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Carla Johnson

Carla Johnson

3709 days ago

Carla scored this wine: 94/100

It is rare that a wine hits all the right notes on your palate in the most delightful way without becoming heady, and the M-1 Merlot does it wonderfully. Burning Kiln's kiln-drying technique draws out the sweetness of the merlot grape and maintains the full range of tones from the time it touches your tongue through to the finish. The label reads "The History: M-1 or TM-1 was the highest grade of tobacco at auction and referred to the maturity and colour of the 'tips,' the best leaves of the top of the plant. Our story is deeply rooted in the cultural significance of tobacco and grapes and the agriculture of Norfolk County. Our wine-making team, led by Andrej Lipinski, honours that heritage by using grapes dried in tobacco kilns to create our award-winning "appressimento" style wines." "The Wine: This deep, dark, plum-coloured wine has juicy flavours of raspberries, blueberries & plums with a hint of dark chocolate..." I am lucky. Burning Kiln is one of my husband's clients, so I am one of the first to get to taste their M-1. It was spectacular with our home-made charcuterie platter of dried sausages, Quebec cheeses, green & black olives, fresh salsa and some interesting flavoured dark chocolates. I anticipate many more raving reviews and awards for Burning Kiln with the M-1.

Neufeld Vineyard Jeff Innes

Palatine Hills Estate Winery Neufeld Vineyard Jeff Innes Sauvignon Blanc 2012

V.Q.A., Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada
3835 days ago

Carla scored this wine: 84/100

Delightfully tart, yet sweet. Winemaker notes: The nose is crisp but smooth, with notes of honeysuckle. Light and delicate with subtle herbaceous hints, gooseberry and pear prevail. Limited aging in oak barrels provides a vanilla smooth, mouth filling finish that works all the senses. Food pairings: Grilled seafood, chicken or pasta with a light cream sauce and light cheeses.

Carla Johnson

Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award