I first had the opportunity to taste the return of the Le Clos Jordanne wines at I4C last summer. It’s interesting to see how Chardonnay can evolve – which is why I’m just getting around to writing about these wines now. When I tasted the Chardonnay last summer, it was good – but it wasn’t great. Given that most bottles of wine are consumed very shortly after purchase, it’s a challenge for wineries to get their bottles to the consumer at their best. I would venture that much of the Chardonnay that hits the market just gets there too soon.
So – for myself – given my love of Chardonnay – I am going to have to learn some patience. While most of these bottles taste pretty good when they hit the market they will improve with some time. I think the great thing about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, especially from Ontario, is that they don’t require the patience that many other wine regions demand. I make a point of buying a bottle or two of Bordeaux a year and holding onto them. – my coveted bottles of Chateau La Confession usually take 7 or 8 years before the tannin starts to fall off, but the fruit stays fresh. My small stockpile of Chardonnay from my favourite producers really start to shine after a year or two. The return of the Le Grand Clos I anticipate being bottles that you can enjoy in late 2020 or you can hold onto them for 7-10 years.
Le Clos Jordanne 2017 Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir – Vintages 184564 – $44.95 – ****½ – I’m just going to come out and say it – this was one of my favorite wines from 2019. This manages to be elegant, yet forceful with powerful aromas of ripe red cherry. There’s spice, blackberry, violet, and hints of vanilla – but everything unravels in your mouth in perfect balance and harmony. This is vibrant, exciting, and eager to jump out of the glass – if you drink this now expect this to demand to be the centre of attention. If you have some patience – which I am working on – this will learn to behave itself and become more elegant and refined – but I expect it will continue to demand attention for many years to come.
Le Clos Jordanne 2017 Le Grand Clos Chardonnay – Vintages 184549 – $44.95 – ****½ – If you tasted this during I4C in 2019 you found a fine, respectable Chardonnay. If you taste this today it’s as if the 6 months in bottle has been enough time to go to school and emerge with a degree in being awesome. The fruit flavours have moved front and centre, with aromas and flavours of peach, pear, and pineapple. The fruit is layered over a subtle mineral note that keeps this lifted on the palate. While this has moved from good to excellent I have a feeling it’s not done evolving. I think that’s the great thing about the revival of the Le Clos Jordanne brand is that savvy fans of this brand will hold onto some bottles for a few years.
