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L.J. Palmer WSET 3

L.J. Palmer WSET 3

Reif Chardonnay 2020

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
20 hours, 28 minutes ago

L.J. scored this wine: 90/100

The wine is medium lemon in colour, dry, of medium acidity and full body. It has a pronounced nose of ripe peach and pear, with a trace of vanilla and baking spice. Tasted this wine with a rich seafood pie of shrimp and smoked haddock; a satisfactory pairing. A pairing of Rabel Iberico cheese (mix of cow, goat and sheep milk) was excellent; wine and cheeses complemented each other nicely. I expect a cheese fondue (Gruyere/Emmental cheese based) would pair well too.

6 days ago

L.J. scored this wine: 89/100

This blend of Baco Noir and Merlot is deep ruby coloured, dry, medium acidity and tannin and medium bodied. It has a pronounced nose of dusty cocoa, dark cherry, plum and baking spice. It has a smooth mouthfeel and and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled lamb or a wedge of cheddar cheese.

Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2021

Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
6 days ago

L.J. scored this wine: 90/100

Medium ruby coloured wine, dry, medium acidity and tannin, medium body with a pronounced earthy and savory nose, a sweet floral note and red cherry with softer notes of strawberry and raspberry. There is also some vanilla picked up from aging in French oak barrels. In the mouth the savory notes appear as smoky or even meaty from time to time but always pleasant. This wine paired nicely with a beef and mushroom shepherds pie, made with rosemary and thyme and topped with sweet potatoes; showcasing the savory notes. A dish with roasted red peppers would also bring out those notes nicely. This wine is also pleasant to sip on its own.

Flat Rock Riesling 2021

Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
12 days ago

L.J. scored this wine: 91/100

This medium lemon coloured, has a pronounced bright nose, featuring lime, lemon, peach and possibly mango, with a whiff of petroleum. The wine is off dry, medium plus acidity, and medium body. It has a lovely spritzy, effervescent mouthfeel. Creamy white Stilton with mango and ginger suited it down to the ground; the mango in the cheese called to the similar notes in the wine and the ginger creaminess complemented the wine very well. I would also pair it with a butternut squash soup with ginger or other dishes with ginger highlights. wonderful to drink on its own too.

Château des Charmes Fumé Blanc 2022

Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
12 days ago

L.J. scored this wine: 90/100

An elegant and restrained wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, aged in oak barrels on the lees. The wine is medium gold, very dry, medium acidity and a medium body, with a moderate nose featuring ripe pear, lime, some lemon, spices and a definite mineral note. My friends and I tasted it with goat cheese, both plain and herbed and Manchego with rosemary. The herbed goat cheese was magical with it; it enhanced the wines creaminess and really opened up the flavour.

L.J. Palmer WSET 3

Current Fav Wine

Whatever's in my glass; weakness for Chablis, Burgundian style Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône style Syrah and Ribero del Duero from Spain

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award