By Zoltan Szabo
2008 Inniskillin “Legacy” Riesling Niagara Peninsula VQA (not yet released, $25-$30)
Winemaker Bruce Nicholson’s signature is on the classic, golden-regal label. Nicholson is such simple and humble man, a super-talented winemaker, at his 25th vintage with the same company. Aromas of white peach, lime, apples, white blossoms, spicy narcissus and minerals. This Riesling has an excellent mouthfeel, its sugars are perfectly balanced by mouthwatering acids, its finish is sour, zesty and spiked by mineral notes that carry on for a while.This lovely white was aged on fine lees for 6 months. It will show even better in a few months down the road. Extremely food versatile, I tried it with braised pork belly and sea scallops with preserve plum, grapefruit and bean sprout salad and the match was sheer perfection.
2007 Inniskillin “Legacy” Cabernet Franc Niagara Peninsula VQA (not yet released, $30-$35)
The bouquet opens with black cherry, deep spice, purple flowers and with oak smoke, earth and tobacco nuances in the background. Medium to full bodied and juicy with black raspberry and black plum flavours, fresh and focused, with silky tannins and a spicy, nutmeg nuance on its finish. A well balanced, delicious red with its 14% alcohol well incorporated. An ideal match for it is Szechuan peppercorn dusted Ontario venison with rutabaga maple puree, honey mushroom and rosehip jus, also try it with rare duck breast with balsamic glaze, or local and succulent lamb chops from Black Walnut Lane Farm.
