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 (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 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 2016 St. David's Bench Vineyard Gewurztraminer (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $21.95
Alcohol: 12.6%
Production: 495 cases
Date Tasted: August 17th, 2018
Tasting Notes: A delicate, mineral-kissed Gewurztraminer from the winery's St. David's Bench Vineyard. Crisp and focused with classic exotic fruit and spice beautifully balanced by bright, citrus and orchard fruit characters. Moderate finish is nearly dry, so we're far from gooey Gewurz territory with this elegant release. Enjoy it in its youth. Drink 2018-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
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 2015 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: November 23rd, 2017
Tasting Notes: True to the house style of an Old World Pinot Noir, but far from fruitless, especially on the raspberry-cherry scented nose. The (very) dry, savoury palate has smooth, light cedar tannins, wild berry acidity and layers of herbs, mocha and earthy notes. Drink now-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 1949 cases
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2017
Tasting Notes: A well-priced, citrus-scented Aligoté (Burgundy's other white grape) with food-friendly acidity and dryness. Look for pear, lemon drop, grapefruit, ginger and melon aromas and flavours. Pair with hard cheeses. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2014 St. David's Bench Vineyard Chardonnay (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 495 cases
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2017
Tasting Notes: A good vintage for the SDB Chardonnay with present, but not overwhelming, characters from malolactic fermentation and oak contact. Melons, nuts and citrus fruit dominate the flavour and aroma profile on the generous, chewy palate and the cool, more masculine nose, respectively.
Already three years old and presenting maturing characteristics. Ready to be enjoyed with seafood adorned, white sauce pasta. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
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 2014 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 269 cases
Date Tasted: October 11th, 2016
Tasting Notes: An elegant example of Canadian, cool-climate Pinot Noir, sourced from a single-vineyard in the Niagara Peninsula's St. David's Bench appellation. Opens with a soft, feminine combination of earthy, floral and red fruit aromas with caramel-chai spice and smoky-vanilla notes. The palate furthers the feminine profile with engaging texture, good continuity of flavours from the nose, spicy tannins and a nice wave of fresh berry acidity to keep the moderate-plus finish lively and refreshing. Ready to be enjoyed now and over the next few years. Drink now-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1687 cases
Date Tasted: October 4th, 2016
Tasting Notes: An aromatic Aligoté with floral and apricot notes on the nose followed by a medium-bodied, slightly-sharp, dry palate with lemon/lime, grapefruit and ripe apple flavours. A touch of spicy lemon zest and mineral notes linger on the finish. A wine to be enjoyed with hard cheeses and in its youth. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
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 2012 St. David's Bench Vineyard Chardonnay (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 483 cases
Date Tasted: September 4th, 2016
Tasting Notes: A masculine and developed Chardonnay nearing the end of its peak with mature aromas of melon, spice, nectar, minerals, nuts, straw and unpasteurised honey. Palate is creamy, spicy and lemony with loads of wet wood characters and mineral notes through to a shortened finish. Drink now.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2012 Gamay Noir 'Droit' (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $16.95
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 21st, 2015
Tasting Notes: An excellent Gamay with a rich nose of black cherry, cola, mineral and warm, spicy earth aromas. On the palate, despite the 3.5g/l of residual sugar (adding texture and body), a thin vein of citrus acidity runs through to the Christmas Cake and oak-infused finish, contrasting the ripe, spicy raspberry flavours. A fabulous pairing for Christmas turkey. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2013 St. David's Bench Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 2105 cases
Date Tasted: January 3rd, 2015
Tasting Notes: A mild mannered nose of golden delicious apple, citrus fruit, Asian pear, fresh herbs and rose aromas offer a gentle, floral entry to this single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from the St. David's Bench district of the Niagara Peninsula. The palate is a pleasing combination of rounded citrus and orchard fruit with cool mineral and mouth-watering acidity. The finish lingers with herbs and citrus peel flavours. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2012 '1951' Unoaked Chardonnay (Niagara Peninsula) Ontario
Availability: LCBO
Cost: $13.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 11th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Refreshing and relatively plump, for an unoaked Chardonnay, the wine opens with a pleasant, subtle nose of melon and orchard fruit aromas and follows-up with similar flavours on the round palate and an added kick of citrus fruit and mineral notes. Finishes a tad sharp and short, though, a pairing with hard cheeses will do nicely.
Produced, along with a red blend, to support a fundraising campaign for the Missisauga Lakeshore Rotary association that was founded in 1951, hence the branding on the label. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2012 St. David's Bench Vineyard Merlot (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 553 cases
Date Tasted: October 2nd, 2014
Tasting Notes: Stands-out from its juicier Merlot peers with an Old World appeal of leather and oak characters, grippy tannins and earthy-brine-y goodness. Dark berry and spicy plum notes add a touch of sweetness and depth on the nose and balance the savoury elements on the palate nicely. Should hold well for 3-5 more years with some further development. Drink 2015-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2012 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: 491 cases
Date Tasted: September 20th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Lovers of creamy, tropical fruit infused Chardonnay will enjoy this offering from the Niagara Peninsula's Chateau Des Charmes. Minerals and citrus fruit flavours and acidity give the wine a nice backbone, keeping the wine from feeling flabby in the mouth. Look for honeycomb, melons, ripe pineapple, papaya, lime rind, river rocks, grapefruit, golden apples and oak influenced aromas and flavours. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2013 Cuvée D'Andrée Rosé (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 1575 cases
Date Tasted: May 5th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This cranberry-salmon coloured rosé is made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from multiple estate vineyards near Niagara-On-The-Lake. Supremely easy-going and fun to drink, this off-dry rosé delivers playful, red berry and pink grapefruit characters well-balanced with light minerals and tangy acidity. A nice hit of fresh grapefruit lingers on the finish. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes 2009 Vidal Icewine (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $25.95 (200ml), $44.95 (375ml)
Alcohol: 9.5%
Production: 5308 cases
Date Tasted: December 20th, 2013
Tasting Notes:
At 4 years of age this Vidal icewine has developed a yellow-gold hue and some lip smacking caramel characters to go with the classic, honeyed orchard fruit flavours on the maturing palate. A nice vein of citrus acidity keeps the intense sweetness (mostly) grounded. Serve chilled, in the smallest, tulip shaped glasses you can get your hands on as you will only need a splash of this intense nectar to appreciate the craft and quality on offer. Drink now-2017+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca
