The first vineyard I visited with my baby girl Spencer was 16 Mile. I managed to drop in this spring with a few friends (repeatedly) as I keep sending people to this small winery. It was a memorable day in March – obviously for the short story I just told – but also because I got a chance to sample the 2020 lineup of Chardonnay from 16 Mile. In hot vintages in Niagara there is often a divide between the bordeaux varietals and the early ripening varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Those hot vintages can often punish the early ripeners by forcing them to struggle to retain acidity. We had cool nights in 2020 – which allowed the fruit to retain acid.
2020 Civility Chardonnay – ****1/2 – The vibrant nose of juicy tangerine, and vanilla cream ooze out of the glass. You expect this kind of concentration from a hot Niagara summer and this wine does not disappoint. On the palate this is a massive symphony of virtually every fruit note you expect from Chardonnay – Peach, mango, pineapple, tangerine, pear … it’s just very broad. Caressing the fruit in perfect balance are notes of vanilla cream, and just a pinch of baking spice. The finish is long, but restrained thanks to beautiful acidity retained by the cool summer nights. Enjoy 2023-2033 – and stock up you will want this hanging around your cellar
2020 Rebel Chardonnay – ****1/2 – Rebel exists as the more affordable companion to Civility – but in 2020 something is amiss – this is just as concentrated and well put together as the top tier at 16 Mile. Where this differs is with a subtle dash of spice – on the nose and on the palate find a flourish of nutmeg and cinnamon. This is layered over peach, pear, and pineapple notes. Beautiful acid, wonderful balance – Enjoy 2023-2033 – as with Civility stock up!
