Wine Tasting on July 6th 2023 was at Jack and Marg Markham’s home. They decided, as summer had started, to acknowledge this fact by changing the types of wines normally chosen by incorporating two bottles of Rosé along with a bottle of white wine and a bottle of red.
The white wine chosen was from Italy, With Love, Pecorino 2021, from Torri Cantine Winery. The red wine chosen was from the Niagara Penninsula – Wayne Gretzky Estates’ Cabernet Merlot. The two Rosé wines were from California, one was from Josh Cellars, the other was 19 Crimes Snoop Dogg Cali Rosé.
The event was made special as Jack Markham went “the extra mile” by preparing asparagus spears on a flatbread, grilled mushrooms on a flatbread, along with fruits, cheeses and crackers that we enjoyed “during the intermission” as part of the wine tasting.
Niagara Penninsula, Ontario – Cabernet Merlot, Wayne Gretsky Estates, 2021
The only wine which more than 50% of our Wine Tasters would buy was Wayne Gretzky Estates Cabernet Merlot at $16.95. It is a blend of42% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, The alcohol content is 12.5%.
This VQA red wine is described as having Damson plum and sweet cherry fruit aromas with cocoa & spice notes; and being dry, robust, with black raspberry and cassis flavours. This bold and fruit forward expression of a cabernet merlot blend shows its versatility. The ruby red colour is filled with an aromatic bouquet of cedar, black currant and chocolate with the notes of toast and nuts. These same flavours are reflected on the palate and supported by soft medium tannins and a dry finish.
It should pair well with aged cheddars, pot roast, pulled pork, grilled red meats, lamb kebobs, mushroom dishes, and grilled portobello mushrooms.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 