2014 La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Having not posted in a while, I was happy to receive this great California Chardonnay recently. La Crema makes some really nice wines and this one has really straddled the line between the hot climate of California, and slightly cooler climate wines. It’s being released at the LCBO this Saturday, and if you like a full bodied Chard that is not overdone, you should definitely grab this one – it is delicious!

La Crema Chardonnay

La Crema Chardonnay


Buttery nose of apple clafoutis (baked apples and pastry), brioche, ripe red apple, vanilla, sweet spice and hints of coconut. On the palate there’s that same clafoutis, lemon curd, and a nice cleansing green apple and lemon pith on the finish. Great balance of sweet fruit and acidity – creating a nice yin & yang. ****, $29.95. At the LCBO on April 1st.

LCBO#: 962886, $29.95.

Note: This bottle was provided free of charge as a sample.

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Trail Estate Winery 2014 Gamay Noir

I recently visited the Embrace Ontario event here in Ottawa. There were several Ontario wine producers there, most of them originating in PEC. One wine that stood out for me that night embraced both PEC and Niagara fruit. It was the 2014 Trail Estate Gamay Noir – it was so good we brought a couple of bottles home. Later I realized that Alex Sproul (from Trail) had sent me a bottle that was awaiting tasting, so it only made sense to let you in on this little gem.

2014 Trail Estate Winery Gamay Noir

2014 Trail Estate Winery Gamay Noir

The nose is smoky, peppery red fruit, embracing raspberry, cherry, and a hit of cranberry, with the slightest sweet spice notes in the background. The palate is juicy, with the right amount of tart and sweet red fruit playing a yin and yang on the tongue. The wine is both smooth and slightly astringent – playing tricks on the palate. Love the complexity. Tannins are present but in check, with a nice streak of acidity running through the mouth. 65% County fruit (from Hillier Creek) and 35% from the Bench (Steve Kocsis). They even drew off some juice to concentrate this beauty.

Lovely, food-friendly wine at $25.95 (and well worth it, IMHO).

Only 98 cases made, and available at the winery, or select events such as Embrace Ontario!

Trail Estate Winery
416 Benway Road, Hillier, ON
K0K 2J0

As noted, these wines were provided free of charge for review. You can see my sample policy here for more details.

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