Rockway Vineyards is one of those wineries that has undergone a complete makeover in the last several years, moving from “golf course” wines to significant player in that short time. Winemaker David Stasiuk may not have been the only factor in this metamorphic change, but he’s definitely been key in the results you can taste in your glass.
When we attended #i4c2014 with friends last summer, we were lucky enough to have David take us on an extended tour and tasting experience through the portfolio. Starting with striking Rieslings, wild ferment Chardonnay, and then right through the big reds, capped off with barrel samples of a delectable Syrah. All of us left with several favourites, and we definitely earmarked the future release of his 2012 Syrah that we had sampled.
At Cuvée this winter, David was sampling another intriguing red blend (Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cab Sauv), this one done with all wild ferments. As the noted Syrah had also been released, there was a definitive buying stop now set on our agenda.
Rockway Vineyards 2012 Wild Ferment Red: First of all, this is a wine that you can
sip all evening, as you can continually discover something new in the aromas (this is an amalgamation of notes over the course of 2-3 hours). On the nose there’s both black and red fruit – black cherry, red cherry, cassis and plum, then lighter notes of raspberry and even red currant. There’s a nice oak influence with vanilla, baking spice, and chocolate. Hints of leather and forest floor complete. In the mouth, it’s juicy red fruit – sweet cherry, raspberry, then some drier cherry and currant. There’s also sweet spice, white pepper, and vanilla that persists, combining with the cherry into a lingering cherry vanilla finish. With medium+ tannins, you can cellar this for another 5-10 yrs easily (it also paired well with our gourmet burgers IMHO). Brilliant! $29.95 at the winery
Rockway Vineyards
3290 Ninth Street, St. Catharines
1 (877) ROCKWAY (762-5929)