Flat Rock's Twisted wines are celebrating 20 years with this excellent rendition of their original Niagara white blend. Crunchy orchard fruit flavours meld seamlessly with lychee fruit, ginger spice, lime peel and a hint of rosewater. No need to twist yourself in a knot finding your new favourite; it's been here all along.
Opulent nose, with layers of toast, cashew nut, hints of struck match, and lush vanilla oak leading to a textured palate of bright lemon, plush peach, rounded, supple oak spice and apple. Score - 95. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2023)
This is a very pleasant juicy, intensely flavoured, fresh and superbly balanced riesling. It shows great drinkability. Look for complex, lifted, aromas of grapefruit/orange, lemon grass, pineapple and spice. It is very zesty and just off dry, with excellent concentration and depth. Delicious! Last tasted November 2017 when it won Best of Show at the Toronto edition of Gold Medal Plates. Score - 93. (David Lawrason, winealign.com)
100% Pinot Noir. Inviting aromatics of black cherry, kirsch, eucalyptus and dark berry lead to a palate of savoury, plummy fruit and dusky tannins. Score - 91. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2023)
Hand-picked from vineyard parcels that basked in a long, warm autumn, the grapes for The OC reached peak ripeness before being vinified and then matured in brand-new French oak barrels for 21 months. Goes beautifully with rich, creamy pasta dishes such as seafood linguini.
Flat Rock Twisted 2023 Charmat method bubble is a great value sparkler. Produced from 86% Riesling, 13% Chardonnay with the balance in Gewürztraminer, it is fragrant with ripe apple, lemon zest, tart orchard and stone fruit flavours on a lively and persistent mousse. Winemaker Andrea Perez Castillo suggests a pairing of sushi, tempura vegetables or potato chips. Score - 91. (nataliemaclean.com, Dec. 14, 2024)
Ontario has seen its international reputation for quality cool-climate Chardonnay soar. If you're still looking for somewhere to build your own opinion, you'll be hard pressed to find a sounder foundation than this Flat Rock. Vibrant, with brioche toast, yellow plum, spice and herbs, it's rock solid. Pair with crab legs or grilled chicken.
From an industry leader, this floral Riesling comes at you with gorgeous citrus, flowers, herbs and mineral, plus lively freshness and zest. Intense, complex and an amazing value, it's an Ontario gem. Try it with spiced sushi or a spiced honey-glazed ham.
Traditional grapes with a twist. This is an off-beat blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. Vivid grapefruit, lime, herbs, nuts and stony minerality. Makes a great sipping wine or pair it with spicy calamari or roasted pork tenderloin.