I was intrigued by the “end of the bin sale” of Jean-Pierre Colas old wines (when he was at Peninsula Ridge) see below, and contacted him about it.
He had just tasted the Chardonnay Inox Reserve and was happy about it:
In French : J’ai débouché hier soir une bouteille de Reserve Inox Beal Vineyards 2007 et c’était très bon ! Riche car 2007 mais encore frais, 100 % cuve inox, minéral et un peu gras, un beau jaune dore, a ce prix la, pas de souci et cela peux encore vieillir quelques années ! Pas le genre de chardonnay pour les nord américains, mais tu sauras apprécier !
I bought 6 of each white and after tasting them, ordered 6 more of each.
We liked the Chardonnay (even if Sheila is a ABC = Anything but Chardonnay) as it is very different from the New world ones, more sophisticated…for $10!
The Fumé blanc has the characteristics of an “off wine”, for the ones who like that, as I do. And $10 as well! No big risk for some fish or salads.
I received the following notes from John Maxwell (owner of Allan’s restaurant on the Danforth, who only serves Ontario VQA wines)
The 2004 Beal Cabernet Franc is not over the hill, but was never a particularly generous wine and may strike some as lean or even austere. I find it a very good example of Jean-Pierre’s approach and philosophy and consider it highly interesting, individualistic and rewarding.
With best regards, John
I did order 6 bottles today and… have not tried it yet.
A real steal.