I realize talking about thirty dollars on a bottle of wine it’s hard to preach value. But trust me when we’re talking about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at the top level they can quickly break the bank. It is exciting when top shelf wines like this hit the shelves of the LCBO as it does seem outstanding wines from Niagara are rarely leaving the wineries. So as we hunker down for a cold and long winter here are some bottles from Westcott to see you through to spring.
2017 Westcott Estate Pinot Noir – $29.95 – Vintages 427500 – **** – The 2017 vintage offers the same alcohol as 2016 stated at 12.5% on the bottle. The vintage conditions were much cooler throughout the summer. I would say this has a bit more harmony with flavours and the cherry, and cranberry notes dance harmoniously with violets. Compared to 2016 the winemaking was a little more hands off with indigenous yeast and minimal filtration being done to this wine. The tannin is already soft and integrated – so this is ready to rock if you’re looking for something to drink now – but a few years in a cellar won’t hurt at all.
2019 Westcott Estate Chardonnay – $29.95 – Vintages 424507 – **** – If you’re grabbing this the moment it hits the LCBO shelves you’ll need a bit of patience – it’s a bit young and disjointed. That being said – it’s the gift giving season and this would make a fantastic bottle to give to someone for the holidays. The aromas are baking spice, pear, and apple. On the palate the spice and vanilla are presently front and centre layered over the orchard fruit from the nose. But with 6-12 months in bottle this should relax and become harmonious. Hold for 3-7 years.
