To say that 2017 is highly anticipated for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Niagara is an understatement. I have long been a fan of 16 Mile so I was excited to get my hands on their yet to be released wines from this vintage. I am hoarding every bottle from this miracle harvest but I had to raise an eyebrow when I tasted the 2018 Civility Chardonnay. While I’m still eagerly anticipating my first taste of the 2017 I now have something else to look forward to. Winemaker Morgan Juniper is firmly putting her signature on the new round of wines. I have been raving about this small winery for years – so if you still haven’t heard of them – there are still more reasons for you to go.
2018 Civility Chardonnay Unfiltered – ****+ – What I love about the wines from 16 Mile is that the wines all speak to the vintage – and they all have a signature from the winemaker. I got an opportunity to taste the 2018 well before it’s going to hit the market and even with elements of this wine that are still a bit disjointed but once this hits the market I expect pure harmony. Rich in pineapple, golden delicious apple, and tangerine with whispers of vanilla and spice. There is a slightly oxidized note – but it adds nuttiness and some nice complexity to an already complex wine. A fantastic acid backbone is the rug that ties the room together – I imagine “the dude” would call this the rug that ties the room together. An ageable Chardonnay that you need to keep on your radar – drink now or hold until 2028.
2017 Rebel Chardonnay – **** – This is a satisfying apple pie in a glass with notes of orchard fruit, baking spice, and vanilla. To be fair it’s a tasting note I write often when it comes to well made Chardonnay from Niagara. What I love about the 2017 Chardonnay’s I have tasted from Niagara has been the intense concentration of flavours from fruit to barrel across the board but fantastic acid to keep the wine restrained, elegant, and most importantly food friendly. I often refer to my favourite Chardonnay’s as wine that doesn’t need to be paired with anything to really enjoy it. What’s best about this bottle of wine is that it can go both ways – enjoy with a second glass or with virtually any meal you can imagine. Enjoy now – serve it at 10-18 degrees (take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving) – or squirrel a few bottles away until 2028 and enjoy the evolution.
2017 Rebel Pinot Noir – **** – While everyone knows I’m a sucker for Niagara Chardonnay when it comes to 16 Mile, the entry level Pinot Noir is what’s exciting. Pinot Noir around the twenty dollar mark from Niagara can be a minefield – the entry level to this grape is often tannic and rambunctious lacking some real focus. That has never been the case here – and the 2017 is no exception. The nose is ripe red cherry and blackberry compote, the fruit notes are caressed by delicate violet. On the palate this matches up perfectly with the nose – at the time of tasting the tannin was still a little rustic, but with a year in bottle (or some light decanting) this should soften and become elegant and restrained. The fruit is juicy and fills your mouth from cheek to cheek. For entry level Pinot you’re getting a lot of wine here – so make sure you stock up. Enjoy now or hold until 2028.
