Day 15: Finally, a Return to Peninsula Ridge

One of the best wine tour lunches we ever had was on the patio at Peninsula Ridge, yet we kept missing them on trips to the Niagara region since then. We have managed to pick up different wines from them that have managed to make it into the LCBO in recent years, but that’s a such a small percentage of what they offer that it really does them no justice. In August we decided to pop in as we were driving by, not for lunch, but just to sample the recent wines.

Tasting Room at Peninsula Ridge

Peninsula Ridge reminds me a bit of Vineland estates – with beautifully restored buildings, and the tasting room with the exposed beams.

 

We tried several different wines while we were there, and sadly, I did not take tasting notes for everything we tasted. We did buy a lot of wine though, so I will have a second chance when those bottles get opened.

One display caught my eye because it was a sale (I’m a sucker for value wines). It was the 2006 Inox Chardonnay (an unoaked Chardonnay). Luckily it was available to taste. While it had lost much of the fresh fruit notes, the fruit + acidity meant that it had aged quite well. Old white wines are a little unique – I enjoy them as much as the wines when they are fresh and young, but I understand it isn’t for everyone. Here’s what it tasted like:

Reserve Reds at Peninsula Ridge

Reserve Reds at Peninsula Ridge

2006 Dubois Vineyard Inox Chardonnay: Bruised apples, apricot, marzipan and caramel notes. Some bright citrus. Palate is sweet apple, pear, oxidized fruit, lemon. Surprisingly bright acidity cleanses the palate. Finishes with a squirt of lemon juice.

The reserve reds were impressive, and I did manage to jot some quick notes down on those:

2012 McNally Vineyards Proprietor’s Reserve Malbec: With a light floral The Lineupbackground, the blueberry and black cherry dominate the nose. While at first it appears it will be a fruit bomb, the palate is surprisingly tamed, with medium weight, light tannins, and mild notes of dark fruit. There’s no jamminess, but there is a hint of stewed fruit, and influence of cigar box (cedar, tobacco leaf).

2012 Vintner’s Private Reserve Merlot: This was one huge wine, with massive plum and black fruit on the nose.  The palate is slightly more reserved with layered spices on the black cherry, Damson plum, and a faint hint of blueberry. There’s a lot of structure to this wine and the tannins and fruit combination mean it has great cellaring potential.

2010 Arcanum: Both red and black fruits on the nose. On the palate, I am surprised that it still seems a bit closed for a 2010. There’s slightly subdued cherry, red currant, cassis, and black cherry with a decent hints of sweet spice. Loads of structure, this one still needs time to open up – I’d decant for a while, or keep it tucked away for a few more years.

Peninsula Ridge Winery
5600 King St, Beamsville
(905) 563-0900
info@peninsularidge.com

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