Tasting Note The newly released 2018 vintage of this Niagara classic has not yet been judged at the National Wine Awards or other awards programs, but it follows evenly in the footsteps of the 2017 (currently at LCBO Vintages stores) and previous editions. There is such a lovely sense of generosity, tenderness and purity here. Chardonnay all the way with apple pie, custard, lemon, yellow flowers and fine toastiness on the nose. It is medium weight, gentle and rounded — tender and poised, with excellent length. Quite delicious. Tasted November 2025.
Backgrounder Henry of Pelham has been making highly regarded and reliable traditional method sparkling wine since the late 1990s, with Cuvée Catharine Brut NV and Brut Rosé being Niagara staples. They moved into the Vintage Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs with the 2007 vintage (released in 2012). Since then it has been rated excellent by WineAlign reviews and so many others and has taken several NWAC gold and platinum medals. It is made with hand-picked fruit from the oldest chardonnay vines on the 300-acre site, using a clone that, ironically, was first selected for table wine. The best juice is isolated, partially barrel fermented and then aged for 54 months on the lees. Henry of Pelham has also just released a decent Charmat-method non-vintage at $16.95
Accolades:
Outstanding Ratings, WineAlign Fizz Guide December 2025
