PondView Lot 74 Red and White 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Reviews

Here are wine reviews of a pair of wines from PondView Estate Winery that were recently re-launched with a new, classic heritage label that is reminiscent of a time when farmlands in Niagara-on-the-Lake were referred to as nothing more than Lot numbers.

Giuseppe Puglisi emigrated from Sicily (Italy) to Canada in 1965 and brought with him a passion for grape-growing and winemaking. More than 40 years ago, the Puglisi family bought their first plot of farmland in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was Lot 74. Located on Line 2 in the heart of the Four Mile Creek appellation, the vines planted on that lot bore fruit for several wineries over the years, including many award-winning vintages.

Lou Puglisi, Giuseppe's son, was eventually handed the torch. After Lou was crowned the 2008 Grape King, it was decided that the efforts in the vineyard would be replicated in a winery, drawing on generations of winemaking heritage from the Puglisi family's Sicilian roots. All the grapes for the Lot 74 wines come from vines surrounding the property.

Both of these approachable, easy drinking wines are readily available at LCBO outlets throughout the province.

Tasting Notes:

PONDVIEW LOT 74 WHITE 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#308718) (D) - $14.95
Screw cap. Based on Chardonnay, with Gewürztraminer and Riesling added to round out the blend, this white wine has a perfumed nose of ripe tropical fruit, melon and lemon peel. Fleshy mouthfeel on the off-dry palate with honeyed aroma replays. Vibrant acidity and decent length on the finish. Should have wide appeal. Score: 85 pts

PONDVIEW LOT 74 RED 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#336495) (D) - $14.95
Screw cap. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of ripe strawberry, and cherry, with hints of salsa and green pepper. The palate on this red wine is medium-bodied with sweet ripe red fruits, red currant, and black cherry flavours and a hint of sweetness. It has juicy acidity and soft, rounded tannins. Good length on the finish. Crowd pleaser. Score: 86 pts