Since these wines were tasted Norman Hardie has been accused of sexual misconduct. The article can be found here – https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-winemaker-norman-hardie-accused-of-sexual-misconduct/
2011 Norman Hardie Niagara Unfiltered Pinot Noir – Vintages 208702 – $39.00 – ****1/2 – This is easily my favorite Niagara Pinot Noir that I have had the chance to try from Norm so far. The nose is driven by cherry with violet. In the mouth you get tons of ripe cherry and strawberry and as the wine starts to roll off the back of your tongue the floral notes start to appear again balanced out with a nice earth note and great acidity.
2013 Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir – Vintages TBD (www.normanhardie.com) – $39.00 – **** – I always look forward to the release of the County Pinot and make my pilgrimage to the County to pick up a bottle in Magnum. The reason I get this in Magnum (other than the fact that big bottles of wine are awesome) is so I can keep it in the house. Single bottles are far too easy to drink on their own. Beautifully elegant and completely fruit driven flavours of Cherry and Strawberry with slight Violet notes are what you find in this bottle with nice acidity on the finish.
I realize that both of these wines with the acidity on the finish would be great matches for food … so if you’re going to do it make sure you go all out. Roast Duck with Cherry, Peach or Saskatoon Berry sauce.
I also need to mention that coming up on April 16th Prince Edward County is coming to Toronto. If you haven’t had the chance to head to Prince Edward County I suggest you do so immediately. There are many great wines being made there but also a very authentic small town experience that is very far removed from Toronto. You can get your tickets and information here: http://www.wineandspiritfestival.ca/countyinthecity/ . Admission is $49 in advance and the event is hosted at Airship 37 (37 Parliament Street). There will be 17 wineries in attendance including Norman Hardie.
