Showing posts with label southbrook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label southbrook. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedFriday, July 3, 2015

Lunch at Farmers' Table @Southbrook



Southbrook Vineyards
On my latest visit to Niagara last month, I had the pleasure of having lunch at Farmers' Table @Southbrook, a brand new restaurant by Southbrook Vineyards located on their property and attached to the winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Having driven by Southbrook many times, this was actually my very first visit to the winery - a modern building with clean lines, and an open, transparent feeling throughout. On my next visit to Southbrook, which I hope will be sooner rather than later, I think a tour of the facilities will be in order.

As we entered the winery, we turned left and walked through the tasting room and headed to the outdoor patio. Chef Shawn Murphy quickly recognized me as I stepped onto the patio and we had a quick intro while he prepared meals for the other guests. The patio was mostly sheltered from the beaming hot sun on this day. However, the outdoor kitchen where Chef Shawn prepares his meals is not - and he was feeling the heat on this day. Guests have the option of sitting under the roof or on the charming umbrella-covered wooden park benches.

Outdoor patio at Farmers' Table @SouthbrookOutdoor patio at Farmers' Table @Southbrook

Southbrook was Canada's first certified organic and biodynamic winery. This philosophy continues at Farmers' Table, where nearly all the ingredients used to prepare dishes are locally sourced from sustainable practices. Chef Shawn mentioned that just about everything was grown/produced no more than 5 kilometres from the property. Quite an achievement, I must say!

While we waited for our first course, Chef Shawn brought us some grilled organic whole wheat bread topped with Handeck cheese shavings, alongside pickled organic green tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, black pepper and salt. All of it was prepared fresh and tasted very good.

Braised lamb pizzaThe sheep at the back of the property

The second course was the Feature Pizza of the Day - a delicious braised lamb pizza with wild garlic scapes, asparagus, goat cheese, and garlic oil made fresh in their outdoor pizza oven. The dough is made in-house using Red Fife flour and Bioflavia grape skin powder, while the lamb is raised by Southbrook and likely from the same herd I saw out back. I've never had lamb on a pizza before, but had no doubt it would be delicious - and I was right! I would love to see this pizza on their daily menu. Because the pizza had good balance between all the different elements - meat, cheese, vegetables - it is quite versatile for pairing with wine. I enjoyed it with their 2014 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rosé (#279117, $19.95, 88 pts).


Strawberry salad
To waken up the palate before the main course, we were served up a very interesting salad made with... strawberries! These local strawberries were served with 12-month aged Handeck cow's milk cheese and fresh baby Arugula in a Petit Verdot Vinaigrette and topped with sea salt. What was really interesting was that the Arugula was grown in the raised garden bed located right beside our table. Awesome! Overall, it was quite the sensory explosion on the palate with sweet, salty and sour all making a delightful appearance, and the creamy cheese holding it all together.

Prior to arriving at Southbrook on this fine day, we had already visited Reif Winery and Pillitteri Estates Winery for a cheese platter, pizza, and grilled cheese and, unsurprisingly, our stomachs we were now starting to get full. However, there was at least one more course to go.

Roasted free-range chicken

Chef Shawn had roasted a whole free-range chicken on the outdoor the grill and seasoned it with black pepper and salt. It was then topped with a raisin salad dressing and the aforementioned fresh Arugula. The meat was tender and delicious - a very nice creation indeed. It also paired quite nicely with their 2013 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay (#172338, $22.95, 89 pts). Since we were already quite full, we didn't get to eat too much of the chicken and ended up taking it home and ate it for lunch on Monday. It made for a very nice lunch to be sure!

We also had to take a pass on a delicious looking dessert - it appeared to be a strawberry rhubarb parfait - that nearly everyone else was enjoying.

I came to this dining experience with little expectations and left wishing that more restaurants do it the way Southbrook does. It was very enlightening speaking to Shawn and learning about the many practices that he and Southbrook have employed. It's not often one finds a restaurant where the produce is only a few hours old. Shawn also shared some of his other wonderful ideas that I hope come to fruition in the coming weeks and months.

Fresh herbs grown right beside our tableChef Shawn Murphy in his kitchen

Shawn Murphy’s passion for local food dates back to his childhood, having spent time growing up on his grandparents farm and eating the vegetables harvested from their garden. Shawn is a graduate from Niagara College’s Culinary Management Program, and is no stranger to the wine community after spending time in the kitchens at Hillebrand Winery and working as a sous-chef at Ravine Vineyards.

This was a very refreshing experience at Farmers' Table @Southbrook and one that I would encourage everyone to experience for yourself. Farmers' Table @Southbrook is open from June 4 to Thanksgiving weekend (October 12), Thursday through to Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Follow @SouthbrookWine for more details, updates and daily specials.


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  • Date publishedSunday, January 11, 2015

Southbrook Vineyards Wine Reviews

Tonight's pair of wines are from Canada's first certified organic and biodynamic winery - Southbrook Vineyards. Both are quite easy-drinking and are suitable for gatherings with friends and family.

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#193573) (XD) - $22.95 $20.45

Wine Review of 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon from VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Tasting Note:
Stelvin screw cap. Medium intensity nose with toasty oak, chocolate, plum, dark cherries and currant aromas. Palate is definitely on the sweeter side with ripe red berries, jammy fruit and chocolate overtones. Medium-level tannins are slightly grippy, while acids are bright and the finish is medium-length. If you like sweeter red wines, this one is for you. Should have wide crowd-appeal. In VINTAGES and currently on promotion ($2.50 off) until . Score: 86 pts

SOUTHBROOK CANADIAN FRAMBOISE - Ontario, Canada (#341024) (375 mL) (S) - $15.95

Wine Review of Southbrook Canadian Framboise from Ontario, Canada
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Raspberries and candied red fruit aromas from the glass. It's medium-bodied on the sweet palate with nice aroma replays. Acids are bright, while the finish has very good length. Serve nicely chilled. Would be a nice way to end the night after a fine meal on . Score: 88 pts


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  • Date publishedSaturday, December 20, 2014

Southbrook Transitions (Niagara) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wines are from Southbrook Vineyards' and appropriately part of their "Transitions" line as they are all currently undergoing transition to organic certification. All of the grapes for these wines were handpicked. These wines are available to licensees only, via Trialto Wine Group - look for them in restaurants, as they are not available at the LCBO.

Tasting Notes:
SOUTHBROOK TRANSITIONS CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#) (D) - $13
Stelvin screw cap. Handpicked from 3 vineyards in Niagara, of which 1% is Gamay. Fresh strawberry, bing cherry and earthy aromas from the glass. It's medium-bodied with balanced acids on the palate with red fruit, cherry and strawberry flavours with some sweetness. Soft, rounded, medium-length finish. Simple and easy drinking. Score: 86 pts

Wine Review of 2012 Southbrook Transitions Cabernet Franc Rosé from VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

SOUTHBROOK TRANSITIONS CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#) (XD) - $13
Stelvin screw cap. 100% Chardonnay, handpicked from Sabourin Vineyards. Spring flowers, lime and pear aromas of medium intensity from the glass. Medium-full bodied with honeyed fruit flavours followed by pear, tropical fruit, lemon, and butter notes. Balanced acids and decent length on the dry finish. Score: 87 pts

Wine Review of 2013 Southbrook Transitions Chardonnay from VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

SOUTHBROOK TRANSITIONS CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#) (XD) - $13
Stelvin screw cap. Contains 15% Gamay. Medium intensity aromas and bretty with green pepper and cedar nose. It's medium+ bodied with medium+ level tannins and fresh acids. Dark currant, black cherry, vanilla and toasted oak flavour profile. Dry, bitter, lasting finish. Score: 88 pts

Wine Review of 2012 Southbrook Transitions Cabernet Franc from VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada


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  • Date publishedTuesday, November 18, 2014

Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2013 (Niagara) - Wine Review

While the 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay was classified as VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, the 2013 edition is VQA Niagara Peninsula. It is certified organic and vegan friendly, with grapes sourced from 5 different vineyards within the Niagara Peninsula: Laundry, Southbrook, Sabourin, Reimer and Saunders vineyards.

This delicious white wine was opened over the and will be available on shelves as part of the LCBO VINTAGES release.

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#172338) (D) - $22.95

Wine Review of 2013 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay from VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Tasting Note:
Stelvin screw cap. Medium-high, complex aromatics with buttered popcorn, apple, pear, pineapple and whiffs of smoke and pineapple which all make an appearance on the flavour profile. Palate is medium+ bodied, lean with some creaminess, and a hint of sweetness. The very good acids keep the slightly sweet fruit in check. Slight heat on the long finish which also has honeyed fruit and vanilla spice flavours. Enjoy over the next 3 years. Score: 90 pts


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  • Date publishedThursday, September 11, 2014

Southbrook Vineyards Organic Wine Tasting

Southbrook Vineyards
I received these wines to celebrate Southbrook Vineyards' recent inclusion into the high-quality prepared food section of distinguished British retailer Marks & Spencer. Southbrook is now the sole Canadian vintner to be found in this section. This is also Southbrook's first foray into the U.K. market with Demeter-certified biodynamic wine.

"We are thrilled and honoured with the Marks & Spencer designation," says Bill Redelmeier, co-owner of Southbrook Vineyards.

"Our focus is on the importance of organic and biodynamic viticulture in the production of great wine, something which places us on the leading edge of winemaking globally. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to partner with one of the world's great retailers in one of the world's great wine markets."

All three of the wines below are certified organic, while the two Cabernets are also certified biodynamic. Furthermore, all three of these of wines are available (or will be available soon) in the LCBO Vintages section.


Tasting Notes:
SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#117556) (D) - $21.95
Stelvin screw cap. Medium intensity, elegant lime and mineral nose with hints of lychee, floral and citrus coming from the 5% (Reimer Vineyard) Gewürztraminer that adds some interesting complexity. Honeyed fruits with floral tones lead the way on medium-bodied palate. Also notable pink grapefruit flavours. Bright acids are nicely balanced, while finish long and honeyed. Slightly off-dry. 95% Laundry Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Certified organic and vegan-friendly. Will be in September 27 Vintages release. Not your typical Savvy, but tasty nonetheless. Recommended. Score: 89 pts

Wine Review of 2013 Southbrook Triomphe Sauvignon Blanc from VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#193573) (XD) - $22.95
Stelvin screw cap. Slightly closed nose with red currants, hints of violet, and smoky cassis undertones. On the medium-bodied palate, it has flavours of blackberry, red currants and oak spice. Tannins integrating nicely. Finish is medium in length. Vintages Essentials product and always available. Score: 87 pts

Wine Review of 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon from VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#275958) (XD) - $21.95
Stelvin screw cap. Contains 12.4% Merlot. Medium+ intensity aromas with barnyard, earthy notes dominating, layered with black cherry, black currants, and fresh cedar oak. Palate is medium+ bodied with firm tannins and a flavour profile consisting of blackberry, black cherry, sweet vanillan oak, and slight meaty character. Mouth-watering acids and medium-length finish. Enjoy over the next 2-4 years. Just released in the upcoming September 13 Vintages release. Recommended. Score: 89 pts

Wine Review of 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc from VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada


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  • Date publishedTuesday, June 10, 2014

Southbrook Canadian Framboise (Ontario) - Wine Review

Wine Review of Southbrook Framboise from Ontario, Canada
This is the final post (at least for now) in my series of wine reviews from Southbrook Vineyards.

The Canadian Framboise was one of the Southbrook's very first wines - with Mother Nature lending an almost fortuitous hand. It was the summer of 1992, and it rained nearly every weekend. This resulted in customers staying away from the pick-your-own raspberries patch. Bill Redelmeier loved fortified wines, so he decided that with this 3 ton yield of raspberries that were unsold, he would make a dessert wine. This Framboise was born, the awards piled in, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I opened this raspberry wine last night and it continues to drink well today. Should you go out and purchase this wine that is part of the LCBO General List and readily available, then remember to serve this one well-chilled. At $15.95, it offers very good value as a dessert wine.

SOUTHBROOK CANADIAN FRAMBOISE - Ontario, Canada (#341024) (375 mL) (S) - $15.95

Wine Label of Southbrook Framboise from Ontario, Canada
Tasting Note:
Made using 100% Royalty Raspberries. Screw cap. Medium+ aromas that shows raspberry and cherry cough drop notes. Pleasing aroma replays on the palate that is medium-bodied. Warmth arrives mid-palate and continues through to the smooth, medium-length finish. It's sweet, but balanced acids keep everything in check. Serve well-chilled. Score: 88 pts

Southbrook Vineyards Wine Reviews

Here are full wine reviews of the other samples I received:
2012 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay
2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rosé


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  • Date publishedTuesday, June 3, 2014

Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Wine Review of 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay from VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
This is the 3rd wine sample I'm reviewing from Southbrook Vineyards (here are reviews of their Triomphe Cab Franc Rosé and Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon).

All the grapes for this certified organic Chardonnay were sourced from 3 different estate vineyards within Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was released in Vintages last February and there is currently good inventory remaining on shelves.


SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CHARDONNAY 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#172338) (D) - $22.95

Wine Label for 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay from VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Fruit-driven apple and pear aromas of medium intensity. Medium+ bodied palate with balanced acids. Apple and pear flavours with a distinct caramel note on the lengthy finish that also shows some minerality. Oak is definitely in the background. Just off-dry and nicely balanced. Serve only lightly chilled. Recommended. Score: 88+ pts


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  • Date publishedSaturday, May 31, 2014

Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Wine Review of 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon from VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Tonight's wine is the second in a series of wines from Southbrook Vineyards (first up was their Triomphe Cab Franc Rosé).

This red wine is certfied organic and biodynamic. In fact, the entire Triomphe line of wines has been certified organic since 2010. Furthermore, Southbrook was Canada's first certified biodynamic winery.

As this wine is a Vintages Essentials product, it is always available in the Vintages section. The 2012 version was featured as part of the Cabernet Sauvignon focus in the March 1 Vintages Release.

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#193573) (XD) - $22.95

Wine Label of 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon from VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Tasting Note:
Stelvin screw cap closure. In addition to Cab Sauv, it contains 6.1% Petit Verdot, 3% Syrah, 2.3% Merlot, and 2.2% Cab Franc. Barnyard, vanillan oak, red currant aromas that also shows some meaty notes as it warms up in the glass. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Flavour profile consists of sweet red currants, blackberries, subtle spice, and vanillan oak in the background. Good acids and a long finish that has hints of milk chocolate. Could be cellared another 2-3 years, but drinking well now. Has good crowd appeal. Score: 87 pts


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  • Date publishedWednesday, May 28, 2014

Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rosé 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Wine Review of 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rosé from VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Last night's wine is the first in a series of wines that I'll be reviewing from Southbrook Vineyards.

The roots of this winery began as a farm in the 1860s at the head of the Don River by the Patterson family. William Redelmeier, who is the grandfather of current owner Bill Redelmeier, purchased Don Head Farms in 1941. In the 1980s, Bill and partner/co-owner Marilyn evolve the business from a roadside stand into a thriving farm market, which led to the creation of "Southbrook Farms". In 1991, a boutique winery and event space was born.

Today, Southbrook Vineyards is one of the leading organic and biodynamic wineries in Ontario. Their hospitality pavilion was the first winery to receive Gold level of LEED status back in November, 2008.

This rosé wine is certified organic and also vegan-friendly. It has been in Vintages previously but is now part of the LCBO General List and is available in small quantities throughout the province.

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#279117) (XD) - $19.95

Wine label of 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rosé from VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Also contains 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Gamay. Nose seems rather closed but shows an earthy character with notes of cherry and wild berries. Medium-bodied palate with tart fruit, and cherry flavours. It's dry (i.e. not sweet), with good acids and a medium-length finish. Serve only lightly chilled. Will be enjoyed with spiced rotisserie chicken off the BBQ. Score: 87 pts


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  • Date publishedFriday, March 29, 2013

Southbrook Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rosé 2011 (Niagara) - Wine Review

I'm not much of a Rosé-in-winter kind of guy, so when I purchased this Rosé wine last December, it was with the idea of opening it when warmer climes eventually arrived. Today's temperature of 10°C is a very good day to open this delightful organic wine. Grapes for this wine were sourced from Southbrook's own organically certified vineyards.

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#279117) (D) - $19.95

Label photo of 2011 Southbrook Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rosé
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Fresh cranberry, baby tomatoes, green leafy and slightly sweet aromas of medium intensity from the glass. Medium bodied on the palate with cherry, orange, mineral, and hints of strawberry flavours that start a touch sweet, but goes dry at mid-palate and continues on the medium-long, smooth finish. Very good acidity and highly recommended (small quantities still available at select LCBO Vintages locations).


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