bodied with good tannin structure suggesting cellaring potential while very enjoyable now. This will pair well with your favorite stuffed Portobello recipe. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Tenuta Le Colonne 2015 
DOC Bolgheri $19.95 (544619) 13.5% alcohol 
The Bolgheri appellation is a relative newcomer to Italian system; it’s located in the Maremma region known for its Super Tuscans. The blend of 70% cabernet franc, 20% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon was aged 12 months in large oak barrels before bottling. Lifted aromas of blackberry, dark plum, prune, black currant leaf and a hint of truffle segue to succulent cherry and blackberry flavours on the palate with distinct notions of herb and spice. Medium-full bodied with well-integrated tannin, there are pleasant savoury notes reminiscent of Mediterranean herbs on the lengthy, dry finish. Pour this tasty, well-balanced red with rare roast beef. (Lisa Isabelle)