Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.95 (750ml) or $15.95 (375ml)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A traditional method Brut with fine, persistent beads, produced from Chardonnay and Pinto Noir grapes sourced from vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula by Chateau Des Charmes. Offers a nice balance between its tangy citrus and ripe, orchard fruit characters on the peaches'n'cream nose and the yeasty, biscuit-infused, slightly off-dry palate. Finish is lively and refreshing with lingering, steely minerality and crisp citrus. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Atelier Red - 84pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Atelier Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 4000 cases
Date Tasted: October 22nd, 2019
Tasting Notes: An easy-going, uncomplicated (or complex) blend of Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot, which, despite the inclusion of Bordeaux varieties, tastes like a rustic, yet, smooth PTG (or passe-tout-grains) from Beaujolais. Though, nearly tannin-less, the Atelier Red does posses a vibrant finish, making it food-friendly, especially for stews or soups. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 488 cases
Date Tasted: September 5th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with a touch of menthol on the, otherwise, blackcurrant and woody-graphite scented nose. An opulent, New World Cabernet Sauvignon with ripe, black fruit flavours providing the perception of sweetness while savoury notes of cedar, licorice and light spice add depth and blackberry acidity and dusty/smoky tannins contribute the needed structure for such a concentrated palate. Readu to go now or hold for another 2-3 years. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.95
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 486 cases
Date Tasted: June 25th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An old school, old world Cabernet Franc, somewhat austere, though not void of fruit on its potpourri and oak-scented nose and its dry, dusty tannin and iodine-kissed palate. Pair with a lean'n'mean, rare tenderloin steak to match the wine's minerality  and showcase the charred, dark berry notes. Ready to go now or hold for 2-3 more years. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2018 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2018 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 508 cases
Date Tasted:  June 10th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A refreshing, Pinot Noir-based rosé with a crisp, citrus-y bitterness to the palate with mouth-watering acidity and both the flavour and texture of ripe, fleshy plums. Look for additional red berry and rhubarb aromas and flavours with a touch of herbs and honeycomb notes supporting. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $38.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 541 cases
Date Tasted: February 16th, 2019

Tasting Notes: This single vineyard Pinot has great texture and presence in the mouth with good balance between its brambly fruit, chai spiced oak and earthy characters on the feminine nose and the medium-everything, dry palate. Ready to go now and pair with game or foild dishes. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 3540 cases
Date Tasted: February 16th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A solid entry-level Pinot Noir with a cherry and raspberry fruit leading nose with complimentary earthy-oak supporting notes. The similarly flavoured dry palate follows offering additional layers of smoky herbs and juicy plum through to a moderate finish with a touch of lingering, bitter boysenberry acidity. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Vidal Icewine - 91pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Vidal Icewine (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $27.95 (200ml)
Alcohol: 9.5%
Production: 3665 cases
Date Tasted: November 28th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Imagine the aromas and flavours of honey-drenched, canned apricots and melons and you'll be ready to sip this tasty Vidal ice wine from Niagara's Chateau Des Charmes. Unctuous, sweet and long, with a touch of citrus acidity mid-palate to add some balance to the custard-y texture. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Aligoté - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here (upon release)
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: July 18th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An aromatic and bright, near-colourless Aligoté with a lovely nose of white blossoms, apricots and stonefruit followed by a mouth-watering and refreshingly sharp palate of apples, pears, lemon/lime and ginger flavours. Lemon drop candy and a touch of spice lingers on the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Riesling - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Riesling (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 10.5%
Production: 479 cases
Date Tasted: July 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A lovely, nearly-colourless, subdued Riesling offering well-integrated, citrus, melon and orchard fruit on the delicate nose and the RS-kissed palate. Alcohol, overall sweetness and acid levels are (relatively) low and (most importantly) well balanced. Those looking for a bracing, in-your-face Riesling must look elsewhere. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Cabernet-Merlot - 86+pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Cabernet-Merlot (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2000 cases
Date Tasted: July 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: When given time in the glass to breath, this otherwise Old World-leaning blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot opens-up nicely to reveal its fruity, New World innards with ripe, blackberry and red currant aromas on the oak and nutmeg scented nose and the rustic, dry palate. Moderate, slightly bitter finish showcases some nice, lingering spice notes. Could evolve a bit with another 1-2 years of bottle age. Drink 2019-2021.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 12.7%
Production: 7000 cases
Date Tasted: May 25th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Pleasantly stinky on the nose with a touch of asparagus and ammonia notes contributing some zing to the Asian pear, grass and stony, gooseberry aromas. Palate is well balanced with a touch of residual sugar contrasting the crisp apple and tangy citrus acidity and flavours. This platinum blond Sauvignon Blanc should make for a delicious sun quencher during the hotter months of the year (also known as 'Summer'). Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 4823 cases
Date Tasted: March 9th, 2018

Tasting Notes: This full-ish bodied, barrel fermented Chardonnay offers great value in this price range for what's in the bottle: nice, green apple acidity enveloped by a toasty blanket of ripe melon and pear, baked lemon and Cracker Jack candied nut flavours. Moderate finish is mostly dry with a touch of lingering spice. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 ‘Old Vines’ Riesling - 90pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 ‘Old Vines’ Riesling (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $18.95
Alcohol: 12.4%
Production: 1591 cases
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The 2014 edition of the Old Vines Riesling is decidedly sweeter than previous vintages, clocking in at 10.4g/l of residual sugar, making a welcomed and beautifully balanced counter to the lime and mineral backbone always present in this wine. 

Honeycomb and honeydew aromas and flavours mingle with pear and apple notes with melon and citrus acidity keeping the finish fresh and light where a touch of lime rind lingers. Delightful and very well priced. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Gamay Noir 'Droit' - 88pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2014 Gamay Noir 'Droit' (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Select LCBO stores. 2015 vintage now available direct from the winery here
Cost: $17.95 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 790 cases
Date Tasted: January 31st, 2017

Tasting Notes: An aromatic Gamay Noir with a charming combination of fruity, floral and spicy aromas followed by a well-balanced, easy-going palate with soft tannins, red fruit and spicy-savoury flavours and a touch of citrus acidity. Enjoy this Gamay in its youth. Drink now-2018.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Chardonnay - 89pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Chardonnay (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $21.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 239 cases
Date Tasted: September 28th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Opens on the generous nose and on the boisterous palate with comforting custard'n'fruit characters that will put a smile on your face. The initial creaminess is followed closely by a wave of mineral and tangy, Tropical fruit aromas and flavours which establish equilibrium in this single vineyard Chardonnay. Also find pear, Golden Delicious apples, honeycomb, melons, pineapple, papaya, lime rind, river rocks, grapefruit and oak throughout with a touch of spice on the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 1715 cases
Date Tasted:  June 23rd, 2016

Tasting Notes: A fruity and fresh rosé with lifted, red berry aromas and a touch of cooling minerality on the nose. Medium bodied with a touch of residual sugar mid-palate that finishes dry thanks to a refreshing wave of cranberry-rhubarb acidity and flavours. Grapefruit rind and light, dried herbs linger on the moderate finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Stratus Vineyards 2010 Red - 92pts

Stratus Vineyards 2010 Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery directly here
Cost: $44
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2015

Tasting Notes: The 2010 assemblage of the winery's flagship red wine is a more straight forward approach when compared to previous vintages which have included up-to 7 red varieties grown on the Niagara-On-The-Lake vineyard. This year's blend could easily be mistaken for the specs of a Left Bank Bordeaux: 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc. 

The 2010 boasts a still-youthful nose of both raw and cultured, red and dark fruit aromas supported by lovely aromatic notes of sweetened spice, tobacco leaf, vanilla beans and toasted oak. The smooth palate follows with good continuity of flavours, supportive tannins and near-perfect acidity that refreshes the palate without washing away any of the lingering characters. 

Should age well, even by Stratus Red standards. Drink now-2022..
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $13.95 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 2511 cases
Date Tasted: July 14th, 2015

Tasting Notes: This is an easy-going, barrel fermented Chardonnay from the Niagara Peninsula, priced well at under $15 and offering a nice combination of pear, apple and citrus fruit and oak-influenced characters of vanilla, butter and spice. Not overly complex, but a solid expression of classic Chardonnay orchard fruit with some added depth coming from a light vein of minerals on both the nose and palate. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Gamay Noir - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Gamay Noir (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $13.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1991 cases
Date Tasted:  January 21st, 2015

Tasting Notes: A raw, in-your-face Gamay Noir that smells and tastes (rather specifically) like a handful of crushed, slightly under-ripe, black cherries soaked in POM Wonderful juice. Beyond the fruit lies layers of earthy flavours and sweet'n'spicy liqueur notes. Tannins are mild - it is the bright acidity that frames this wine. Drink now-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca