(October 22, 2016) … A real mish-mash-melee array of wines hit the table this evening, here are some brief notes about them:
The Crusher 2011 Pinot Noir, Wilson Vineyard (California) … smoky notes kick things off with red and black cherry to follow, sweet cranberry and white pepper also show up.
Henry of Pelham 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir (Ontario) … the focus these days is on Ontario Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this reserve Henry is dusty and smoky, with cassis and harsh tannins; it’s almost a fruit-less wine if not for those 
cassis notes.
Southbrook 1999 Cabernet Franc, Lailey Vineyard (Ontario) … hot damn, this puppy is performing better than expected: red pepper jelly character on the nose with smoky, sweet strawberry, vanilla-oak, and a long finish filled with great acidity – this one’s hanging on.
The Show 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (California) … not sure why I hold some wines, curiousity I guess, but this one seems to be kicking around in a good way: dried blackberry with cedary and spice.
Tyrrell 2004 Shiraz (Australia) … nothing wrong here, with 12 years under its belt it’s still a wine I’m happy to have a full glass of: plum, black cherry, coffee, and mocha,
Chateau des Charmed 2012 Gamay Noir ‘Droit’ (Ontario) … another wine that’s still hanging on with full-fruited up-front flavour that proves to be simply delicious it also has that signature subtle peppery/spice that ‘droit’ is known for.