Wine Reviews - Rosehall Run (Summer 2018)

Rosehall Run is at the end of Greer Road in Prince Edward County, and if you have never made the visit you really should. I always try to make a stop at this winery a couple times a year. What’s really great about Rosehall is the depth of their portfolio. The premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sparkling are all outstanding. But what really makes Rosehall Run special is the fact that they have a great entry level – and winemaker Dan Sullivan is always working on something interesting. Pixie and Indigo are wicked fun, and essential patio drinking. Acidhead Riesling has one of the most colourful labels in Ontario. That being said a recent taste through the portfolio has more than a few highlights –

2011 Stardust – $49.95 – ****½ – At County in the City earlier this year Stardust was a clear highlight. A little more time in bottle has given this wine some time to settle down, and focus … simply put, this is liquid awesome. The aromas are biscuit, apple, citrus, and a whisper of vanilla. The fruit on the palate is trying to open up and invade your mouth, but the complex flavours are restrained by bright, crisp acidity. Coming in just under fifty dollars this still offers outstanding value. I would pick up a bottle to add to the collection of sparkling wine from the County – we are at the beginning of what I believe is more than a trend, so make sure you have this wine before all the sparkling wine from the County becomes way too cool.

2016 JCR Chardonnay – $34.95 – ****½ – It’s hard to pinpoint where I want to start describing this wine – because the thought of my first sip from this bottle just makes me want to open another bottle. The aromas are peach, pear, vanilla, and baking spice. The flavours match the aromas – but there is a nice texture to this wine. It opens up with amazing intensity, but rather than taking hold and causing a riot it leaves like a perfect houseguest. The finish lingers for a moment, but this wine is met with great acidity. So here’s the dilemma – you have a beautiful Chardonnay with depth and texture, but it’s also food friendly. So you could serve this with grilled seafood, or fried chicken – but do you really want to? … there’s no wrong answer here.

2016 JCR Pinot Noir – $39.95 – ****½ – Elegant. There, do I need to say more? There is so much going on in this bottle, but everything is kept in perfect focus and restraint thanks to great acidity. Violet, Cherry, Wild Strawberry, and a bit of spice tossed in there. Thre is a slight hint of earthiness but it’s buried under an avalanche of fruit – the flavours of damp forest floor and mushroom will take a few years before they start to reveal themselves. It’s going to be a challenge to have the patience to age this in your cellar for it’s potential 5-7 years because the tannin is soft and elegant – this is ready to drink right now.

2017 Just One Rosé – $17.95 – **** – This is a blend of 90% Gamay and 10% Pinot Noir. This is just what the doctor ordered for the patio with aromas and flavours of raspberry and cranberry. There is just a hint of citrus that helps bring up the acidity on the rear. Outstanding rosé