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Heather Wall

Heather Wall CS; WSET Advanced

First Growth

Reif Estate Winery First Growth Merlot 2016

Niagara River, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
827 days ago

Heather scored this wine: 95/100

What makes a wine truly memorable? I’ve experienced a handful of remarkable wines and they all have the same common denominators: Company, location, time, food, and - of course - ambiance. About last night: It was positively balmy for December, but harsh winds were howling outside. Safe indoors, we dined by candlelight aside a twelve-foot, aromatic Balsam Fir in all its twinkling splendour. Our entrée, roast beef, was a perfect medium-rare and begged for a red wine that would respect it’s weight class. Some earthy qualities would be perfect for the mushroom risotto side dish. Of course, I brought a Reif Estate First-Growth Merlot 2016 VQA Niagara River. A winery-only marque, this hundred-dollar vintage offered a beautiful deep ruby colour with thick, slow legs on the glass for a silky smooth, warm, alcoholic finish. The aromas were like ten Lords-a-leaping - ripe plum, cherry, chocolate, fresh red berries, blueberry, leather, baking spices, earthy, and cigar. This merlot was beautiful after decanting for an hour; though, it became memorable after ninety minutes! It paired perfectly with both roast and risotto for an elevated meal befitting the season. This is a wine - and an evening - for the books!

Small Lot 'Steel Post Vineyard'

Thirty Bench Small Lot 'Steel Post Vineyard' Riesling 2008

Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
924 days ago

Heather scored this wine: 90/100

Summer of 2021 - you were hot! ???? As the sun goes down on this Labour Day weekend I’m enjoying another stellar Ontario wine. ???? In my glass: Thirty Bench Small Lot ‘Steel Post’ Vineyard Riesling 2008. VQA Beamsville Bench. Just 256 cases of this old vines Niagara Riesling and I have neighbours willing to share. Brilliant golden straw colour and exceptional aromatics on this thirteen year old wine. There’s no shortage of acidity on the palate or the characteristic Riesling aromas: petrol, lemon zest, blossoms, bees wax, blossoms, white peach and oxidized apple. Smooth and light at 10.5% abv. I’m not quite ready to let go of summer 2021 but I’m starting to look forward to the brigade of reds! ?????? Tasted: September 6th, 2021

Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2019

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada
930 days ago

Heather scored this wine: 90/100

Dinner under the stars with my sons. Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2019 VQA Okanagan Valley Medium-bodied and a pinch of sweetness. Smooth texture, and I detected a touch of viscosity. Notes of peach, apricot, apple, pear, florals, citrus and sweet spices. Easy sipping and a perfect pairing with chicken Alfredo and Caesar salad. At $16.99 it’s a bargain! This is a buy two wine! 13.4% abv #wine #winelover #instawine #sommelier #sommlife #winetasting #wineandfood #wineandfoodpairing #whitewine #pinotgris #okanaganwine #bcwine #bcwines #beautifulbristishcolumbia ,

SLH

Hahn Family Wines SLH Chardonnay 2014

Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, United States
967 days ago

Heather scored this wine: 90/100

I’m capping off virtual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (or i4c) weekend with one of my favourite Chardonnays from celebrations past. Cheers to returning to in-person i4c 2022 in Niagara! Always a highlight of my summer. Behold the deep golden colour that weaves the story of this beautiful wine. Picture Chardonnay grapes spending their days hanging on the vine under glorious California sunshine whilst evening brings cool Pacific Ocean breezes and grapes breathing a collective sigh of relief. There’s no doubt this wine is full-bodied and rich with concentrated aromas and flavours. Tropical fruit, apple turnover, apricot, lemon meringue, butter, toast, vanilla, saline, nuts, and caramel all riding a warm alcohol wave at a whopping 14.5% abv! A rich and smooth extended finish. Such a treat! Tasted: July 2021

Odyssey Brut White

Gray Monk Estate Winery Odyssey Brut White Sparkling Wine 2018

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada
978 days ago

Heather scored this wine: 90/100

A warm night with friends, Greek takeout, and sparkling wine. Perfect pairing. Gray Monk Osdyssey White Brut 2018 BC VQA Okanagan Valley A blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay Musque crafted for everyday enjoyment. Served chilled straight from the ice bucket! A pale straw colour with a frothy head of mousse and evident bubble necklaces. Light and fresh with nuances of fresh cut green apple, citrus, white blossoms, walnuts, pear, white peaches, and honey. Slight biscotti note from time spent on their lees. Riesling and Pinot Blanc definitely drive this sparkler! A lengthy lip smacking finish with a warm alcohol chaser. Paired with chicken souvlaki, rice and lemon potatoes. And good friends. ???? Great value! Tasted: July 2021

Heather Wall

Wine BloggerVisit Heather's Website

Memorable Wine

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne in Reims, France

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First Wine

Baby Duck!

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Current Fav Wine

Vineland Estates VQA Pinot Meunier

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