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Ashley Quesnel

Ashley Quesnel

Tarlant BAM!

Oeuilly - Champagne, France
3322 days ago

Ashley scored this wine: 92/100

Champagne is famous for its wines produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier which account for over 99% of the plantings in the region. Unbeknownst to many, there are actually 7 allowable grape varieties in Champagne. Tarlant's BAM! (Blanc, Arbanne, Meslier) is produced using three of the forgotten varieties of the region: Pinot Blanc, Arbanne and Petit Meslier. Unlike the rich styles of champagne that Tarlant has become synonymous with, BAM! is very bright and fresh with aromas of lemon custard, honeysuckle and white pepper. This wine is barrel fermented, does not undergo malolactic fermentation and has no dosage. The result is a serious wine that is extremely focused on the palate with beautiful citrus, mineral and floral notes. Pair with creamy cheeses, oysters or sushi. The wine geek in me loves how different this bubbly is - probably one of my favourite champagnes tasted to date for this reason. Wham BAM! thank you Tarlant.

3321 days ago

Ashley scored this wine: 92/100

Sourced from 50 year old vines in Arbois, this Trousseau delivers some serious funk. Don't be fooled by the pale, slightly tawny hue of this wine; there is tons of complexity here. The nose is slightly musky with aromas of stewed cherries, redcurrant, forest floor, black pepper and leather complemented by a lingering note of stony minerality. The wine is medium-bodied with lively acidity and soft, drying tannins. The alcohol is high at 14% due to the higher natural sugars of the Trousseau grape but well integrated nonetheless. The earthy funk found on the palate is nicely balanced by the generous fruit flavours and sweet vanilla notes present from the 30 months this wine spent in oak. This is a serious and concentrated wine. Pair with hearty stews or game meats. Great value. Will please the wine lover looking to discover something different.

Limestone Vineyard South

Redstone Winery Limestone Vineyard South Riesling 2012

Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
3078 days ago

Ashley scored this wine: 91/100

I loved this wine at first sip! Shows typical Riesling characteristics. Aromas of citrus, fresh apple and petrol. This wine is a delight on the palate with mouthwatering acidity and a slightly chalky minerality. It's off-dry profile would pair particularly well with spicy foods or try it with summer salads with a citrus vinaigrette.

Cuvée Catharine

Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
3311 days ago

Ashley scored this wine: 91/100

Beautiful aromas of strawberry, cranberry and pink grapefruit jump out of the glass. The palate is lively and refreshing with notes of rhubarb pie and cranberry. Enjoy with smoked salmon or butternut squash soup. This is a great introduction to the amazing value sparkling wines being done in Ontario.

Brut Reserve

Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne

Champagne A.O.C., France
3310 days ago

Ashley scored this wine: 91/100

Inviting aromas of citrus, mineral, smoke and yeast. This champagne is incredibly complex with intense flavours of mineral. The palate is clean and fresh and the finish is long. This is a great example of a blended NV champagne from one of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses.

Ashley Quesnel

Wine Blogger

Memorable Wine

2002 Millésime Jacques Selosse

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First Wine

Probably something cheap and sweet - I was really into German Rieslings and Gallo White Zinfandel in first year university

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Unusual Wine Experience

Drinking wine and petting cheetahs at Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, South Africa

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Current Fav Wine

Sparkling - all day, everyday

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