91
Consistently, Canada’s best Baco Noir is Henry of Pelham’s reserve
Positives: Deep ruby in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose. This complex wine features cedar, smoky embers, peppercorns, Gaeta olives, bacon, prunes, dark cherry, strawberry, raspberry, black currants, blueberry, chocolate, Portobello mushrooms & leather. Full body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.
Negatives: None
Interesting Point: I recommend using a Pinot glass and lightly chill it.
Drink now or over the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Elk steak with mushrooms and roasted peppers.
Tasted: 13 Jan 2015
Best Buy
Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 19/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+
90
2010 was a great year and this is one of the finest Baco's produced by HOP and in Niagara in general. It is smokey on the nose, but rich and elegant on the palate. It is much more complex than the Baco's from 2007-2009 and as such will age well for 2-4 years at least. An age worthy Baco at $25? That's a good buy.
90
A deep purple in color, this wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, plum, smoky, meaty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with rich and smoky flavours, fresh acidity and low tannins. Very good length on the finish with a combination of jammy flavours, mocha, sour cherries and savoury herbs. Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir has always been an interesting wine with lots of flavours and a great performer during the BBQ season, paired with hamburgers, sausage, ribs or steak. Very enjoyable and flavourful.
88
I've been a fan of HoP's reserve baco for years, but I have to agree with Rod Phillips regarding this edition - it has become more generic and has lost much of its distinctive baco-ness. I think a big part of the problem is overuse of oak - 18 months of aging in American oak is about as subtle as a sledgehammer. It's still a good wine to be sure, but there are many such available in the $25 price bracket. Lacking those distinct baco qualities that once gave this wine its cachet, I can think of many better ways to spend my 25 bucks.
