On Thursday, March 7th, 2024, The 12 members of the Wine Tasting Club who attended the meeting at Jack and Marg Markham’s home. This event is always special as the Markham’s provide a variety of hors d’oeuvres and cheeses that always exceed expectations. We had a fun afternoon tasting and reviewing the three Canadian and one French wine presented. The two wines preferred by the group are described below:
Ontario, Vineland Estates Elevation, St. Urban Vineyard, Riesling, 2022
Elevation is a VQA Riesling Wine that comes from Vineland Estates in the Niagara region, and is from 2022. It was described by the group a semi-sweet wine with a taste of Apricots and Lime. This sweetness is due to its Sugar Content of 39 g/L. The LCBO describes its moderately intense and slightly acidic flavours as being Herbal, Minerally, with a snappy Citrus. It is great to sip as an aperitif, perhaps at a cocktail party, as it only has 8.4% .
Wine Country Ontario says that the signature lemon-lime zest and white peach core is steady and electrifying while the occasional wisps of melon and mango spiral by for added vintage interest. The bright acidity is the spindle around which all revolves and the soft sweetness that appears and recedes like a lulling wave makes this titan endlessly engaging and a perfect partner for a variety of bites. It can also be served with Rich Fish, Soft Cheese, and White Meat.
The vines for this Riesling, which are now nearly 40 years of age, were brought to Ontario from Weingut St. Urbans-Hof in the Mosel by Hermann Weis. They have flourished in the ancient, sea-born soils of the Niagara Escarpment.
This wine sells for $22.95 and was rated as 94 by wine reviewers. Our group was split on whether to buy it as 4 said that they would buy it, 2 said that they might buy it for a special occasion, and 6 said that they wouldn’t buy it.
France, Château Argadens, Bordeaux Supérieur, 2019
This Bordeaux Supérieur from Château Argadens is a LCBO Vintage Essential was the most popular wine served by Marg and Jack – as 9 said that they would buy it, 2 said that they might buy it, and only 1 said that they wouldn’t buy it. The group described the wine as being dry and full bodied. Its Flavours are Floral, Chocolate, and Plum with moderate Tannins. Argadens red is thoroughly modern Bordeaux with lots of concentrated fruit and an attractive, supple balance. It is very different than the white wine reviewed, as it has a Sugar Content of only 3 g/L with 14.5% Alcohol/Volume. This wine sells for $19.95, which is a good price for a Bordeaux Supérieur.
This wine is also described in more detail by another retailer, KWMVine, as having a rich, open bouquet that reveals intense aromas of ripe, concentrated blackberry fruit and elegant oak. The same impression of generous fruit is found on the powerful, rich and chewy palate, which is structured by taut, dense tannins and lingers to a long, ample and spicy finish.
The LCBO says that the Sichel family of Château Palmer fame has been a part of winemaking in Bordeaux, France for some six generations. Always a great value, this popular, classically framed blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice for grilled lamb. Available recipes on the LCBO site include: Fragrant Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder with Fingerling Potatoes; Lamb and Apricots Kebabs; Lamb with Fennel, and Lamb Chops.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 