2014 Hillier Creek Gamay Noir – Vintages 372839 – $22.95 – **** – This bottle is made with Prince Edward County fruit. Aromas of cherry that goes from ripe red to candied climb out of the glass. Prince Edward County is home to fantastic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but we...
2014 Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay – Vintages 302083 – $24.95 – **** – This vintages essential continues to be a staple in my home when I am looking to show off great Chardonnay from Ontario. The nose is bright golden delicious and granny smith apple and a nice citrus note. The...
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut Sparkling – Vintages 206326 – $28.95 – **** – There is a nice bready note that climbs out of the glass. Granny Smith Apple and Lime follow the yeasty notes. When you take your first taste of this wine you’re greeted with bright notes of...
If you go to any winery in Ontario and ask about Thomas, the winery staff know that you are asking about Thomas Bachelder. Owner and winemaker of his eponymous wine label but known for his work at Le Clos Jordanne, Domaine Queylus and 16 Mile… I’m sure I am forgetting...
2013 Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay – Vintages 302083 – $24.95 – ****+ – I was thrilled over the holidays when I saw that the new vintage of the Bachelder Chardonnay had dropped five dollars in price. This wine is tremendous value for its price. The nose is Citrus with Peach and...
This is a special review this week… and not Ontario as you can see. But they still have Canadian connections. 2012 Bachelder Bourgogne Chardonnay (France) – Vintages 272005 – $35.95 – ****1/2 – This is very nice Chardonnay. Both on the nose and in the glass this is perfect harmony...
Domaine Queylus is a new winery in Niagara. I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at some of the portfolio at Cuvée in February this year. Winemakers Thomas Bachelder and Kelly Baker were pouring two pinot noirs that evening, but the current Queylus portfolio has 5 PInots. They...
It seems that the rain follows me when I make my way down the QEW for the Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. Last year I attended the kickoff barbeque that was hit by major torrential rain. This year I made sure to check out the Grand Tasting and Dinner held at...
Last year was the first time I had a chance to attend the Cuvée Grand Tasting Gala and I decided then and there it was something worth marking the calendar for. After a format change last year where the event went from an award ceremony to each winery bringing their...
March 1st there are two Chardonnay’s getting a limited release through Vintages but these are wines that you want to have on your wine rack for special occasions or to open up for people that you REALLY like. The fact that these two great Chardonnay’s come from different vintages proves...
Terroir – the idea that a specific region makes their wine taste a certain way. It’s basically the idea that everything about a region affects that taste of the finished product. The soil, The weather, and the location all affect how the grapes will grow. Whether you want to break...
Yesterday I had a chance to check out the kick off to the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Festival. As I mentioned last week I love events that put Ontario wines side by side with wines made all over the world. As promised this week will feature Chardonnay. Chateau Des Charmes...
