2021 Estate Chardonnay
Our one acre of Chardonnay is an exquisite marriage of a stellar vineyard site with it’s peaty influence of Hubb’s creek which runs through the land and the clone planted by our Founder for a richer, darker expression of Chardonnay. After tasting hundreds of wines in competition, Richard Karlo, one of only 52 Wine Judges of Canada, chose clones to best show off our terroir and reflect the fuller-bodied wines we love. This wine is the result of patience in the tradition of the great old world chardonnays and it has been recognized as extraordinary.
After tasting a previous vintage from this site, John Szabo, Canada’s First Master Sommelier, suggested we plant all back 60 acres just in Chardonnay.
Winemaker’s Notes
The grapes were hand-harvested in excellent condition following a great season then crushed and gently pressed. Barrel-fermented over the course of a week with a full malolactic fermentation, then aged on lees for 19 months in a single, third fill Canadian oak barrel for a more delicate touch. Settled in the tank for a full month prior to hand bottling, this wine is unfiltered. We then gave the wine four months of bottle-age before release.
Tasting Notes
This high quality wine has a deep golden colour. On the nose are lemons, peaches, dried apricot, vanilla, nutty-ness and baking spices.
It is intense, well balanced, concentrated and rich with great complexity. It is a beautiful duality of smooth creamy richness and fresh bright acidity. Lemon meringue pie comes to mind. Hazelnuts, coconut, Granny Smith apple, and Anjou pears also compliment. There is a long “caudalie” or aromatic length in the mouth after tasting.
Pairing Notes
Pair with grilled artichoke, heart of palm, rosemary garlic potatoes, macadamia nuts, king oyster mushrooms, seared tofu, butternut squash ravioli, good friends and good times.