If you’re not a fan of Lighthall Vineyards you’ve probably never been there. Over the past few years, the challenge with visiting Lighthall has been how hard it is to get your hands on these coveted bottles. The wines would fly off the shelf the moment they were available for sale. Even if you couldn’t get your hands on the wines at Lighthall it is still worth a visit as this winery is also a fromagerie; and the cheeses are all very tasty. All this being said – there are quite a few bottles currently available at the winery – so I would get there now, I don’t expect these to stick around for long.
2018 Lighthall Progression – $20.00 – **** – A core product in the lineup at Lighthall – this is affable and reliable. This is a fantastic bottle of bubbles that I enjoy on a patio in the summer. A great base for sparkling wine cocktails whether your preference is a kir or a mimosa. This is a dry wine with just a tiny hint of sweetness on the finish. This is an exceptional way to deal with Vidal (and a great reminder that it’s not just for Icewine). Just because summer is departing doesn’t mean it’s time to stop drinking bubbly – in fact as we being to be cooped up in the house and using the bbq less it’s just an excuse to drink more of it.
2018 Lighthall Pinot Gris – $25.00 – **** – While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have clearly been defined in the County – There is still room to see what else can be grown there. When Pinot Gris has texture it can be interesting, and tasty. So – yes, this definitely has some weight on the palate. That being said flavours are subtle and elegant; there’s apple, melon, and mineral. Crisp acidity brings up the finish.
2017 Lighthall Chardonnay – $35.00 – **** – I love when you get a chance to taste wines side by side from different vintages. Currently you can taste the 2017 and 2016 at Lighthall – both vintages were excellent but very different. 2017 was an excellent vintage for Chardonnay across the province – this bottle in particular offers a leaner interpretation of this grape. The aromas are apple and citrus. I would say winemaker Glenn’s use of oak has always been restrained and well balanced. The use of oak feels even more restrained in this bottle with just the slightest hint of vanilla on the mid palate. The texture is crisp and clean with bright acidity. With real potential for cellaring this should relax and be ready to party with another two years in a cellar. But if you’re impatient you will find this food friendly and a great match to roast or barbecued chicken.
2016 Lighthall Chardonnay – $35.00 – **** – This bottle of Chardonnay captures the fantastic hot and dry summer of 2016. It’s what makes Chardonnay so great in Ontario it does well in all vintages. Oak influence is restrained but adds some notes of vanilla and spice. The fruit profile is definitely riper than 2017 if that’s your jam – pineapple, peach, and golden delicious apple scream out of the glass. As I said earlier in this piece – it’s not often you get your pick of wines from Lighthall so you should get there now while you can taste both of these – they aren’t going to be available for long.
