I don’t think Dave and Louise at Featherstone got the memo that 2017 was supposed to be a challenging vintage. Last summer I drank a lot of their 2017 Black Sheep Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc – so it goes without saying that I was excited to see what else would come from their 2017 vintage.
The 2017 Canadian Oak Chardonnay has made a soft launch in the retail store at the winery before it closes for the winter – it always takes a bit of patience but I try to hold onto my first bottle or two until January to start digging in. I think it’s the challenge for smaller wineries in Ontario is releasing their Chardonnay when it’s ready – the reality is you need to get your wines out. It takes a bit of patience but if you’re buying any oaked Chardonnay from the 2017 vintage – try to hold onto it until the snow starts to melt.
2017 Canadian Oak Chardonnay – $21.95 – ****+ – This was made using 25% new oak and has undergone 100% malolactic fermentation. There is a nice baking spice note that is layered over apple, and peach. The flavours match the nose – with a bit of funk and spice – this has some nice complexity. This has some nice weight, and texture – but it’s met with crisp acidity.
2017 Red Tailed Merlot – $19.95 – **** – Juicy and perfectly ripe – two things I wasn’t expecting to say about a Merlot from the 2017 vintage. Cherry, blackberry, and blueberry all what you will find in this bottle. The tannin is soft and this bottle of wine is ready to drink immediately. It’s always a challenge with the Featherstone red wines to make room for them in my cellar because they are so approachable from the onset. If you do have the patience for this outstanding value bottle pick up a few to enjoy over the next few years.
