Henry of Pelham (Ontario) tasting with chief winemaker coming up.

I have always been a big fan of their reds and I am looking forward to tasting the `04 Baco Noir Reserve, as well as the Speck line of wines.Tasting goes Tuesday night downtown with Mat Garretson here on wednesday!

http://www.henryofpelham.com/aboutus.php

I had the opportunity to visit their winery about a year and a half ago. Actually, I met Paul B. there and we hit a few others that day. Very nice old place, but I have to admit, Baco is one of the hybrids I'm not fond of. I much prefer Foch and Leon Millot. In fact, this past weekend, while in Niagara-On-The-Lake picking up juice I stopped at Catherine Family Winery tried their Baco and Foch and bought 2 bottles of the Foch. HoP does a nice job with Riesling also.

catherine family winery doesn't sound familiar - did you mean caroline cellars? where is this place?

Hey Bob,

I'm interested in hearing how the Pelham tasting goes. I was planning to go, but I've got a gig tonight. Too bad, because I really like the Speck Family Reserve Cab-Merlot.

My wife and I went to a tasting with Mat Garretson earlier this year at Liquor Select. I really like his Tastelai Rousanne. The Celeidh Rose was a standout for me, as well.

I'm still planning to attend the tasting with Benjamin Silver next month.

catherine family winery doesn't sound familiar - did you mean caroline cellars? where is this place?

Yeah, that's it. See what happens when you post when not at home. I knew it was a woman's name that began with "C".

Just got home after a very good tasting. Notes will follow asap but Baco Noir did not disappoint! Not a dud in the lineup.

Bob, I'm glad to hear it went well.

I need to underscore for folks reading that many times, a hybrid red will show dramatic evolution if allowed to decant for a day or two. Most young Baco, in my experience, really peaks on the second day of being open; there is an integration that takes place in the bottle that's particularly noteworthy. This also holds true for Foch, especially those with oak.