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Wine Appreciation Through Education |
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Andrews' Scenic Acres 9365 10th Sideroad Milton, Ontario 905-878-5807 |
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| My first encounter with Andrews Scenic Acres was an afternoon spent hunkering down over fresh, pick-your-own strawberries. The farm became a regular stop for us, whether we were looking for the ideal pumpkin or trying to identity the queen bee in the demonstration hive. Then one day there was a winery. Naturally enough, Scotch Block Winery offers a wide variety of fruit wines using the high quality fruits and berries that the farm is famous for. Some grapes are imported from Niagara to produce a few conventional wines, but fruit wine remains the farm winery's forté. This doesn't mean that gapes won't grow in North Milton. Vinifera and hybrid grapes have already been planted on the farm and will come on-line over the next few years. Plans are also in the works to plant even more vineyards. In the meantime, the winery is content to rack up awards with their fruit wines. |
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During my recent visit to Scotch Block, I intentionally bypassed the grape-based wines -- not because they don't measure up (the Zweigelt is particularly nice) but rather to focus my attention on the possibilities of fruit wines. I've tried to frame the wines in terms of conventional wines, the goal being to find a place for each wine at the dinner table. Note that these wines are mostly non-vintage and are not meant for cellaring. In general they should be opened in the year of purchase. |
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Deep almond with just a hint of copper in the colour with aromas of crushed leaves, apple, mineral, and gooseberry. A crisp, gooseberry tartness and very dry. Medium body with good length, showing a nice lingering interplay between the fruit and tart acidity. Very unlike a grape wine, but would work well with curry, lamb, or sushi. |
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Vibrant deep ruby colour. Luscious aromas of Cassis, cedar, ripe berries, and a cocktail of spices. Very smooth on the tongue, with amazing fruit, tangy, well-balanced acidity and a wee hint of tannin. Quite full bodied, long and spicy with very good evolution. Not surprisingly, a gold medal winner. Easy drinking and fruity with lots of body. Use anywhere you might reach for merlot. |
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Brilliant peachy, apple red. Delicate aromas of ripe raspberries, spice, apple, and a touch of citrus. Shows a nice burst of sugar on the fore palate, but finishes dry. Subtle, laid-back berry flavours. Good body and quite long, with a nippy acidity on the fruity back palate. Would be an ideal stand-in for Riesling although the colour will be a give-away. Try with roast pork. |
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Bright pale straw colour. The first impression suggests chardonnay, with subtle peach, tropical fruit and petrol aromas. Jammy on the palate, with sweet fruit flavours bolstered by a lightly tart acidity. Good body and length, smooth and round with a dry finish. A terrific match for BBQ chicken. |
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Flaming candy-apple pink with a touch of cranberry in the colour. Port-like on the first approach, followed by red currants and a bit of caramel. It presents a citrusy nip up front and light smokiness on the back palate. Just a hint of sugar yet it finishes quite dry. Very good body, length and evolution. Think in terms of a pink sauvignon blanc that will go well with seafood or BBQ chicken. |
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Pale garnet in the glass. Full blueberry aromas on top and slightly vinous, with nuances of blackcurrant and perfume. More blueberries follow on the palate, against a firm acidity and a hint of tartness. Starts with a touch of sugar but finishes dry. Nicely structured, with medium body and fruit developing nicely through the finish. Full of blueberry character, but not blatantly so. A nice aperitif and not just for blueberry fans. |
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Brilliant, deep apricot in colour. Juicy cooked strawberries and orange pulp on the nose. Soft and sweet on the palate, subtle berry flavours with a touch of citrus, finishing quite dry. Medium bodied with very good length, the fruit working right to the end. An easy drining style that could be dangerous. Could work nicely with egg salad. Move over White Zin! |
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Brilliant candy apple pink. Enticing aromas of pink grapefruit and garrigue, with hints of apple and raspberry. Tangy with an inviting sweetness, fading to sweet fruit flavours. Very good body and long, with very good fruit development through to a tangy close. My vote is for crème caramel or Gorgonzola. |
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Brilliant cinnamon candy colour. A slight whiff of port followed by currants, cherries and other red berries. More port character on the palate with a firm, fresh acidity. Good body and a lingering, fruity finish that closes almost dry. Laid back and easygoing. A pleasant, characterful sipper that doesn't lean too heavily on the sugar. |
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Deep, brilliant apricot-melon colour. Aromas of strawberry jam, oranges, apples, and leather. Very sweet off the top - slightly syrupy - with soft acidity and a touch of caramel. Medium body and length with a firm acidity on the finish. Charming: You may want to pour it over French vanilla ice cream. |
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Tasting Date: August 31, 2002 |
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