2011 Results

Trophy Winners

Best Red Wine of the Year

Blasted Church Vineyards, BC 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot $25.99

Best White Wine of the Year

Mike Weir Wine, ON 2008 Riesling $14.95

Best Sparkling Wine of the Year

Flat Rock Cellars, ON 2007 Riddled $29.95

Larry Paterson Trophy, Best Dessert Wine of the Year

(Sponsored by Ontario Viniculture Association)
Vignoble du Marathonien, QC 2009 Vidal Late Harvest $28.00

Best Fruit Wine of the Year

(Sponsored by Ontario Viniculture Association)
Applewood Farm Winery, ON 2008 Iced Cider $19.95

Best Value Wine of the Year

Sonoran Estate Winery, BC 2007 Cabernet/Merlot $22.90

Best of Category Medals / Double Gold

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Blasted Church Vineyards, BC 2010 Chardonnay Musque $17.99

Chardonnay Under $20

Strewn , ON 2009 Chardonnay Barrel Aged $12.75

Chardonnay Over $20

Quails’ Gate Winery, BC 2008 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay $29.99

Riesling Dry

Thirty Bench Wine Makers, ON 2010 Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard $30.00

Riesling Off Dry

Mike Weir Wine, ON 2008 Riesling $14.95

**Trophy, Best White Wine

Sauvignon Blanc

Sandhill Wines, BC 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $18.99

Gewurztraminer

Thornhaven Estates Winery, BC 2009 Gewürztraminer $17.90

Pinot Gris/Grigio

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2010 Private Reserve Pinot Gris $14.99

Pinot Blanc

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2010 Pinot Blanc $17.00

Vidal

Aleksander Estate Winery, ON 2010 Vidal $10.95

Other Single White Hybrid

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2010 Appellation L’Acadie $18.00

White Hybrid Blends

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2010 Valley Roads L’Acadie Frontenac $9.99

Viognier

Pentage Wines 2009 Viognier $19.40

Other Single V.V. Whites

LA FRENZ, BC 2010 Semillon $19.90

White V.V. Blends

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2010 Character White $19.99

Rose

Featherstone Winery, ON 2010 Rosé $14.95

Cabernet Sauvignon Under $25

Peller Estates Winery Okanagan, BC

2008 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $25

Dan Akroyd Wines, ON 2007 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon $34.95

Merlot Under $25

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC 2008 Merlot $19.99

Merlot Over $25

Ridgepoint Wines, ON 2007 Merlot $35.00

Pinot Noir Under $25

Stoney Ridge, ON 2009 Excellence Pinot Noir $25.00

Pinot Noir Over $25

Starling Lane 2009 Pinot Noir $27.00

Cabernet Franc Under $25

Kacaba Vineyards, ON 2008 Cabernet Franc $18.95

Cabernet Franc Over $25

Pondview Estate Winery, ON 2009 Bella Terra Cabernet Franc $28.00

Bordeaux Blends Under $25

Sonoran Estate Winery, BC 2007 Cabernet Merlot $22.90

**Trophy, Best Value Wine of the Year

Bordeaux Blends Over $25

Blasted Church Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot $25.99

** Trophy, Best Red Wine

Syrah / Shiraz Under $25

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2007 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Shiraz $25.00

Syrah / Shiraz Over $25

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2008 Sunrock Shiraz Gold Series $35.00

Marechal Foch

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2009 Marechal Foch $10.98

Baco Noir

D’Angelo Vineyards Estate Winery, ON 2008 Baco Noir $14.90

Other Single Hybrid Reds

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2008 Lucie Kuhlmann Barrel Select $24.99

Other Red Hybrid Blends

Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery, BC 2009 “Ca Beautage” $23.00

Other Single V.V. Reds

Desert Hills Estate Winery, BC 2010 Gamay $17.90

Other Red V.V. Blends

Ruby Tuesday Winery, BC 2009 Red Stiletto $25.00

Late Harvests

Vignoble du Marathonien, QC 2009 Vidal Vendange Tardives $28.00

** Larry Paterson Trophy, Best Dessert Wine of the Year

Riesling Icewine

Inniskillin Wines, ON 2008 Riesling Icewine $69.95

Vidal Icewine

Peller Estates Winery Niagara 2008 Signature Series Vidal Icewine $54.95

Red Icewine

Inniskillin Wines, ON 2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine $79.95

Other Icewine

Caroline Cellars, ON 2009 SAUVIGNON BLANC ICEWINE $48.00

Soft Fruit Dry

Sanduz Estate Wines, BC N/V Dry Blueberry Wine $15.41

Soft Fruit Off-Dry

Applewood Farm Winery, ON 2009 Trio $14.95

Soft Fruit Dessert

Sanduz Estate Wines, BC N/V Raspberry Dessert Wine $19.28

Tree Fruit Dry

Les Vergers de la Colline, QC 2010 CID Cuivré $30.00

Tree Fruit Off-Dry

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC 2010 Caught Apricot Mistelle $26.95

Tree Fruit Dessert

Coteau St-Paul, QC 2010 Carmina $18.00

Fruit Sparkling

SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES, ON 2008 PINK CADILLAC $18.00

Meades

Applewood Farm Winery ON NV Mac Meade $14.95

Iced Ciders

Applewood Farm Winery, ON 2008 Iced Cider $14.95

*Trophy, Best Fruit Wine of the Year

Grape Fortifieds & Other Desserts

LA FRENZ, BC 2009 Vintage Style Port $24.90

Medals of Merit

Sparkling

Gold

Hillebrand Winery, ON NV Trius Brut $24.95

Peller Estates Winery Niagara, ON NV Ice Cuvee Rose $35.00

Peller Estates Winery Niagara, ON NV Ice Cuvee $31.75

Silver

Gray Monk Estate Winery, BC 2008 Odyssey White Brut $24.99

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON

2009 Proprietors’ Reserve Cuvee Close Sparkling $14.95

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, BC NV Cipes Ice Brut $45.00

Bronze

Gray Monk Estate Winery, BC N/V Odyssey Rose Brut $24.99

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, BC NV Cipes Brut $24.99

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Gold

Fielding Estate Winery, ON 2010 Chardonnay Musque $16.95

Gray Monk Estate Winery, BC 2009 Chardonnay, Unwooded $16.99

Silver

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2010 Dry Rock Chardonnay Unoaked $13.99

Hillebrand Winery, ON 2009 Artist Series Unoaked Chardonnay $10.75

Bronze

Angel’s Gate Winery, ON 2008 Unoaked CHARDONNAY $12.95

Mt Lehman Winery, BC 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay $20.00

Chardonnay, Under $20

Gold

EauVivre Winery & Vineyards, BC 2008 Chardonnay $18.00

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2009 Chardonnay $16.99

Stoney Ridge, ON 2009 Simply White $14.00

Strewn, ON 2008 Chardonnay Terroir $19.95

Silver

Mission Hill Family Estate, BC 2009 Reserve Chardonnay $18.99

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate, BC 2009 Estate Collection Chardonnay $14.99

Pentage Wines, BC 2007 Chardonnay Reserve $19.90

Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery, BC 2009 Chardonnay $19.90

Bronze

Aleksander Estate Winery, ON 2010 Chardonnay $14.95

LA FRENZ, BC 2009 Chardonnay $19.90

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC 2009 Chardonnay $16.99

Pondview Estate Winery, ON 2009 Chardonnay $17.00

Quails’ Gate Winery,BC 2009 Chardonnay $19.99

Stoney Ridge, ON 2009 Warren Classic Chardonnay $15.00

Chardonnay Over $20

Gold

LA FRENZ, BC 2009 Reserve Chardonnay $28.90

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, BC 2009 Chardonnay $23.90

Pondview Estate Winery, ON 2009 Bella Terra Chardonnay $24.00

Silver

Huff Estates Winery, ON 2008 South Bay Chardonnay $29.95

Niagara College Teaching Winery, ON 2009 Dean’s List Chardonnay $27.95

Bronze

Church & State Wines, BC 2009 Chardonnay $24.90

Stoney Ridge, ON 2009 Excellence Chardonnay $26.00

Riesling Dry

Gold

Caroline Cellars, ON 2008 RIESLING $11.50

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2010 Dry Riesling $13.99

Quails’ Gate Winery, BC 2010 Dry Riesling $16.99

Silver

Mission Hill Family Estate, BC 2009 Reserve Riesling $18.99

Silkscarf Winery, BC 2010 Riesling Muscat $22.00

SummerGate Winery, BC 2009 Riesling Two (Certified Organic) $19.90

Bronze

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2010 Private Reserve Riesling $14.99

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2010 Riesling $13.99

Huff Estates Winery, ON 2008 Riesling Reserve $19.95

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2008 Proprietors’ Reserve Riesling $12.99

Riesling Off Dry

Gold

CORNERSTONE ESTATE WINERY, ON 2009 RIESLING RESERVE $20.00

Hinterbrook Estate Winery, ON 2010 Riesling $18.00

Huff Estates Winery, ON 2009 Riesling Medium Dry $17.95

Silver

Rockway Glen Estate Winery, ON 2009 Fergie Jenkins ‘Limited Edition’ $14.95

Bronze

Angel’s Gate Winery, ON 2009 SUSSRESERVE RIESLING $13.95

Sauvignon Blanc

Gold

Hillebrand Winery,ON 2009 Trius Sauvignon Blanc $13.75

LA FRENZ, BC 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $21.90

Pentage Wines, BC 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $19.40

Silver

Henry of Pelham Family Estate, ON 2009 Sauvignon Blanc $14.95

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON 2009 Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc $17.95

Bronze

Dan Akroyd Wines, ON 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $14.95

Hinterbrook Estate Winery,ON 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $21.00

Stoney Ridge, ON 2010 Excellence Sauvignon Blanc $22.00

Gewurztraminer

Gold

Flat Rock Cellars, ON 2010 Gewürztraminer $18.95

The View Winery, BC 2010 Gewürztraminer $16.95

Wild Goose Vineyards, BC 2010 Gewürztraminer $19.00

Silver

Red Rooster Winery , BC 2010 Gewurztraminer $15.99

Ruby Tuesday Winery, BC 2010 Gewurztraminer $20.00

Wild Goose Vineyards, BC 2010 Mystic River Gewurztraminer $23.00

Bronze

Arrowleaf Cellars, BC 2009 Solstice Gewürztraminer $20.00

Harwood Estates, ON 2009 Gewürztraminer $20.00

Kalala Organic Estate Winery, BC 2009 Gewürztraminer $17.95

See Ya Later Ranch, BC 2009 Gewürztraminer $14.99

Pinot Gris

Gold

8th Generation Vineyard, BC 2010 Pinot Gris $19.99

Fielding Estate Winery, ON 2010 Pinot Gris $18.95

Pentage Wines, BC 2010 Pinot Gris $17.40

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2010 Pinot Gris $16.99

Wild Goose Vineyards, BC 2009 Mystic River Pinot Gris $20.00

Silver

BLACK WIDOW WINERY, BC 2010 PINOT GRIS $19.90

Blasted Church Vineyards, BC 2010 Pinot Gris $19.99

Inniskillin Wines, ON 2010 Pinot Grigio $12.95

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2010 Pinot Gris $17.00

Therapy Vineyards, BC 2010 Pinot Gris $20.00

Bronze

Fielding Estate Winery, ON 2010 Estate Bottled Pinot Gris $21.95

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2010 Pinot Gris $16.99

Peller Estates Winery Niagara, ON 2009 Private Reserve Pinot Gris $18.95

SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES, ON 2010 Pinot Gris $14.00

Stoney Ridge, ON 2010 Pinot Grigio $17.00

Pinot Blanc

Gold

Van Westen Vineyards, BC 2009 Vivacious $18.90

Silver

Wild Goose Vineyards, BC 2010 Mystic River Pinot Blanc $19.00

Bronze

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2010 Private Reserve Pinot Blanc $13.99

Viognier

Gold

Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery, BC 2009 Viognier $19.90

Silkscarf Winery, BC 2010 Viognier $22.00

Silver

D’Angelo Estate Winery, BC 2009 Viognier $19.90

Mt Lehman Winery, BC 2010 Viognier Reserve $24.00

Bronze

Serendipity Winery, BC 2009 Viognier $17.90

Van Westen Vineyards, BC 2009 Viognier $24.90

Vidal

Gold

Reif Estate Winery, ON 2010 Vidal $9.95

Silver

Rockway Glen Estate Winery, ON 2010 Patio 19 $12.95

Bronze

Sanson Estate Winery, ON 2010 Autumn Harvest Vidal $13.95

Single White Hybrid

Gold

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2010 Seyval Blanc $16.99

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2010 Cote St. George L’Acadie Blanc $15.99

Silver

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2010 L`Acadie Blanc $15.99

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2010 Petite Milo $15.00

Bronze

Blomidon Estate Winery, NS 2009 L’Acadie Blanc $15.29

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS 2010 Muscat $18.50

Other Single V.V. Whites

Gold

Domaine de Chaberton, BC 2009 Bacchus Dry $15.40

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2010 Semillon $19.00

SummerGate Winery, BC 2009 Muscat Ottonel (Certified Organic) $19.90

Silver

CedarCreek Estate Winery , BC 2010 Ehrenfelser $18.90

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS 2010 Ortega $20.00

LA FRENZ, BC 2009 Semillon $19.90

Bronze

Lake Breeze Vineyards , BC 2010 Ehrenfelser $19.00

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate, BC 2008 Estate Collection Semillon $12.99

Viewpointe Estate Winery, ON 2010 Auxerrois $14.95

White V.V. Blends

Gold

Arrowleaf Cellars, BC 2009 First Crush White $13.99

MUSE, BC 2010 Chardonnay/Semillon $19.00

Stag’s Hollow Winery , BC 2009 Con-Fusion $18.99

Therapy Vineyards, BC 2010 Alter Ego $25.00

Silver

Celista Estate Winery, BC 2010 Celista Conundrum $19.00

Diamond Estate Wines, Fresh, ON 2009 Gewurztraminer Riesling $11.95

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards, BC 2009 Discovery Series Marsanne Roussane $19.99

Ruby Tuesday Winery, BC 2010 White Stiletto $20.00

Bronze

Cherry Point Estate Wines, BC 2010 Ortega /Siegerrebe $20.01

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2009 Semillon Chardonnay $15.99

Hillebrand Winery, ON 2009 Trius White $19.75

Reif Estate Winery, ON 2009 Trend White $12.95

Therapy Vineyards, BC 2010 Freudian Sip $17.00

White Hybrid Blends

Gold

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC 2010 SauVidal Earth Series $21.00

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2010 Blanc de Blanc $9.95

Silver

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2010 L’Acadie Pinot Grigio $12.99

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS NV Kellermeister $9.99

Bronze

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS 2010 Tidal Bay $22.50

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2010 Appellation Wine $24.99

Rose

Gold

8th Generation Vineyard, BC 2010 Pinot Meunier Rosé $19.99

Hinterbrook Estate Winery, ON 2010 Rosé $16.00

Oliver Twist Estate Winery, BC 2010 Patio Passion $18.00

The View Winery, BC 2010 Distraction Rosé $14.50

Silver

CedarCreek Estate Winery, BC 2010 Pinot Noir Rosé $17.90

COFFIN RIDGE BOUTIQUE WINERY, ON 2010 RESURRECTION ROSÉ $17.80

Greata Ranch Estate Winery, BC 2010 Rosé $13.90

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, BC 2010 Oldfield Series 2Bench Rosé $22.99

Bronze

Colio Estate Wines Inc., ON 2010 Girls’ Night Out Chard / Merlot Rosé $12.75

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2009 Black Series Rosé $15.99

Kacaba Vineyards, ON 2010 Rebecca Rosé $14.95

Pondview Estate Winery, ON 2009 Cab Franc Rosé $15.00

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, BC 2010 Rosé $15.90

Cabernet Sauvignon Under $25

Gold

Legends Estates Winery, ON 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve $17.95

Silver

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards, BC

2008 Dark Horse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $24.99

Bronze

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, ON 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $19.80

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $25

Gold

Lakeview Cellars Estate Winery, ON 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve $34.95

Painted Rock Estate Winery, BC 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $40.00

Silver

Muscedere Vineyards,ON 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $30.00

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC 2008 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon $29.99

Bronze

Desert Hills Estate Winery, BC 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor’s Red $29.90

Merlot Under $25

Gold

Angel’s Gate Winery, ON 2008 MERLOT $14.95

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2009 Merlot $18.99

Thornhaven Estates Winery, BC 2008 MERLOT $24.90

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, BC 2008 Merlot $17.99

Silver

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2008 Gold Series Merlot $20.00

Robin Ridge Winery, BC 2007 Merlot $19.90

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, BC 2007 Oldfield Series Merlot $24.99

Wild Goose Vineyards, BC 2008 Merlot $20.00

Bronze

Legends Estates Winery, ON 2007 Merlot Reserve $17.95

Mission Hill Family Estate, BC 2007 Reserve Merlot $24.99

Seven Stones Winery , BC 2009 Row 128 Merlot $25.00

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery , BC 2008 Black Sage Vineyard Merlot $19.99

Merlot Over $25

Gold

Kalala Organic Estate Winery, BC 2008 Merlot $28.95

Ruby Tuesday Winery, BC 2008 Merlot Grand Reserve $40.00

Silver

Mission Hill Family Estate, BC 2006 Select Lot Collection Merlot $29.99

Van Westen Vineyards, BC 2007 Vivre la Vie $27.90

Bronze

Poplar Grove Winery, BC 2007 Merlot $29.90

Pinot Noir Under $25

Gold

D’Angelo Estate Winery, BC 2007 Pinot Noir $24.90

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2008 Seven Poplars Pinot Noir $25.00

Mike Weir Wine, ON 2008 Pinot Noir $19.95

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate, BC 2009 Summit Reserve Pinot Noir $19.99

Silver

EauVivre Winery & Vineyards, BC 2008 Pinot Noir $19.00

Flat Rock Cellars, ON 2009 Pinot Noir $19.95

Stonechurch Vineyards, ON 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve $19.95

Bronze

Grange of Prince Edward, ON 2008 Trumpour’s Mill Pinot Noir $16.95

Mission Hill Family Estate, BC 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir $24.99

Robin Ridge Winery, BC 2009 Pinot Noir $21.90

Therapy Vineyards, BC 2009 Pinot Noir $22.00

Pinot Noir Over $25

Gold

Kacaba Vineyards, ON 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir $42.95

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC 2009 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir $29.99

Silver

CASSINI CELLARS, BC 2009 Pinot Noir Reserve $29.00

Church & State Wines, BC 2009 Hollenbach Pinot Noir $25.90

Bronze

LA FRENZ, BC 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir $31.90

Road 13 Vineyards, BC 2008 Jackpot Pinot Noir $39.99

Cabernet Franc Under $25

Gold

Colio Estate Wines Inc., ON 2007 CEV Cabernet Franc $20.75

Inniskillin Wines, ON

2008 Winemaker’s Series Two Vineyards Cabernet Franc $22.95

Silver

Hillside Estate Winery, BC 2008 Cabernet Franc $24.99

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, BC 2008 Cabernet Franc $17.99

Bronze

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery , ON 2008 Cabernet Franc $17.80

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2010 Cabernet Franc $11.45

Cabernet Franc Over $25

Gold

Peller Estates Winery Niagara, ON 2008 Signature Series Cabernet Franc $38.00

Silver

Seven Stones Winery, BC 2009 Cabernet Franc $28.00

Bronze

Thirty Bench Wine Makers, ON 2008 Small Lot Cabernet Franc $40.00

Bordeaux Blends Under $25

Gold

Cerelia Vineyards & Estate Winery, BC 2008 Misceo $23.00

Colio Estate Wines Inc., ON 2006 CEV Meritage $20.75

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2008 Alvar Cabernet Merlot $12.95

Silver

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2009 Dry Rock Cabernet-Merlot $14.99

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON 2009 Black Series Cab Franc Cab Sauvignon $13.45

Ridgepoint Wines, ON 2007 Meritage $25.00

SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES, ON 2007 RALEIGH VINES $14.00

Bronze

Harvest Estate Wines, ON 2007 IT’s Our Time $13.95

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2009 Cabernet Merlot $15.99

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2008 Meritage $22.00

Stag’s Hollow Winery, BC 2008 Heritage Block $24.99

Bordeaux Blends Over $25

Gold

Church & State Wines, BC 2007 Quintessential $49.90

Gray Monk Estate Winery, BC 2009 Odyssey Meritage $34.99

LA FRENZ, BC 2007 Grand Total Reserve $39.90

Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery, BC 2007 Obra-Prima $34.90

Thornhaven Estates Winery, BC 2008 EVOLUTION $31.90

Silver

Church & State Wines, BC 2008 Coyote Bowl Meritage $34.90

Church & State Wines, BC 2008 Quintessential $49.90

Kacaba Vineyards, BC 2007 Reserve Meritage $44.95

LA FRENZ, BC 2008 Grand Total Reserve $39.90

Bronze

CASSINI CELLARS, BC 2009 Collector’s Series Maximus $29.00

Harbour Estates , ON 2007 Premier Vintage $45.00

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2007 Sunrock Meritage $35.00

Painted Rock Estate Winery , BC 2008 Estate Red Icon $55.00

Van Westen Vineyards , BC 2007 Voluptuous $29.90

Syrah / Shiraz Under $25

Gold

Moon Curser Vineyards, BC 2009 Syrah $24.90

Silver

Peller Estates Winery Okanagan, BC 2008 Private Reserve Syrah $19.99

Bronze

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate , BC 2007 Summit Reserve Syrah $24.99

Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery , BC 2008 Syrah $24.90

Syrah / Shiraz Over $25

Gold

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2009 Syrah Reserve $29.99

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, BC 2007 Oldfield Series Syrah $29.99

Silver

BLACK WIDOW WINERY, BC 2009 SYRAH $31.90

Mission Hill Family Estate, BC 2007 Select Lot Collection Syrah $36.99

Bronze

CedarCreek Estate Winery, BC 2008 Platinum Syrah $39.90

Painted Rock Estate Winery, BC 2008 Estate Syrah $40.00

Marechal Foch

Gold

Skimmerhorn Winery & Vineyard, BC 2009 Marechal Foch $19.50

Silver

Larch Hills Winery, BC 2009 Marechal Foch $16.40

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, BC 2007 Organic Foch $26.95

Bronze

Jost Vineyards Ltd., BC 2009 Cote St. George Marechal Foch $14.99

Baco Noir

Gold

Henry of Pelham Family Estate, ON 2008 Reserve Baco Noir $24.95

Silver

Sandbanks Estate Winery, ON 2008 Baco Noir Reserve $24.95

Bronze

COFFIN RIDGE BOUTIQUE WINERY, ON 2009 BACO NOIR RESERVE $24.80

Other Single V.V. Reds

Gold

Domaine de Chaberton, BC 2009 Gamay Noir $15.25

Featherstone Winery, ON 2009 Gamay $19.99

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards, BC 2008 Discovery Series Malbec $24.99

Silver

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate, BC 2008 Family Reserve Zinfandel $34.99

The View Winery, BC 2009 Red Shoe Red (Pinotage) $14.50

Bronze

Legends Estates Winery, ON 2007 Petit Verdot Reserve $19.95

Other Single Hybrid Reds

Gold

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2009 Triomphe D’Alsace $17.99

Silver

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2008 Lucie Kuhlmann $21.99

Bronze

Annapolis Highland Vineyards , NS 2010 DeChaunac $22.00

Other V.V. Blends

Gold

Inniskillin Wines, ON 2008 Winemaker’s Series Shiraz Cabernet $24.95

Road 13 Vineyards, BC 2009 Rockpile $24.99

Silver

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2009 Character Red $19.99

Reif Estate Winery, ON 2009 The Magician $19.95

Bronze

Kalala Organic Estate Winery, BC 2009 Cuvée Noir $15.95

SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES, ON 2007 DOUBLE BARREL $15.00

Red Hybrid Blends

Gold

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS NV Vitis $21.99

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2010 Valley Roads Leon Millot Baco Noir $9.99

L’Acadie Vineyards, NS 2009 Innovation Series Red $29.99

Stoney Ridge, ON 2010 Radical Red $25.00

Silver

Eastdell Estates Winery, ON 2009 Black Cab $12.95

Gillis of Belleisle Winery, NB 2010 Belleisle Premium Red $24.80

House of Rose Winery, BC 2009 Hot Flash $17.90

Bronze

Averill Creek Vineyard , BC 2009 Prevost $22.00

Domaine & Vins Gélinas , QC 2008 Rouge Réserve $20.00

Skimmerhorn Winery & Vineyard , BC N/V Devil’s Chair $19.50

Late Harvest Wines:

Gold

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2009 Late Harvest Pinot Blanc $15.99

Silver

Reif Estate Winery, ON 2009 First Growth Riesling TBA $50.00

Bronze

Calamus Estate Winery, ON 2009 Special Select Late Varvest Vidal $23.10

Riesling Icewines:

Gold

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2009 Gold Series Riesling Icewine $70.00

Silver

Mission Hill Family Estate, BC 2009 Reserve Riesling Icewine $59.99

Bronze

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2007 Proprietors’ Reserve Riesling Icewine $60.00

Vidal Icewines:

Gold

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards, BC 2008 Vidal Icewine $52.99

Inniskillin Wines, ON 2008 Sparkling Vidal Icewine $69.95

Mike Weir Wine, ON 2006 Icewine Vidal $39.95

Peller Estates Winery Niagara, ON 2008 Private Reserve Vidal Icewine $26.85

Silver

Peller Estates Winery Niagara, ON 2008 Private Reserve Vidal Icewine $26.85

Bronze

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS 2010 Vidal Icewine $39.50

Inniskillin Wines, ON 2007 Vidal Icewine $49.95

Red Icewines:

Gold

Pondview Estate Winery, ON 2009 Cab Franc Icewine $35.00

Strewn, ON 2008 Cab Franc Icewine $63.00

Silver

Hinterbrook Estate Winery, ON 2009 Cabernet Franc Icewine $48.00

Peller Estates Winery Niagara, ON 2008 Signature Series Cabernet Franc Icewine $90.00

Pondview Estate Winery, ON 2009 Bella Terra Cab Sauvignon Icewine $40.00

Bronze

Mike Weir Wine, ON 2008 Icewine Cabernet $39.95

Niagara College Teaching Winery, ON 2008 Dean’s List Cabernet Franc Icewine $54.95

Other Icewines:

Gold

Caroline Cellars, ON 2009 CHARDONNAY ICEWINE $42.00

LuLu Island Winery, BC 2007 Riesling Chardonnay Icewine $69.00

Silver

Therapy Vineyards, BC 2010 Bi-Polar $50.00

Bronze

Domaine & Vins Gélinas, QC 2010 Signature Swenson White $32.00

Stoney Ridge, ON 2009 Excellence Gewurztraminer Icewine $100.00

Grape Fortifieds & Other Desserts

Gold

Harwood Estates, ON 2009 Just Desserts $25.00

House of Rose Winery, BC 2006 Vintage Okanagan Port $29.90

Stoney Ridge, ON n/v Passion $25.00

Silver

Annapolis Highland Vineyards, NS 2010 Highland Beauty $24.00

River’s Bend Winery, BC N/V AMBER $13.00

Bronze

La Halte des Pèlerins Inc., QC 2009 Le Miraculé $23.00

Stoney Ridge, ON 2009 Forte $20.00

Soft Fruit Dry

Gold

Westham Island Estate Winery, BC 2010 SnoGoos Wine $14.95

Silver

Sanduz Estate Wines, BC N/V Blueberry Merlot $16.37

Bronze

Living Sky Winery, SK 2010 Rhubarb $17.00

Soft Fruit Off Dry

Gold

Domaine Le Cageot, QC 2010 Le Frambleu $22.25

Muskoka Lakes Winery, ON 2009 Cranberry Blueberry $16.75

Westham Island Estate Winery, BC 2010 Raspberry Wine $12.95

Silver

Black Bear Farm Estate Winery, ON 2007 PAPA’S SPECIAL RESERVE $18.00

Living Sky Winery, SK 2010 Raspberry $17.00

Rocky Creek Winery, BC 2010 Blackberry $20.00

Silverside Farm & Winery, BC 2011 Tayberry $20.00

Bronze

Aleksander Estate Winery, ON 2010 Raspberry $13.95

Field Stone Fruit Wines, AB N/V Raspberry Fruit Wine $15.95

Harvest Estate Wines, ON N/V Blueberry Mist $9.95

Westham Island Estate Winery, BC 2010 Blueberry Wine $12.95

Soft Fruit Dessert

Gold

La Vallée de la Framboise Inc., QC 2010 Le Brochu $20.00

Muskoka Lakes Winery, ON 2009 Red Maple $18.85

Silver

Coastal Black Estate Winery, BC 2009 Raspberry Dessert $18.00

Field Stone Fruit Wines, AB N/V Saskatoon Berry Dessert Wine $19.95

Kawartha Country Wines, ON 2010 BlackBerry Dessert $9.80

Bronze

Black Bear Farm Estate Winery, ON 2009 STRAWBERRY & RED RASPBERRY $15.00

Black Bear Farm Estate Winery, ON 2009 BEAR’S SPECIAL BLEND $20.00

Tree Fruit Dry

Gold

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC 2010 Cherysh Cherry Rose $19.95

Silver

Les Vergers de la Colline, QC 2010 Ancestral $8.78

Bronze

Cypress Hills Vyd & Winery, SK 2010 Saskatchewan Sour Cherries $18.75

Tree Fruit Off Dry

Gold

Harvest Estate Wines, ON n/v Nectarine Peach $9.95

Les Vergers de la Colline, QC 2010 Rosé (ROSEHIPS) $10.53

Silver

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS NV Stutz Hard Apple Cider $10.50

Muskoka Lakes Winery, ON 2010 Georgian Bay Rose $16.95

Bronze

Blue Moon Estate Winery, BC 2010 SIRIUS, Apple Table Wine $16.90

Tree Fruit Dessert

Gold

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS NV Maple Wine $14.99

Silver

Living Sky Winery, SK 2010 Juliett Port-style $23.00

Bronze

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC 2009 Cerise D’Eve Red Cherry Portstyle $29.95

Stoney Ridge, ON 2009 Blueberry Maple Ice $40.00

Meades

Gold

Applewood Farm Winery ON N/V Madrigal Meade $14.95

Silver

Munro’s Meadery, ON 2010 Sweet Mead $15.12

Bronze

No Bronze Awarded

Iced Ciders

Gold

Cidrerie du Minot, QC N/V CRÉMANT DE GLACE $25.00

Domaine Pinnacle, QC NV Reflet d’hiver Ice Cider $21.99

Silver

Cidrerie Verger Léo Boutin, QC 2009 Mont de Glace $19.50

Domaine Félibre, QC 2009 Givré $22.75

Bronze

Cidrerie du Minot, QC 2006 DU MINOT DES GLACES $15.50

Domaine Leduc-Piedimonte, QC 2007 Ice Cider $26.50

Fruit Sparkling

Gold

No Gold Awarded

Silver

Verger Belliveau Orchard, NB 2009 Framboise Mousseux $12.95

Bronze

Domaine Le Cageot, QC 2010 Le Cageolais $29.25

That was an excerpt from the first time I tasted a truly exceptional Riesling wine. This happened in Niagara back in 2004 at Maleta Winery . Since then, I have been collecting Rieslings and have a decent collection of older vintages now. Note: the petrol and granite smells come out more as the wine ages.

This month, The Niagara Grapevine Magazine had a fantastic article by Ange Aiello all about why Riesling is her grape of choice.

My Heartbreak Grape

There, I said it, Riesling makes me weak in the knees. Forget Pinot Noir, Riesling is my “heartbreak grape” and definately my go-to varietal.

Fantastis quote! Ontario produces amazing Riesling and it is almost always the first wine to be released each year. Get out and stock up for the holiday season and find out for your self what makes this grape so good!

BTW: You can read Ange’s entire article online at: The Niagara Grapevine Magazine

There was over 300 lots and the auction ran, at a breakneck pace, from 6:30pm – 10:00pm. This year there was a fantastic selection on Ontario wines donated by Donald Ziraldo.

There were two lots which I really wanted. Both of them contained vintage Ontario wines.

The first lot consisted of:

1. Inniskillin, Pinot Noir 1994
2. Inniskillin, Pinot Noir Reserve 1994
3. Inniskillin, Pinot Noir 1995
4. Inniskillin, Pinot Noir Reserve 1995
5. Inniskillin, Pinot Noir Reserve 1997
6. Inniskillin, Pinot Noir St. Laurent 1998
7. Inniskillin, Pinot Noir Reserve 1998
8. Inniskillin, Pinot Noir Founder’s Reserve 2000
9. Inniskillin, Montague Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2000

It finally went for $475 dollars to man who was NOT going to be out bid for this lot.

The second lot, which I actually won, included:

1. inniskillin Icewine Vidal 1996 (two bottles)
2. inniskillin Icewine Oak Aged Vidal 1996 (two bottles)
3. inniskillin Icewine Oak Aged Vidal 1997 (three bottles)
4. inniskillin Icewine Riesling Vintner’s Reserve 1997 (two bottles)
5. inniskillin Icewine Cabernet Franc Vintner’s Reserve 1997 (two bottles)

This lot went for $475 and the final bidder was myself and the guy who won lot number one.
Maybe we took sympathy on me after beating me out for the first lot.

Overall it was a fantastic event and a great place to do some Christmas shopping.

The root of the ‘new niagara winery tour problem’ is two fold:

1. I don’t want to skip my favorite wineries
2. There are so many new wineries I can’t chooose

So my old favorites which I am going to skip are: Kacaba Vineyard, Lailey Vineyard, Maleta Winery, Pilliteri Winery, and Konzelman Winery.

This breaks my heart because Lailey’s Pinot, Kacaba’s reds and the 2009 Riesling, Maleta’s riesling, are amazing and not to be missed.

Here are the new wineries and I would love some feedback on other people’s experiences.

• Cattail Creek
• Flat Rock Winery – how have I not been here before?
• Calamus Winery
• Hidden Bench Winery
• Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery

My learning, the longer you live close to a wine region…the harder it is to plan a trip. So after 5 years in Toronto, I AM going to do the ‘all new Niagara wine trip’. I would love your feedback.

Note: The Ontario Public Service Employees Union, which represents workers at the Crown-owned LCBO, are mounting a campaign to convince the government not to privatize the monopoly liquor board. Here is the press released issue on June 1.

Toronto (1 June 2010) – The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) is ramping up its campaign to prevent the sale of Crown corporations, especially the ultra-profitable Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).

“In the face of Ontario’s $21 billion dollar deficit, selling Ontario’s crown jewels is getting another round of debate,” the union notes.

“Our message on this is clear: selling off any of Ontario’s assets, including the LCBO, is foolish. Why sell the goose that lays golden eggs year after year?”

Last year alone the LCBO, OLG, formerly the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), brought in $4.3 billion dollars in profits. Each year these funds go directly into the provincial coffers to support health care, education and other public services that benefit the people of Ontario.

“The Ontario government is reportedly considering combining these enterprises into a ’super corporation’ and selling a minority stake to private investors,” OPSEU says.
“Premier Dalton McGuinty is attempting to soften privatization by claiming that this ’super corporation’ will be partially privatized. It is more than likely however that the scheme is to work towards complete privatization. It will be a déjà vu, reminiscent of the days when Petro-Canada and Air Canada were publicly held, before being gradually sold off to the private sector.”

OPSEU notes that the Ontario Liberal government has turned to Goldman Sachs, the notoriously greedy New York investment bank, to provide advice on the sale of Ontario’s crown jewels.
“With Goldman Sachs offering advice to McGuinty on privatization, it is unlikely that the ‘best interests’ of the people of Ontario will be served,” OPSEU argues.

“We don’t want Dalton McGuinty to make the same mistake Mike Harris made when he sold off Highway 407 at a bargain basement price.”

OPSEU says the experience of Albertans since liquor sales were privatized in 1993 has shown that the idea is not only bad socially but costly financially. Impaired driving rates went up and crime increased.

“As a public agency, the LCBO has a mandate to sell alcohol responsibly,” OPSEU says.

“Each year, LCBO employees refuse to serve thousands of people who are under-age or intoxicated. Social responsibility keeps our communities safe.”

To hear more about my opinion on LCBO Privatization read “To privatize or not to privatize that is the question”

My highligts of the night were from three different wineries. The first ‘wow’ was from Cattail Creek and their well-spoken and modest wine maker, Colin Ferguson. He produced two fantastic wines at great prices. A 2009 Chardonnay Musque for $17…the mix of fruit on the nose was very unique. The 2008 Pinot Noir for $18 was a great Pinot at this price with some nice strawberry on the nose.

The second ‘wow’ was from a 2007 Cabernet Franc from Marynissen with good tannins; probably needs another 5-7 years to reach its prime.

The final ‘wow’ came from Maleta Winery which has been a favorite of mine since their spectacular 2002 Gamay. They poured a fantastic Meritage that is only selling by word of mouth (hmmm…is blogging about it a good idea). It has complex fruit and flavours that stood out even at the end of a tasting. Admittedly, part of the ‘wow’ is that it was a hidden wine not on the table and definately not in the tasting book.

It was organized and setup by the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the always impressive Ange Aiello of the iYellow Wine Club. It was carried off beautifully at the Toronto Board of Trade and tickets going for a very reasonable $50. The only complaint to be heard was a lack of food which at $50 is tough at a place like the TBoT.

This event will be happening again next year… if you want a great chance to talk with a bunch of wine makers this is the event for you!

My first introduction to Ravine was last year at Wine Camp Toronto when they poured their 2007 Riesling. It was a good by itself but was amazing with some of the cheeses.

Their winery is beautiful and a cool place for a wine tasting. Wine tasting at Ravine are held along a long bench in a renovated house. Next door there is a little snack shop with great selection of cheese and other ‘winery snacks’. If you are done in Niagara (St. David to be exact) drop by… you won’t be disappointed.

How do you decide between Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Pelee Island? Here are a few pieces of advice.

On your wine tour,
Do you want to warmest weather? Choose Pelee Island, it has the best weather of the three.
Do you hate crowds? Try Prince Edward County, they are the newest wine region and still small enough to be person.
Do you want a ton of wineries to choose from? Then choose Niagara, with over 100 wineries there is something for everyone.

Just a few quick tips for wine tour season….

The Ontario Government is, once again, investigating the potential sale price of the LCBO and Hydro One (other Crown Corporations are part of this but none are as interesting).

The Globe and Mail had a great article talking about the way the province is going about the process…both now and in the past.

The article mentions a possible sale price of $10B for the LCBO! That would be a great chunk of change for the province but would be VERY difficult as the Globe points out:

Any plan to sell Crown corporations that touch the lives of every Ontario voter would likely run into opposition on a number of fronts, including from unionized employees. In 2001, Ontario’s then-Conservative government planned a $5-billion initial public offering of Hydro One, which owns many of the power lines crisscrossing Ontario, but that was derailed, in part by a union-backed court challenge.

The article goes on to mention how parts of  HyroOne could be sold off to get around the union-backed problems. But there was no suggestion about what to do with the LCBO…here is my suggestion.

Since moving to Ontario five years ago, the ‘privatize LCBO’ debate has always been an ‘all-or-nothing’ discussion. My question has always been: “WHY?” Like the Globe mentioned in their article “lets sell off some parts”.  Maybe sell off 30 LCBO stores (about 5%) around the province as a test! Or better yet, leave all the LCBOs private but sell off ‘private liquor store licenses’ this won’t raise $10B but could easily bring in $500M! And would bring the money in FAST!

So, lets change the discussion, the LCBO discussion should no longer be:

To privatize or not to privatize

Instead it should be:

One small step for provincial coffers, one giant leap for Ontario consumers!

Over the next three-five years something has to give with regards to the LCBO…lets hope the government listens to the public.