The Bachelder portfolio is growing! Of course we had the opportunity to sip through Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but the newest addition to his arsenal is Gamay. What was interesting about this podcast – was that even though I tried to talk to Thomas about how I’m trying to avoid comparing the local Gamay to Beaujolais… but I think I’ve learned that this is moot. Comparing Niagara Gamay to Beaujolais shouldn’t be a bad thing as it feels like there is still a quiet renaissance taking place as wine lovers are rediscovering the region (I’m still waving the banner for Dominique Piron, Domaine de Chasselay, and Domaine de Thulon). So when you listen to this podcast – you can hear how Thomas ties Niagara to some of my favourite wine regions on the planet.
2018 Gamay Villages – $22.95 – **** – This delivers everything you expect from a solid bottle of Niagara Gamay – the cherry flavours are mated with hints of freshly cracked pepper. The tannin is super soft but has a bit of grip on the finish. I’m sure if you want to put this in a cellar for a few years you could but I would open this up and enjoy it while it’s young, vibrant, and brimming with juicy red fruit. And – I honestly have a hard time taking my mind to France with this wine (even though the name may suggest Villages) – this is just pure Niagara.
2018 Wismer-Foxcroft – Niagara Cru – $27.95 – ****+ – This is much richer on the nose and on the palate with plush strawberry and cherry notes. Notes of violet and spice add a layer of complexity absent in the villages. This is made with 22% whole cluster. But in spite of everything going on in the glass it’s light and elegant on the palate. Another slam dunk Gamay that I would enjoy in its youth to get as much of that ripe fruit as I can.
2018 Wismer-Foxcroft – Niagara Cru 52% Whole Cluster – $26.95 – ****+ – I remember my first visit to Beaujolais when a producer described to me their wine as presqu’pinot – this is one of those wines. The fruit is heavy and juicy cherry – the violet perfume pours out of the glass and take centre stage. If this were transported to France it would be perfectly at home in Moulin a Vent. Out of the full lineup of Bachelder Gamay this may have the longest aging potential – but that doesn’t make it the best in the lineup – if you want Gamay you may not always want it turned to eleven. But stock up on a few to enjoy over the next few years.
2018 Willms “Les Naturistes” Gamay – 26.95 – ****+ – My original tasting notes on this just says Holy **** – Don’t let the light colour deceive you – this packs a lot of concentrated candied cherry, and strawberry. contains a lot of flavour. This is definitely the lightest bodied in the Bachelder lineup but it just screams to be slightly chilled and enjoyed on a deck. This reminds me of Fleurie if we’re continuing the French comparison.
