Jason Solanki

Henry Of Pelham Reserve Off Dry Riesling 2009, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Candied lime, citrus, mineral, wax and petrol aromas. Tangy citrus, lime, with a slight touch of sweetness on the palate. Bright seam of acidity cuts through the middle. Off-dry. Could be cellared a few more years, but is definitely delicious now. Recommended if you like wines that are slightly sweet. Tasted Feb/2012.

Belje Grasevina 2009, Suho Vrhunsko

Cork smells fresh and infused with sweet syrup. Water cress, wet grass, green apple, and touch of sweet citrus aromas. Buttered popcorn, toffee, dried apricots and some lychee. Weighty white with floral notes on the long finish. Different and yummy. Tasted Feb/2012.

Delas Frères Les Launes Crozes Hermitage 2009, Ac

Spice and twig aromas from the cork. This Syrah has fine mature savoury notes of earth, forest floor, potpourri, tobacco leaf, and blackberry aromas that follow through on the smooth, full-bodied palate. Slightly tart cherry notes mid-palate. Tannins have integrated very well, while the acids are juicy and balanced. Black pepper notes linger on the long finish. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years. A joy to drink. Tasted Nov/2015.

Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Pinot Gris 2009, Ac Alsace Grand Cru

Aromas of peach, mineral with touches honey and mushroom. Rich, and flavourful with gorgeous peach and honey on the palate, with a light seam of acidity. Finishes a bit spicy. Full-bodied, smooth and very tasty. Highly recommended. Tasted Apr/2012.

Exultet Estates 'the Blessed' Chardonnay 2010, VQA Prince Edward County

Delicate aromas of apple, floral and honey. Light-bodied with mineral, almond, and pear notes on palate. Very well balanced with a long finish. Tasted Sept/2012.

Osoyoos Le Grand Vin 2008, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Blend of 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. Fruity aromas jump out of the glass, followed by leather, cedar, kirsch liquer and raspberry. Core of dark fruits surrounded by very chalky tannins. Well-balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Finish is long with hints of mocha. Should be even better once tannins settle in 3+ years. Tasted Jan/2013.

Coyote's Run Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2010, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula

Very elegant buttery and apple aromas. Medium-full bodied with a crisp mouthfeel and bright acidity. Palate shows apple, butter, citrus and minerality. Good balance, with a finish that is a touch hot. Tasted Jan/2013.

E. Guigal Gigondas 2009, Ac

Lovely, elegant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers maturing dried dark berry, sweet cinnamon spice, floral, and wood aromas. It is medium-full to full-bodied on the palate with very good concentration and lovely savoury, sweet spice, dried dark berry, and wet earth flavours with a touch of olive on the mid-palate. It has balanced acidity, while the fine tannins have integrated very nicely, with a slight chalky texture. Well-balanced overall with earthy, savoury, and dried berry notes lingering on the long finish. Tasted Feb/2021.

Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2010, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Argiano Non Confunditur 2009, Igt Rosso Toscano