Ridge Road Estate Winery 2011 Baco Noir

Advertised as Hamilton, Ontario's only estate winery (even though it is technically in Stoney Creek), this wine felt like a great way to celebrate a long week of dissertation research (seeing as A studies that region). After one wine fail (that is soon to become a sangria success!) this wine really hit the spot.

It's another VQA wine this time, seeing as we seem to like it local. It is not available yet at the LCBO, but Ridge Road has begun rolling out select vintages, so look for it soon, or pick it up on your next trip to the Hammer! This winery is full of friendly people and it often hosts special events during the summer that include free snacks (yay free! like chocolate-covered bacon). It has a gorgeous view and is biking distance from Hamilton, for those ambitious souls who are into that.

M- I like that this wine has a really full appealing scent, that just makes one say, "Ya, I wanna drink this!" It has a more sophisticated finish, without that mouth pucker that can come from TOO sophisticated finishes. Besides being a really enjoyable red, I adore the sassy bottle. It not only gives you encouragement to drink the whole thing, but congratulates you when you get there. Definitely worth the drive! At 14.95$ this is not made for frat parties, but definitely an affordable way to impress friends!

A- I friggin' love this stuff. Whether it is the juicy start, or the oaky, smokey, awesome end, I just cannot think of enough positive adjectives for it. I have only had good luck with the reds from this winery, I am happy to report. It almost has a bit of spice to it, but I am not sophisticated enough to say what. I would say this is like a library full of fine leather volumes. Lots of substance, but nice to look at even if you aren't in a sophisticated mood.

Verdict: Perhaps the best so far?