2023
CHARDONNAY
BARREL SELECT
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
Harvest Date: October 19
Average brix at harvest: 22.8
pH: 3.48
TA: 5.79
Production: 924 bottles
WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
The vintage of 2023 was an exceptional year in Ontario for grape growing. Winter was relatively warm with little snow and temperatures were above normal for most of February and March and had us all thinking about an early spring. Bud break was right on time!! However warm conditions were in order from the beginning of May and throughout the summer, there were some hot spells but also some very wet spells as well leading to some concerns with disease pressures. September was warm and dry and harvest began early with grapes being picked in ideal conditions with good maturity and intense flavours.
Grapes were hand harvested in amazing condition from two small blocks of old vines in the Lincoln Lakeshore appellation. Both vineyards are very close to the shores of Lake Ontario which gives a longer growing season with cooler nighttime temperatures due the closeness of the lake. After harvest the grapes crushed and destemmed before being pressed. The juice was settled before being transferred to 2nd and 3rd fill French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine was fermented at cool temperatures. Malolactic ferment was completed in barrel and giving the wine a soft, rich texture. The wine was left to rest on its lees with minimal stirring for 18 months before racking to stainless steel tank. The wine was lightly filtered before bottling.
TASTING NOTES:
The wine has beautiful aromas of pear and ripe yellow skin apples with a hint of white flowers. There is a soft rich texture on the palate with pear and pineapple flavours, a touch of butterscotch. The finish has nice spice note. A wine that has structure, elegance and balance.
2023
CHARDONNAY
BARREL SELECT
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore
Harvest Date: October 19
Average brix at harvest: 22.8
pH: 3.48
TA: 5.79
Production: 924 bottles
WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
The vintage of 2023 was an exceptional year in Ontario for grape growing. Winter was relatively warm with little snow and temperatures were above normal for most of February and March and had us all thinking about an early spring. Bud break was right on time!! However warm conditions were in order from the beginning of May and throughout the summer, there were some hot spells but also some very wet spells as well leading to some concerns with disease pressures. September was warm and dry and harvest began early with grapes being picked in ideal conditions with good maturity and intense flavours.
Grapes were hand harvested in amazing condition from two small blocks of old vines in the Lincoln Lakeshore appellation. Both vineyards are very close to the shores of Lake Ontario which gives a longer growing season with cooler nighttime temperatures due the closeness of the lake. After harvest the grapes crushed and destemmed before being pressed. The juice was settled before being transferred to 2nd and 3rd fill French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine was fermented at cool temperatures. Malolactic ferment was completed in barrel and giving the wine a soft, rich texture. The wine was left to rest on its lees with minimal stirring for 18 months before racking to stainless steel tank. The wine was lightly filtered before bottling.
TASTING NOTES:
The wine has beautiful aromas of pear and ripe yellow skin apples with a hint of white flowers. There is a soft rich texture on the palate with pear and pineapple flavours, a touch of butterscotch. The finish has nice spice note. A wine that has structure, elegance and balance.
