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2024 Overtime Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol: 13.3%
Residual Sugar: 1.0 g/L

Style: A dry, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with a distinctly herbal, grassy character, green-plum fruit and a firm, lightly bitter finish. Its freshness and savoury edge make it particularly well suited to green vegetables, grilled pork and simply prepared dishes.

Quality Score: 88. Drink now. Serve well chilled to preserve its freshness and herbal character.

Appearance: Pale straw.
Nose: Grassy and aromatic, with classic gooseberry notes.
Palate: Medium-bodied and dry, showing herbal flavours alongside green plum. The finish is firm with a touch of bitterness.
Serving Temperature: 8–10 °C.
Drinking Window: Drink now.

Starter: Roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon, olive oil and toasted almonds. The wine's herbal character echoes the green notes of the sprouts, while its freshness keeps the dish lively.
Cheese: Goat cheese. Its tangy, creamy character complements Sauvignon Blanc's herbal freshness and fruit.
Meat: Herb-grilled pork tenderloin with green plum or apple relish. The lean pork provides a clean canvas for the wine, while the herbal seasoning mirrors its savoury profile.
Vegetarian: Leek and fennel risotto with lemon and herbs. A particularly natural match for the wine's green, herbal character.
Dessert: Gooseberry and lemon posset. A restrained, not-too-sweet dessert that echoes the wine's gooseberry and citrus-like freshness.

Additional Notes: A particularly good Sauvignon Blanc for the table. The firm acidity and slight bitterness are assets with green vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and fennel, while the wine's moderate body gives it enough weight for grilled pork.

2023 Overtime Chardonnay

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13.7%
Residual Sugar: 2.9 g/L

Style: A full-bodied, dry Chardonnay with a lightly green-gold appearance, toasty apple aromatics and a viscous, textured palate. Ripe apple and buttery notes give it richness, balanced by a subtle bitterness on the finish.

Quality Score: 88. Drink now and through 2027. Serve chilled, but not overly cold, to allow its fuller texture and toasty character to show.

Awards:
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026

Appearance: Light straw with a greenish hue.
Nose: Toasty, with fresh apple aromas.
Palate: Full-bodied, dry and viscous, with apple flavour and a buttery note. Finishes with a touch of bitterness.
Serving Temperature: 10–12 °C.
Drinking Window: Now through 2027.

Starter: Classic chicken salad with celery, herbs and a light creamy dressing. The wine's richness complements the dressing and chicken, while its freshness keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
Cheese: Camembert. Its creamy texture is a natural match for the Chardonnay's viscosity and buttery character. The wine's acidity and slight bitterness provide welcome contrast to the richness.
Main: Roast chicken with thyme, lemon and pan juices. The wine's apple and buttery notes complement the savoury roast flavours, while its body matches the chicken's richness.
Vegetarian: Creamy mushroom and leek tart with thyme. Earthy mushrooms and buttery pastry provide enough flavour and richness for this full-bodied Chardonnay.
Dessert: Baked apple and almond tart. The apple-on-apple connection works particularly well, while keeping the dessert only moderately sweet so it doesn't make the dry wine seem harsh.

Additional Notes: A rich, textural Chardonnay that works particularly well at the table rather than simply as an aperitif. Its full body and viscous texture favour creamy, buttery and roasted preparations, while the apple character adds a fresh fruit counterpoint.

2024 Lakeshore Viognier

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Viognier
Alcohol: 14.9%
Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/L

Style: An aromatic, medium-to-full-bodied Viognier with fragrant honeysuckle and peach on the nose, followed by floral, peach and muskmelon flavours. Its generous fruit profile and fuller texture make it a natural partner for rich seafood and roasted poultry.

Quality Score: 89. Drink now. Serve lightly chilled to preserve its aromatic character while allowing its fuller body to show.

Awards:
Gold – National Wine Awards of Canada 2026
Silver – All Canadian Wine Championship 2026
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026

Appearance: Pale straw.
Nose: Aromatic, with honeysuckle and peach.
Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied, with floral, peach and muskmelon flavours.
Serving Temperature: 10–12 °C.
Drinking Window: Drink now.

Starter: Chilled lobster bisque with a light finish of cream and tarragon. The wine's fuller body and fruit can stand alongside the bisque's richness, while its aromatic character complements the lobster.
Cheese: Triple-cream Brie. Its rich, creamy texture matches the wine's generous body, while the floral and fruit notes provide a fresh counterpoint.
Main: Blackened scallops with pear and herb salsa. The caramelised spice crust matches the wine's flavour intensity, while the ripe pear echoes its orchard-fruit character.
Vegetarian: Roasted cauliflower and chickpea curry with coconut and aromatic spices. The wine's ripe fruit and floral character work with the fragrant spices, while its fuller body handles the creamy texture.
Dessert: Poached pears with vanilla mascarpone. A restrained dessert that echoes the wine's fruit and floral character without overwhelming its dry style.

Additional Notes: An aromatic, generous Viognier that is best enjoyed with dishes that can match its medium-to-full body and expressive fruit. The lobster bisque and blackened scallops are especially strong choices because they provide sufficient flavour intensity without losing the wine's aromatic character.

2025 Lakeshore Pinot Grigio

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: 3.9 g/L

Style: An easy-drinking, medium-bodied Pinot Grigio with a beautifully light appearance, spicy peach aromatics and juicy peach-melon flavours. A floral top note and lovely mouthfeel give it a little more richness and personality than a simple, crisp aperitif wine.

Quality Score: 89. Drink now. Serve chilled to highlight its fresh fruit and attractive texture.

Awards:
Gold – All Canadian Wine Championship 2026

Appearance: Almost water white.
Nose: Spicy and peachy, with fragrant floral notes.
Palate: Medium-bodied and dry, with peach and melon flavours, a floral lift and a smooth, lovely mouthfeel.
Serving Temperature: 8–10 °C.
Drinking Window: Drink now.

Starter: Whipped goat cheese crostini with sliced pear and fresh herbs. The creamy tang of the cheese provides contrast to the wine's ripe fruit, while the pear echoes its orchard character.
Cheese: Fresh goat cheese. Its bright, tangy character works beautifully with the wine's peachy fruit and floral notes.
Main: Mussels steamed with garlic, white wine and parsley. The wine's fruit and medium body complement the mussels, while its freshness keeps the dish light.
Vegetarian: Lemon ricotta pasta with sautéed leeks and fresh herbs. The creamy ricotta matches the wine's lovely mouthfeel, while lemon and herbs bring out its fresh, floral side.
Dessert: Pear and almond panna cotta. A lightly sweet preparation that echoes the wine's fruit character without overwhelming its dry style.

Additional Notes: A particularly approachable Lakeshore Pinot Grigio, easy to enjoy any day of the week. Its medium body and generous peach-melon character make it more versatile at the table than its delicate appearance might suggest.

2024 Lakeshore Merlot

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 9.0 g/L

Style: A juicy, medium-to-full-bodied Merlot with spicy plum and currant aromatics, complemented by vanilla oak. Red and black fruit are balanced by firm structure and a good-length finish, giving the wine both immediate appeal and the potential to develop further in bottle.

Quality Score: 91. Drink now for its juicy fruit, or hold for 1–2 years, during which time the wine is expected to improve and gain further integration in bottle. Serve at 16–18 °C.

Awards:
Double Gold – All Canadian Wine Championship 2026
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026

Appearance: Deep purple-ruby.
Nose: Spicy, with plum and currant alongside vanilla oak notes.
Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied, with juicy red and black fruit flavours. Well balanced and firmly structured, with a good-length finish.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C.
Drinking Window: Now, or hold 1–2 years for further bottle development.

Starter: Roasted beef carpaccio with Parmesan, arugula and a light balsamic dressing. The savoury beef matches the wine's intensity, while the fresh elements provide contrast to its structure.
Cheese: Aged Gouda. Its firm texture, savoury character and gentle nuttiness complement the Merlot's fruit and oak without overpowering it.
Main: Rosemary-garlic roast beef with mushroom jus. The richness and savoury depth of the beef are well matched to the wine's full body, while the mushrooms echo its earthy, structured character.
Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms with lentils, thyme and roasted garlic. The meaty texture and umami depth of the mushrooms provide an excellent vegetarian match for the Merlot.
Dessert: Dark chocolate and cherry tart. The dark fruit and chocolate provide a natural bridge to the wine's red and black fruit profile; keep the dessert moderately sweet to maintain balance.

Additional Notes: This Merlot sits nicely between immediate drinkability and short-term cellaring. Its juicy fruit makes it approachable now, while the firm structure and balanced oak provide a solid foundation for another 1–2 years of bottle development.

2020 Overtime Merlot

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Merlot
Alcohol: 15.5%
Residual Sugar: 2.7 g/L

Style: A full-bodied, dry Merlot with deep plum and blackcurrant fruit, savoury depth and lively acidity. Cedary oak spice and well-integrated oak add complexity, while a bitter-chocolate finish gives the wine a polished, lingering character.

Quality Score: 90. Can be opened now, but will reward another 1–2 years of cellaring. If enjoying now, give it some time in the glass or decant before serving.

Awards:
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026

Appearance: Deep ruby with a tawny hue.
Nose: Cedary, with plum, blackcurrant and oak spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and dry, with savoury black-fruit flavours, lively acidity and well-integrated oak. Finishes with bitter chocolate.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C.
Drinking Window: Now through approximately 2028, with 1–2 years of cellaring likely to add further integration.

Starter: Beef carpaccio with shaved Parmesan, capers and olive oil. The savoury beef and umami-rich accents have enough intensity for the wine, while the fresh elements complement its lively acidity.
Cheese: Aged Cheddar. Its firm texture and savoury, nutty character stand up to the Merlot's full body and oak structure.
Main: Grilled rib-eye steak with peppercorn jus. A classic match for the wine's concentrated black fruit, savoury character and firm structure.
Vegetarian: Mushroom and lentil shepherd's pie with rosemary. Earthy mushrooms, lentils and roasted flavours provide the savoury depth needed for this substantial Merlot.
Dessert: Dark chocolate tart with toasted hazelnuts. The wine's bitter-chocolate finish makes a natural bridge to dark chocolate; keep the dessert restrained in sweetness so the dry Merlot remains balanced.

Additional Notes: A structured, cellar-worthy Merlot with enough acidity, fruit and oak integration to develop further.

2021 Overtime Merlot

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Merlot
Alcohol: 14.7%
Residual Sugar: 3.3 g/L

Style: A medium-to-full-bodied Merlot with polished balance and firm structure. Cedary plum and blackcurrant lead into oak spice, while well-integrated oak and ripe, evident tannins give the wine the structure to develop further in bottle.

Quality Score: 91. Hold 1–2 years. Serve at cellar temperature; decanting is optional if enjoying before the recommended cellaring period.

Awards:
Gold – All Canadian Wine Championship 2026
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026
Silver – National Wine Awards of Canada 2026

Appearance: Deep ruby.
Nose: Cedary, with plum and blackcurrant, lifted by a note of oak spice.
Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied, beautifully balanced and firmly structured, with well-integrated oak and ripe, evident tannins on the finish.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C.
Drinking Window: Hold 1–2 years.

Starter: Venison carpaccio with shaved aged cheese and rosemary. The lean, savoury character of game provides enough intensity for the wine without overwhelming its structure.
Cheese: Aged Cheddar. Its firm texture, salt and savoury depth are well suited to the Merlot's ripe tannins and oak structure.
Main: Herb-crusted roast beef with mushroom jus. A classic partner for the wine's black-fruit character, firm structure and cedar spice.
Vegetarian: Wild mushroom and lentil Wellington with rosemary. Earthy mushrooms and savoury lentils provide the depth needed for this structured Merlot, while the pastry adds richness.
Dessert: Dark chocolate and blackcurrant tart. The dark fruit connection works with the wine's plum and blackcurrant character; keep the dessert only moderately sweet so the dry wine remains balanced.

Additional Notes: This 2021 vintage shows a more structured, cellar-worthy expression than a soft, immediately approachable Merlot. The combination of ripe tannins, integrated oak and firm structure makes it particularly suited to robust, savoury foods.

2021 Overtime Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes by Leah Spooner

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.3%
Residual Sugar: 3.1 g/L

Style: A full-bodied, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon with bright acidity, grippy tannins and concentrated blackberry, coffee and sour-cherry flavours. Its savoury spice and substantial structure make it particularly well suited to rich, grilled and slow-cooked dishes.

Quality Score: 88. Enjoy now, ideally with a hearty meal on a cool evening. No need to hold; this is a wine for the table.

Awards:
Gold – National Wine Awards of Canada 2026
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026
Silver – All Canadian Wine Championship 2026

Appearance: Deep maroon.
Nose: Fresh blackberries, oak, crushed blueberry and black pepper.
Palate: Full-bodied with grippy tannins and bright acidity. Intense flavours of blackberry, coffee and sour cherry unfold alongside layers of cola and black pepper. The wine has a powerful, beefy character, with spice and complexity carrying through to a lengthy finish.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C.
Drinking Window: Drink now.

Starter: Black bean dip with charred corn chips, with a touch of smoked paprika. The savoury richness and char complement the wine's dark fruit and peppery character.
Cheese: Aged Cheddar or an aged Gouda. Their firm texture and savoury, nutty character can stand up to the Cabernet's tannins and concentrated fruit.
Meat: Grilled T-bone steak with roasted garlic and rosemary, served alongside crispy roast potatoes. The richness of the steak softens the wine's grippy tannins, while the char echoes its smoky, beefy character.
Vegetarian: Smoky mushroom and black bean enchiladas with roasted peppers and a restrained amount of chipotle. The earthy mushrooms and beans provide savoury depth, while the roasted flavours mirror the Cabernet's coffee, black pepper and dark-fruit profile.
Dessert: Dark chocolate espresso brownies with a pinch of sea salt. The bitter-sweet chocolate and coffee notes complement the wine's mocha character without making the pairing excessively sweet.

Additional Notes: A cool-evening, comfort-food Cabernet: bold enough for the grill, but equally at home alongside a roast slowly cooking in the oven. The bright acidity provides freshness while the firm tannins call for foods with protein, fat and substantial flavour.

2021 Overtime Meritage

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: Blend: 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.7%
Residual Sugar: 3.3 g/L

Style: A firmly structured, medium-to-full-bodied Meritage with dense blackcurrant fruit, juicy redcurrant and polished oak spice. Its balance, integrated oak and good length suggest a serious, cellar-worthy red that will benefit from another year or two in bottle.

Quality Score: 91. Hold 1–2 years. Serve at 16–18 °C; decanting would be worthwhile if enjoying young.

Awards:
Platinum – National Wine Awards of Canada 2026
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026

Appearance: Dense purple.
Nose: Cedary and expressive, with blackcurrant and oak spice.
Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied and dry, with firm structure and juicy black- and redcurrant flavours. Well balanced, with nicely integrated oak and a good-length finish.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C.
Drinking Window: Hold 1–2 years.

Starter: Duck rillettes on toasted country bread with cornichons. The rich, savoury duck has enough flavour intensity for the wine, while the acidity of the pickles provides contrast.
Cheese: Aged Gouda. Firm, savoury and slightly nutty, with enough intensity to stand alongside the Meritage's fruit, oak and structure.
Main: Rosemary and garlic roast lamb with redcurrant jus. An especially natural match, echoing the wine's redcurrant and blackcurrant fruit while the lamb provides the protein and richness to complement its firm structure.
Vegetarian: Wild mushroom and lentil Wellington with thyme and mushroom jus. Earthy, savoury flavours and a substantial texture give this vegetarian dish the intensity required by the wine.
Dessert: Dark chocolate and blackcurrant tart. The dark fruit connection works beautifully with the wine's blackcurrant character; keep the tart restrained in sweetness so the dry wine does not seem harsh.

Additional Notes: A serious, structured red blend that should shine with autumn and winter dishes. The combination of juicy fruit, firm structure and integrated oak makes roast lamb, duck and game birds particularly compelling matches.

2020 Overtime Reserve Merlot

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Alcohol: 15.5%
Residual Sugar: 2.8 g/L

Style: A full-bodied, dry Reserve Merlot with savoury blackberry and black plum fruit, cedary spice and lively acidity. More than three years in French oak barriques give it ripe, firm tannins and a well-balanced, structured finish.

Quality Score: 92. Drink now or through 2028. Serve at 16–18 °C; decanting is worthwhile if enjoying young.

Awards:
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026
Gold – National Wine Awards of Canada 2025

Appearance: Deep ruby in colour, holding to the rim.
Nose: Cedary and spicy, with black plum and black cherry.
Palate: Full-bodied and dry, with savoury blackberry and black plum flavours carried on lively acidity. Well balanced and firmly structured, with ripe tannins.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C.
Drinking Window: Now through 2028.

Starter: Wild mushroom crostini with thyme and shaved aged Parmesan. Earthy, savoury flavours have enough intensity for the wine without weighing down the first course.
Cheese: Aged Cheddar or aged Gouda. Their firm texture and savoury, nutty depth stand up to the Merlot's full body and ripe tannins.
Main: Braised lamb shank with a red wine jus, or roast beef. The slow-cooked richness meets the wine's concentrated black fruit, and the savoury juices echo its structure.
Vegetarian: Mushroom risotto with thyme and Parmesan. Earthy mushrooms and creamy rice give a substantial partner for the wine's full body and umami depth.
Dessert: Dark chocolate and black cherry tart. The dark fruit works with the wine's plum and cherry character; keep the dessert only moderately sweet so the dry wine stays balanced.

Additional Notes: Only the finest barrels, aged for more than three years in French oak, make the Reserve. A structured, cellar-worthy Merlot that is best with substantial, savoury dishes such as braised lamb, roast beef and game.

2020 Overtime Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Vineyard: Neufeld Farm
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 15.5%
Residual Sugar: 3.7 g/L

Style: A bold Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with extracted, ripe black fruit, cedary spice and vanilla oak. More than three years in French oak barriques give it well-integrated structure and a fresh, acidic finish.

Quality Score: 90. Drink now or hold for a couple of years. Serve at 16–18 °C.

Awards:
Silver – Ontario Wine Awards 2026
Silver – National Wine Awards of Canada 2025
Bronze – All Canadian Wine Championships 2025

Appearance: Deep ruby in colour, with tawny notes at the rim.
Nose: Cedary and spicy, with blackcurrant and vanilla oak notes.
Palate: Extracted, ripe black fruit flavours with well-integrated oak and a fresh, acidic finish.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C.
Drinking Window: Now, or hold for a couple of years.

Starter: Beef risotto with Parmesan, in a small portion. Its savoury richness has the intensity to meet the wine's dark fruit and oak.
Cheese: Aged Cheddar. Its firm texture and salt help soften the Cabernet's tannins and stand up to its extracted fruit.
Main: Grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs or a grilled ribeye. The richness and char of the meat meet the wine's concentrated black fruit and structure.
Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms with lentils, roasted shallots and rosemary. Earthy umami and roasted flavours give the dish the weight this Cabernet needs.
Dessert: Dark chocolate and cherry tart. The dark fruit echoes the wine's black fruit; keep the dessert restrained in sweetness so the dry Cabernet stays balanced.

Additional Notes: Barrel-selected lots from the 2020 vintage, aged for more than three years in French oak. A good autumn and winter red for lamb, braised beef and game birds.