Wine Reviews:

Tony Aspler
680News wine reviews

January 1-3, 2010

Peninsula Ridge Inox Chardonnay 2008

“Here's a bargain-priced unoaked Chardonnay from Ontario. The French for stainless steel is "Inox" and that's what Peninsula Ridge calls its unoaked Chardonnay. The 2008 Inox Chardonnay is straw coloured with a nose of minerals and apples; it's medium-bodied and round on the palate with dry, apple and pineapple flavours and a warm alcoholic finish. It costs $12.75 a bottle. Try it with a white fish like tilapia or Caesar salad. That's Peninsula Ridge Inox Chardonnay 2008 from Ontario”. ($12.75, LCBO #594200)

January 15–17, 2010

Peninsula Ridge Merlot 2008

“Here's an easy drinking Ontario Merlot at an affordable price. Peninsula Ridge Merlot 2008 on the LCBO shelves at $14.75 a bottle. The wine is light ruby in colour with aromas of plum and blueberry with a spicy note on the nose. It's medium-bodied with sweet fruit and an engaging floral note. The tannins that give the wine structure are ripe and supple. It's a wine for meat loaf or hamburgers. That's Peninsula Ridge Merlot 2008 from Ontario”. ($14.75, LCBO #61101)

 

Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery ‘Wismer Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009 -VQA Twenty Mile Bench
$ 19.95

Simply gorgeous, it’s ripe and chockfull of flavour and texture. Tropical fruit, floral and sweet savoury aromas segue a fleshy mouthful of salad bowl of tropical fruit and lemon pie filling. It’s mid weight, generously textured sporting a lengthy lip-smacking finish. It’s far from pungent Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, but not too far from perfect—pick up a few for deck sitting and summer sipping. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery from Peninsula Ridge.
(Vic Harradine)

 
Peninsula Ridge ‘Vintner’s Private Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95

About ten years ago, Peninsula Ridge made the first Ontario sauvignon blanc that I thought was outstanding. This new label (VPR) shows the same quality but in a markedly different style. Here you get restrained but well-defined fruit that’s complex and structured, with a seam of clean, fresh acidity. The result is elegant, attractive and refreshing, not to mention versatile with food.

Peninsula Ridge Winery has really shifted gears under new winemaker Jamie Evans, with a shift from luxury level into affordable wines. Their merlot reviewed here is fab value. The winery itself is worth a visit not only for the wines and view but The Kitchen House restaurant under chef Ross Midgley is a hot culinary destination.

Peninsula Ridge 2008 Merlot $14.95 (Ontario)

It's delightful to find a delicious quality Niagara red for under $15. This merlot dishes up smoky plum, black cherry and cedar aromas. The delivery is round and succulent, with rich mocha, black cherry, charred oak and cedar layers, with a deep, sustained finish. Fine stuff.
LCBO# 61101
Food suggestion: Grilled steaks
Rating: 90