Taste it Again / Lost & Found

Domaine Queylus 2013 Cabernet Franc Tradition

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Category: Lost & Found / Taste it Again

An honest review ... of a winery that makes great wines:

This is a 10 year old Cabernet Franc from a mediocre vintage (that saw a huge crop, largest on record to that point for Ontario). Sadly, not even Queylus' good name and winemaking team can save what this has become: liquid bell pepper. And that's being kind. Fruit is long gone. Even at the times when the green pepper subsides, there is very little to be excited about. The best thing I can say here, is that oak was not a factor in my tasting - it did not show up. Which was a saving grace for this wine.

Let me put it this way: imagine taking green peppers and putting them in water and letting them sit there for a few weeks and then drinking the water. Sometimes known as Chinon back in the day or Ontario circa early-2000s.

Harsh? Maybe. But fact remains, not all Ontario wines age well, you need to know your vintages. If you still have 2013s in your cellar (from any winery) now might be the time to bring them out and give them a try. Keep your expectatons low.

Original Review October 7, 2016

Creekside 2017 Laura's Red

Details

Category: Lost & Found / Taste it Again

Upon opening: Cracked the cap and the wine was still young and vibrant - too young to see change in colour.

NOSE: Young and fruit driven, yet with notes of cigar box and subtle cedar.

TASTE: Lots of raspberry and black cherry, a little smoky and still has a little tannin grit - the background showed a layer of oak.

2:30 hrs later ...
There's a smoothness to the wine as the gritty tannins have mellowed, but there is an oak dominance that seems to be sneaking in on the finish and it lingers there - it has been gaining momentum over the past hour or so, but I've tried to ignore it. Now it seems it wants to be fully recognized. Fruit seems to be absent, maybe a little cassis and blackberry with a smoky-toastiness if I struggle hard to look for it.

3:15 hrs later ...
Dry and dusty. I stopped drinking it. The oak has become the show.

Bottom Line ...
This wine is good for about an hour, maybe two, which should be good enough for most people; if you decided to let it sit open a little longer I think you are bound to be disappointed. Drink Up.