2006 Chateau Taillefer Lafon

So, how did Joe turn a family event into a wine tasting? While out berry picking we drove by a suspicious-looking, modern-styled building in the farm district of Laval with a modest sign: "Chateau Taillefer Lafon". The rows of vines out back could mean only one thing - leave it to Joe to find a winery in suburban Montreal (pop. 3 million)!

I left the car idling and ran into the winery, figuring I could quickly buy two bottles and run back to the car. The tasting room host would have none of that, and made me taste his entire line of wine - white (unoaked), white (oaked), vendange tardive (late harvest) and ice wine. I successfully avoided the rose and the red, despite his hospitality and enthusiasm, as I am terrified of Northern Reds. After 5-10 minutes in the tasting room, I returned to the car with two bottles to face a scowling family - you know, they could be more supportive of Daddy's hobby.

Tasted at home, the 2006 Chateau Taillefer Lafon Cuvee Premium (unoaked) was a pale straw yellow. It was Fruitopia on the nose, with scents of fresh pink grapefruit, pineapple and pear - mouthwatering. On the palate this light-bodied, viscous wine was slightly off-dry with nice balance and good acidity, but somewhat dilute. Very competent, well-priced, and I wonder how the wines will improve as the vines mature... Worth a visit - my other purchase was their Ice Wine.
11.5% alcohol
Score: 14/20
Price: $14.75

So, to my Montreal readers, especially those in the Laval area, stop by the winery on your way back from the nursery and pick up a bottle of estate-bottled St-Laurence Valley wine. The tasting room is opulent, the hosts are gracious, the wines are very competent, and the location - well it doesn't get much closer than this. Cheers!