WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Tantalus Juveniles Pinot Noir 2015, Okanagan Valley
$21.65 | 89/100
UPC: 626990106203 Juveniles alludes to youthfulness by using the latest Dijon clone plantings, or young vines, that are much more approachable than the estate Pinot. We like the smoked raspberry, cherry and ripe strawberry nose that lifts this juicy, youthful Pinot Noir without sacrificing a level of seriousness. Wild fermented and in French oak for 11 months, this is not a simple wine, though the name may lead you to think otherwise. Brisk acidity brightens the soft palate, awash in forest berries and perfumed raspberries, and lined with fine white pepper. Gentle oak and a touch of minerality suggest if you can wait it will get even better. Good value. Private wine shops.
La Crema Pinot Noir 2014, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California $29 | 90/100 UPC: 049331002307 La Crema Sonoma Coast is cool climate California, and over the years this Pinot has been leaned out to reflect the site, which is where this wine should go. Svelte by California Pinot Noir standards, it is a mix of clones fermented in small open-top tanks and aged in French oak of which a quarter is new wood. Look for spicy red fruits, cherries and wild raspberries with earthy, cedary, savoury undercurrents. The style is soft and ready-to-drink. Try this with duck pizza, roasted birds or salmon.
Domaine Queylus La Grande Réserve Pinot Noir 2013, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $29.95 | 92/100 UPC: 896131000312 La Grande Reserve Pinot Noir is a barrel selection from the eastern flanks of two Niagara vineyards. The style is the most “old world” of Domaine Queylus’ three Pinots — it is the most savoury, leathery, and least fruit-driven. Destemmed and fermented wild, it spent 16-20 months in French oak (1/3 new). Only the very best barrels make it to Le Grande Reserve, those deemed the “most elegant, harmonious, complex and ageable.” Look for forest berries, forest floor and perfumed raspberries scenting this ripely cushioned, age-worthy wine: one that glides along lengthy, silken, lightly grippy tannins to a lightly spiced, dry finish. Drinking well now, this still has years to go in the cellar.
Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir Richard’s Block 2014, Okanagan Valley $53 | 88/100 UPC: 778856414202 The Anniversary Series is a small series of wines grown on select family vineyard sites. Richard’s Block Pinot Noir is dedicated to Richard Stewart, who purchased the original family vineyard in 1956. The 2014 is a spicy affair with cool, floral earthy aromas. The acidity is prominent, the fruit still waiting to be released. A little reminiscent of Oregon and France this year, with a resiny, earthy, sour cherry finish. This needs at least two years to settle into itself. Big enough for duck, venison or big winter mushroom dishes. All the fruit came off two older blocks of clones.
Seven Terraces Pinot Noir 2015, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand $27 | 88/100 UPC: 9419453008036 Not a lot of change here from what has become a reliable workhorse Canterbury Pinot with a cool, spicy demeanour. The nose is floral with rhubarb, strawberry and ginger notes. The palate is light and silky with more dried herbs, and a savoury, herbal, strawberry, carrot/compost flavours. A very solid mid-week red you can serve with simply prepared salmon.