News & Reviews - APRIL 2007

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

"Not to take the focus away from angels gate, but I just got word that time is running out to take advantage of one of the best wine bargains in Niagara. Calamus Estate Winery's 2005 Calamus Red is an overachiever at its current pre-release price of $13. Get this wine now by any means necessary, at this price you are litterally stealing it out of their hands."

"Calamus Estate Winery 2005 Calamus Red - $13.00 (till May 31st)
Here's another great red from the now award winning Calamus Estate (they picked up two Golds at the recent Ontario Wine Awards); not as bold and powerful as their Meritage, but this is one packs enough stuffing to be considered a fabulous wine indeed. 62% Cabernet Franc and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon (all the Merlot when into the Meritage blend), this red has dark fruit written all over it: cassis, black raspberry, sour cherry along with some cinnamon and oak notes. The palate seems smooth at first with blackberry, black cherry and sweet oak; with vanilla and cherry rounding off the finish. After two hours of being open, chocolate joins the vanilla and cherry on the back nine (so to speak) making sure you go home happy - it's there and it's tasty. There's also enough tannin and acidity to consider lying this one down in the cellar a few years. Good for pizza and pasta nights, as well as burgers and steak ... this is truly a multi-purpose red that's delicious and wonderfully cork-free so you can crack it anywhere. Act now because as of June 1st, 2007 this wine goes up to $15.00 ... don't miss out on this steal of a deal."

Click Here for a link to this review and other wine reviews.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

2006 Calamus "Sagitta" Gewurztraminer
"Fairly discreet nose with light mango, lychee and grapefruit. Just off dry with candied pear and apricot on the palate with good charging acidity and great middle palate punch. Try with olive oil poached halibut with apricot ~ chile salsa."
3 1/2 stars

2006 Calamus Pinot Gris
"Orange blossom water leading into sour apple and greengage plum flavours, good acidity and minerally finish. To serve with grilled butterflied quail with pear compote and vanilla leaf steamed rice." 3 1/2 stars

2006 Calamus Vidal
"Tropical, floral, an apealing bouquet. Off dry with good acidity, a perfect wine with Thai take out, especially Pad Thai." 3 stars

2005 Calamus Riesling
"Lemon and tropical fruit, Medium bodied, touch of residual sugar, flavoursome, almost juicy, a softer style Riesling, although there's plenty of acidity, Well made. Try with Ontario salmon trout in clarified butter, lemon." 4 stars

2005 Calamus Red
"The nose displays aromas of red berries, red plum, spice and some floral tones. Medium plus bodied with plenty of fruit flavours and a healthy grip of tannins. Needs some time in the bottle or try it with rare steaks if drunk now." 3 1/2 stars

April 2007

Calamus Meritage 2005, Niagara ($28) - Rating: 89
"This new winery in Jordan has come out of the gates strong with its first releases. This blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Franc and 6% Merlot is a medium to full bodied offering with aromas of toasty oak, cassis, cocoa and bell pepper on the nose as well as a ripe core of blackberries, spice, cassis and vanilla on the palate. Very good length with grip on the finish. From 2008 to 2013. (ES)"

Calamus Red 2005, Niagara ($15) - Rating: 88
"This is an incredible value in homegrown product and a definite case purchase. More approachable than the Calamus Meritage, it is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It serves up a nose of cassis, vanilla, spice, raspberry and tobacco. The palate is ripe with notes of cocoa as well as very good length. Now to 2011. (ES)"

Calamus Gewurztraminer 2006, Niagara ($13) - Rating: 87
"This is a mid weight Gewurz with characteristics of honey, spice, floral, pineapple and baked apples. Lengthy finish with just a touch of residual sugar. (ES)"

Calmus Riesling 2005, Niagara ($14) - Rating: 86
"Made from young vines, the wine displays a white gold colour as well as a bouquet petrol, lime, slate, honey, peach and citrus. Medium length, off dry and a good dose of alcohol on the finish. (ES)"

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