Vintages gets into the Cool Chardonnay groove this Saturday when it releases a few Niagara Chards to coincide with the Cool Chardonnay (I4C, International Cool Chardonnay Celebration) event taking place this week in Niagara.
For more information on I4C click here.
It’s always best to get to Niagara in person, but if that’s impossible to do, grab a bottle of cool-climate Chardonnay and drink along.
Here are a couple being released at Vintages this weekend along with some other Niagara (and one Okanagan) wines.
Coyote’s Run Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 ($22, 90 points) — A tighter nose, which is typical for the Black Paw vineyard in all varietals, of soft apple-citrus and stylish oak-spice undertones. This wine is evolving but shows focus, delicate fruit and nice spice and oak chiming in. A more elegant chardonnay that will reward with time in the cellar.
Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2008 ($40, 91 points) — Soft, mellow Chard with wonderful broad aromas of elegant oak, citrus zest, peach, flint, wet stone and vanilla. Just gorgeous in the mouth with a balanced attack of creamy fruit, mineral and integrated oak flavours.
Fielding Estate Rose 2010 ($16, 86 points) — A fun wine that’s a blend of four different red varietals. Aromas and flavours range from cran-cherry and tangerine to apple and fresh strawberries. A perfect, slightly off-dry, summer sipper.
Nk’Mip Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2007 ($32, 90 points) — This Native owned winery in the South Okanagan, pronounced Inkameep, makes some very fine red wines. This aged Syrah has a nose of roasted meat, blueberry, white pepper, spice and raspberry jam. The palate shows fantastic red fruits, not overly tannic and smooth.
Also released, but not reviewed:
Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Three Vineyards Chardonnay 2009 ($18)
Flat Rock Cellars Red Twisted 2009 ($20)
Ridgepoint Cabernet Franc 2009 ($18)
Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($20)
Trius White 2010 ($19)
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