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Twilight Wines

~ Making Your Wine Experience Even More Enjoyable

Twilight Wines

Category Archives: Winery Review Series

Upon visits to wineries, I will review their wines that they submit to me as well as the winery.

NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY DEAN’S LIST MERLOT 2020, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

14 Tuesday Feb 2023

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Red Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $34.95
Grape: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Nice wine, a little over-priced & needs time to soften. Score: 88/100.

Tasting Note: Dark ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, green tannin & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Dark cherry, plum, raspberry, pomegranate, cocoa powder, vanilla & graphite.

Negatives: High alcohol

Interesting Point: “This wine spent 20 months in oak, with 30% of it being new barrels.” Winery

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years, on its own or pair it with Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Ribs.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: February 13, 2023

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NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY BALANCE PET NAT CHARDONNAY 2017, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

26 Thursday Jan 2023

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $28.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

This isn’t half bad, but I wouldn’t pay the price for it. A simple Brut frizzante. Score: 87/100.

Tasting Note: Cloudy yellow gold in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, a light intense nose & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon zest, grapefruit, sour bread, yeast, kumquat, Jonagold apples & limestone.

Negatives: The price

Interesting Point: “This was made in the “Petillant Natural” or “Pet Nat” style. Fermented only using indigenous yeast, it was bottled down near the end of fermentation to capture natural CO2 gas bubbles. No additions have been made to this wine and it remains sur lie (with lees) to protect its integrity, structure and ageability.”

Pairings: Drink this now on its own or pair it with rippled potato chips with dill/onion dip.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: January 24, 2023

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NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY GASTRONOMY UNFILTERED CHARDONNAY 2020, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

17 Tuesday Jan 2023

Posted by Twilight Wines in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $24.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Nicely balanced showing citric fruit & spiciness. Score: 91/100

Tasting Note: Light yellow gold in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, light tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon zest, pineapple, peach, apples, pear, caramel, vanilla, oak spice

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: 2020 was a great vintage year for Ontario wines.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4-6 years on its own or pair it with snow crab lobster with drawn butter.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: July 16 & August 21, 2022

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NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY GASTRONOMY SPARKLING WINE, NV, Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

19 Monday Dec 2022

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $34.95
Grape: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

One of NC best dry sparkling wines they’ve made, which is delicious, elegant, clean & crisp. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Straw to light gold in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, a light to medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Light yeast, brioche, sourdough bread, lemon rind, green apples, pear, white peach,

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: 4 years on lees.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with Norwegian eggs Benedict.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: December 18, 2022

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NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY TOM THOMSON WHITE CANOE 2108, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

09 Wednesday Nov 2022

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Recommended, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $22.95
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Gris
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

I am normally a traditionalist when it comes to white wine, meaning I’m not crazy when it comes to several blends of white grapes in a wine, but this one was pretty good. Score: 87/100.

Tasting Note: Gold in colour with good acidity, an intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Grapefruit, passion fruit, Dragon fruit, kumquat, & lemon rind.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “The Tom Thomson art gallery (The Tom) is a national cultural attraction dedicated to the innovation and spirit of the iconic artist Tom Thomson (1877-1917) whose artwork has been described as being the “visual equivalent of our national anthem”. This wine was created by the Niagara College Teaching Winery in honour of the 50th anniversary of The Tom and 100th anniversary of Thomson’s untimely and mysterious death at Canoe Lake.” (Winery)

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2 -4 years on its own or pair it with calamari.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: November 8, 2022

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13TH STREET WINERY JUNE’S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2020, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

16 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by Twilight Wines in 13th Street Winery, Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $21.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Creek Shores, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the best Canadian non-oaked Chards I’ve tasted that shows a creamy rich texture along with minerality. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Straw with some gold tinge in colour with good acidity, medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, pineapple, Jonagold apples, ripe pear, honeycomb, honeydew melon & limestone.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Vegan Friendly

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with grilled shrimp

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: September 12, 2022

LCBO: 154617

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13th STREET WINERY RESERVE VIOGNIER 2020, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

17 Wednesday Aug 2022

Posted by Twilight Wines in 13th Street Winery, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $34.95
Grape: Viognier
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth, elegant & delicious. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: White peach, lemon zest, honeydew melon, green apples, pear, star fruit (Carambola), vanilla & honeysuckle on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Fermented & aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4-6 years on its own or pair it with Sautéed chicken with roasted red peppers, tossed in a cajun cream sauce with spinach and feta.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: July 22 & August 4, 2022

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NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY GASTRONOMY UNFILTERED SHIRAZ 2020, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Canada

08 Friday Jul 2022

Posted by Twilight Wines in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $24.95
Grape: Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Not complex but well-made wine at a great price that features dark fruit & spiciness. Score: 95/100

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with foaminess around the perimeter, good acidity, medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Mulberry, plum, tamarind, black & white pepper, vanilla,

Negatives: Should be labelled Syrah not Shiraz as it’s not styled in the Australian way.

Interesting Point: The foaminess, which looks like soap, doesn’t seem to affect the wine & expect it’s due to the wine being Unfiltered. From Dr. Vinny from Wine Spectator: “Foam, and bubbles in general, are caused when the surface tension of water is decreased, which is how soap creates so many bubbles. Let’s assume that there isn’t soap in your decanter (but you should be sure you are rinsing them out thoroughly, just to be certain). That means there is something in the wine itself that is affecting the surface tension of the wine or the rinsing water.

There are two sources of surface-tension reduction in wine. The first is a protein that’s present in tannins. I tend to notice the foam phenomenon much more often in red wines than in whites, and there are more tannins in reds. Alcohol (ethanol) also has an effect on surface tension. So, you can expect a tannic, high-alcohol wine to yield the most foam among still wines.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4-6 years on its own or pair it with Ribeye Steak.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: July 7, 2022

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13th STREET WINERY WINE CLUB GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2019, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

24 Thursday Feb 2022

Posted by Twilight Wines in 13th Street Winery, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines, Winery Review Series

≈ 2 Comments


Cost: $34.95
Grape: Gewurztraminer
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A light style GW dominated by grapefruit. Score: 87/100.

Tasting Note: Bright gold with a green tinge in colour, good acidity, a medium+ intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Grapefruit, lychee, ginger & pear

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with jerk honey chicken wings

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: February 23, 2022

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13th STREET WINERY VIOGNIER 2019, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

16 Wednesday Feb 2022

Posted by Twilight Wines in 13th Street Winery, Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $21.95
Grape: Viognier
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.


A dry, light, crisp & fruity style Viognier. Score: 89/100

Tasting Note: Light straw in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lime, apricot pit, white peach, pear, oak spice & a touch of vanilla.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: 50% fermented & aged for 8 months in seasoned French oak barrels. 50% fermented & aged in stainless steel.

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with spicy Pad Thai.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: Feb 14, 2022

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Edward Rasiulis: Certified Sommelier

Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers whose reviews are published in LCBO Vintages Magazine, LCBO Stores & Wine Importers

What is Twilight Wines?

Twilight is sometimes defined as when something is approaching its end, especially in a gentle or peaceful way. It is universally known as that optimum moment between day and night, light and darkness. Twilight is that point when we have learned the lessons we are apt to learn and have spun our last breath, and told our last tale: our twilight years. It is that moment when everything and everyone is at its finest, when the earth and all its occupants pause for just a fraction of time in anticipation of what comes next. That is the moment at which all wine should be drank and with a little insight and a lot of luck, fate will allow us the moment in which this will occur. The luck my friend’s is totally of your own creation. Here in my domain, Twilight wines. I will endeavour to impart that insight.

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    • Kacaba Vineyards & Winery
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