Tasting Note This is a monumental chardonnay — powerful and broad shouldered, with a profile similar to Meursault in Burgundy. I am not trying to pump this wine through this comparison; it is simply a stylistic reference. It shows outstanding quality in the 95+ point range. It begins on the nose, which is rich, complex and detailed, with pear fruit amid complex toasty notes, hazelnut, subtle nutmeg, vanilla custard/crème brûlée, and dried herbs. It is full bodied, almost blowsy and broad in texture, then in slides the more linear acidity and mineral that narrows the finish. And the length is outstanding. Wow! The 2017 served alongside seemed a bit more linear but showed very similar aromas with a touch of maturing white mushroom.

Backgrounder The five-acre block adjacent to the winery was planted in 1984 on clay and loam soils atop the limestone base. The clay tends to boost its richness and body and texture, making it one of the “biggest” in Niagara. It was selected from just five of the twelve barrels produced. This wine was fermented with indigenous yeast and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (30% new) and completed full malolactic fermentation. It has 13% alcohol and zero residual sugar