I hope you had a chance to listen to the recent episode of Two Guys Talking Wine to listen to our chat with Ilya and Nadia Senchuk of Leaning Post. It is inspiring to hear about the origin story of one of my favourite Niagara wineries. But here are some notes on the companion wines that we tasted while recording that podcast.
2018 Leaning Post Senchuk Vineyard Chardonnay – ****+ – $45.00
2018 Leaning Post Clone 96 Chardonnay – ****+ – $45.00
Both of these Chardonnays come from the Leaning Post estate. It was fun to discuss with Michael Pinkus about which one we liked better – but to be honest if your real answer isn’t both you might be a little bit crazy. Mineral driven with nice subtle influence from the barrel of vanilla and spice. In the mineral category the clone 96 is a touch ahead – while the Senchuk vineyard shows a bit more vanilla. Macintosh apple, peach, pear, and orange are caressed by the vanilla and spice. Drink now, or enjoy over the next 7 years – (2020-2027)
2017 Leaning Post Senchuk Vineyard Pinot Noir – ****½ – $65.00
2017 Leaning Post Lowrey Vineyard Pinot Noir – ****½ – $45.00
The fruit from these wines both come from almost as far apart as you can get without leaving the Niagara peninsula. The Pinot Noir from the Lowrey vineyard is being vinified into some of the most coveted bottles of Pinot from the province – The Leaning Post version is no different. It’s rich, juicy, with a nice earthy foundation – it’s the sort of wine that does need a bit of decanting in its youth but doesn’t take much time to open up and reveal what feels like an endless torrent of cherry and strawberry flavours. The Senchuk vineyard delivers something that delivers a wine that is on par with Lowrey – juicy, floral, and a more subtle earthiness. I would count on picking up both of these wines and holding them for a few years to enjoy side by side. I should also say that I’m very much looking forward to seeing what the Senchuk vineyard has to offer in the future.
