Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010, VQA Ontario, Canada

 

Baco Noir is a hybrid red wine grape variety produced by the cross of a French vitis vinifera Folle Blanche (this is one of the grape use for making Cognac) and a unknown variety of vitis riparia indigenous to North America. Today it is grown almost exclusively in North America and is usually a bit rustic, high in acid and low in tannins. Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010 is made with 100% Baco Noir from low yielding vines, some of them planted in 1984, with maturation in a combination of new and one/two years old American oak barrels for 15 months with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. 

A deep purple in color, this wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, plum, smoky, meaty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with rich and smoky flavours, fresh acidity and low tannins. Very good length on the finish with a combination of jammy flavours, mocha, sour cherries and savoury herbs. Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir has always been an interesting wine with lots of flavours and a great performer during the BBQ season, paired with hamburgers, sausage, ribs or steak. Very enjoyable and flavourful, score 90 points.

Purchased September 15, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (461669) at $24.95

Henry of Pelham Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

From the very good 2007 vintage in Ontario, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; aging took place in French and American oak barrels (40% new) for 18 months.

This wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, leather, tobacco, cracked pepper, vanilla, savoury and herbal notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, dried herb flavours, spicy with fine texture, fresh acidity and silky tannins. Medium length on the finish, dry with savoury notes and tobacco flavours. I truly enjoyed the moderate alcohol at 13.5%, very well balance and enjoyable, savoury style red blend. Score 90 points.

Purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release (395855) at $24.95