Kascadia 6 Q3 2025
| Wine | Tasting Highlights | Ideal Pairings | Winery Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2023 | Rich, creamy, citrus lift, toasted almond finish | Creamy pasta, crab legs, spring veggies | Historic family winery rooted in Niagara heritage |
| Bachelder Gamay Noir “Les Villages” 2022 | Juicy cherry, raspberry, lively acidity, terroir-driven | Roast chicken & morels | Masterful Gamay blending from Niagara’s escarpment terroirs |
| Ultraviolet Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 | Dark berries, cassis, cocoa, smooth tannins | Grilled steaks, BBQ ribs, aged cheddar | Bold yet approachable California Cab celebrating modern artistry |
| Pearl Morissette “Primesautier” Red Blend 2024 | Dark fruit, blood orange, spice, velvet texture | Charcuterie, grilled lamb, aged cheeses | Visionary Niagara estate embracing minimal intervention and soulful blends |
| Idlewild “Flora & Fauna – The Bird” Red 2022 | Black cherry, dried herbs, savory spice, elegant body | Roasted duck, pasta with ragu, pecorino | Mendocino-based producer blending Italian varietals for a vibrant, Old-World meets CA style |
| Liwa Grüner Veltliner 2022 | Crisp green apple, white pepper, citrus zest | Fresh salads, sushi, goat cheese | Bright, expressive Grüner with proceeds supporting Native American Rights Fund & 1% for the Planet |
Henry of Pelham, Chardonnay – 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada


Family Legacy in Every Glass
Henry of Pelham remains a cornerstone of Niagara winemaking, with the Speck family stewarding the Short Hills Bench since the 1800s. Sustainability and heritage guide every vintage, creating wines that reflect place and tradition.
Tasting Notes
A beautifully balanced Chardonnay brimming with ripe orchard fruits, lemon curd, and a creamy mid-palate. Gentle French oak adds whispers of toasted almond and spice, while bright acidity keeps the finish fresh and lifted.
Pairings
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Classic: Creamy pasta dishes, roast chicken, or spring vegetables
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Seafood: Poached trout, crab legs, or seared scallops
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Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto or roasted cauliflower steaks
Bachelder, Gamay Noir “Les Villages” – 2022
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada


The Mastery of Terroir
Thomas Bachelder captures the soul of Niagara’s escarpment soils. His “Les Villages” Gamay blends vineyard sites to showcase elegance and vibrancy—an ode to the land rather than the winemaker’s hand.
Winemaker Notes
45-year-old Gamay vines from sandy and loamy sediments over clay and limestone. Hand-harvested, destemmed, lightly crushed (24% whole cluster), co-fermented 17 months in Burgundian barrels (15% new oak), with semi-carbonic maceration in most vintages.
Tasting Notes
Perfumed and lively with red cherry, cranberry, and raspberry over earthy minerality. Bright acidity and light tannins create a structured yet juicy finish.
Pairings
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Classic: Roast chicken with morels, duck confit, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin
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Charcuterie & Cheese: Cured meats, pâté, Comté, Taleggio, or goat cheese
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Vegetarian: Mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, or lentil-beet salad
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Seasonal Favorites: Thanksgiving turkey or coq au vin by the fireplace
Ultraviolet, Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022
Napa, California, USA


Modern California, Bold Expression
Ultraviolet represents a new wave of California winemaking—vibrant, accessible, and crafted with precision. Winemaker Samantha Sheehan channels Napa fruit into a Cabernet that balances richness with drinkability.
Tasting Notes
Dark berries and cassis mingle with cocoa and subtle oak spice. Medium-plus body with smooth tannins and a lingering finish, showcasing California’s sunny ripeness without overpowering heft.
Pairings
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Classic: Grilled steaks, barbecue ribs, or roast lamb
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Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gouda, or blue cheeses
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Occasions: Perfect for backyard BBQs or intimate steak dinners
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Bonus Recipe: Spaghetti with Pork Ragu by Curtis Di Fede of the Charter Oak
Pearl Morissette, “Primesautier” Red Blend – 2024
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada


Elegant Minimalism, Expressed in Red
Pearl Morissette is one of Niagara’s most visionary estates, embracing low-intervention, minimal-input winemaking. Their philosophy values restraint and refinement—letting purity, energy, and elegance lead the way.
The 2024 Pearl Morissette “Primesautier” Red Blend is made from a blend of Lemberger, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, sourced from the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. The wine is known for its vibrant, aromatic profile, with notes of dark fruit and silky tannins, reflecting the "lively and cheerful" character of the 2024 vintage.
Tasting Notes
Velvet-textured yet vibrant, showing layers of dark fruit, blood orange zest, and warming spice. Silky tannins and lifted acidity create balance, making it indulgent yet refreshingly drinkable.
Pairings
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Charcuterie: Cured meats, pâtés, and aged cheeses
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Main Dishes: Grilled lamb, pork tenderloin, or mushroom stroganoff
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Seasonal Favorites: Slow-braised short ribs or festive holiday roasts
Idlewild, “Flora & Fauna – The Bird” Mendocino Red Blend – 2022
Mendocino County, California, USA

Where Italy Meets Mendocino
Idlewild specializes in Italian varietals grown in California, crafting wines with Old-World soul and New-World energy. “The Bird” Flora & Fauna Red Blend captures Mendocino’s wild character through a seamless mix of Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and Barbera.
Tasting Notes
Black cherry, dried herbs, and savory spice framed by vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. Medium-bodied with a graceful, food-friendly structure and a long, elegant finish.
Pairings
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Classic: Roasted duck, pork ragu, or lamb meatballs
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Cheese & Charcuterie: Pecorino, prosciutto, and wild mushroom flatbread
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Seasonal Favorites: Autumnal pasta dishes or holiday roasts
Liwa, Grüner Veltliner – 2022
Monterey County, California, USA

Austrian Heritage, Fresh Perspective
Liwa crafts Grüner Veltliner with reverence for Austria’s classic varietal, highlighting freshness and spice while offering a modern, food-friendly style. Proceeds benefit the Native American Rights Fund and 1% for the Planet, in collaboration with Inizi Winery.
Tasting Notes
Crisp and vibrant, with green apple, citrus zest, and the varietal’s signature white pepper. A clean mineral backbone and lively acidity make it refreshing and versatile.
Pairings
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Light Fare: Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette or vegetable tempura
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Seafood & Sushi: A natural companion to sashimi or shrimp spring rolls
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Cheese: Goat cheese or young Pecorino
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Seasonal Favorites: Perfect for Thanksgiving turkey or spring picnics