WTN: 2010 Henry of Pelham Baco Noir (Ontario VQA)

$13.95 on regular list at the LCBO. Natural cork closure. New label! 13% alc./vol.

The long awaited 2010 H of P Baco showed up recently at the liquor store. I pounced on it, given that most stores are still awash in the 2009 version. Now, that's not to say anything against the 2009 - despite it being a coldish vintage in Ontario, Baco can perform well under such conditions all the same. But, I had been very eager to evaluate the 2010 given that this was a good year for reds in Ontario.

Saturated, cherry-black hue; nearly impenetrable. With a day's aeration (I always suggest decanting young reds at least for a few hours, even a day), the bouquet shows characteristic leafy peppercorn hints atop brackish wild riparia aromas and secondary hints of tart cherry. There's no hint of the roasty/toasty torrefied aromas, however, which is what I was wondering about earlier. Light hints of American oak framing it all in the background. Typical invigorating Baco tartness on the entry, with a mellow yet lithe structure, held together nicely by some malolactic character and gentle hints of wood spice on the mid-palate, with just a blur of Baco's classic light tannin fleshing out the finish. Warm, balanced, pleasant and bright finish.

Always my go-to Baco, the Henry of Pelham delivers reliably, year in, year out. Some people like the Reserve exclusively (bottle picture borrowed from the 2009 Reserve - the 2010 regular Baco has this same label design), but it is significantly more costly, and frankly I find the regular version to deliver about as much interest for just over half the price.

No need here for Heads Up Bob P!!!

Not sure when the next dog sled is arriving in town but will naturally keep my eyes open, even in the minus 30 degree weather. Looks like this new vintage has some age potential Paul.

Paul, if you ever venture slightly south of the border, Knapp makes a wine called Serenity which is 60% Cab Franc and 40% Baco. It is delightful, and for those of you within their shipping sphere they are currently offering it right now for 25% off on a case.

Reporting in that I have just purchased said BN from the `10 vintage, like the new label.

Paul, if you ever venture slightly south of the border, Knapp makes a wine called Serenity which is 60% Cab Franc and 40% Baco. It is delightful, and for those of you within their shipping sphere they are currently offering it right now for 25% off on a case.

Thanks Carl.

Henry of Pelham, too, used to make a blend simply called Cabernet-Baco - but it disappeared some years back. It was an interesting blend because it smelled like Baco, but had Cab's tannins on the mid-palate.