Yesterday I had a chance to check out the kick off to the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Festival. As I mentioned last week I love events that put Ontario wines side by side with wines made all over the world. As promised this week will feature Chardonnay.
Chateau Des Charmes Chardonnay Musqué 2010 – VINTAGES 640516 – $16.95 – I am a big fan of Musqué, there is something romantic about it and there is something about it that screams SUMMER. This is a very dry Musqué compared to most that have a bit of sugar left on the back of your tongue. But it has everything you could want from a nice, light, easy drinking white wine. Aromas are floral and flavours are citrus with nice acidity leaving the palette clean. This is extremely food friendly with your lighter fare from the grill, such as chicken or pork. Another fun fact this wine was a Gold Medal Winner at the 2012 Ontario Wine Awards.
Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 – VINTAGES 345819 – $44.95 – I don’t like getting over the twenty dollar mark let alone the thirty dollar mark … I believe this is the first wine I have suggested that tops the forty dollar mark. But it’s not about price, it’s about what’s in the bottle. By contrast to the light Musqué this wine makes a big bold statement. Full bodied and intense aromas. While everything about this wine speaks bold, nothing overpowers and you get a Chardonnay that is in perfect balance between Fruit and Barrel flavours. I found strong notes of Vanilla on a very long finish with this wine. (I should also point out that my notes beside this wine for MYSELF were “Must Buy”)
Angels Gate Mountainview Pinot Noir 2011 – VINTAGES 131201 – $24.00 – This is a great Pinot Noir that performs beyond it’s price point. Aromas on this wine are loaded with what will feel like fresh ripe cherries. Once it hits your lips it will strike a great balance of strong Cherry flavours with a nice Earthy finish with neither one of the flavours overpowering the other. This is truly a Pinot to be enjoyed on it’s own.
