Leaning Post 2020 ‘Senchuk Vineyard’ Chardonnay
A chardonnay from Leaning Post’s prized Senchuk Vineyard within the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation of Niagara. Leaning Post works wonders by proving unassuming wine regions within Ontario can produce high-quality wines.
It’s love at first scent with the totally ensnaring aromas of cedar, gala apple, nectarine and caramel. Blooming with a chalky mineral mouthfeel. An elegant and harmonious structure. Lemon zest, ruby grapefruit and nutmeg sing all the way to a long, saline finish.
Rosehall Run 2020 ‘St. Cindy’ Chardonnay
An exceptional, top-tier wine from one of Prince Edward County’s most significant wineries. A deserving price point as a chardonnay that signifies a part of Canadian wine history. Crafted by one of Prince Edward County’s pioneering, brilliant winemakers, it’s also cultivated from one of the region’s best sites.
Toasted almond, bosc pear, candied lemon and wet stone aromas. These notes are reflected on a creamy palate with an underlying base of river rock nuanced minerality and juicy, ripe acid. Fantastic texture and structure. Toast and butterscotch add extra depth on a long, persistent finish.
Hidden Bench 2020 ‘Felseck Vineyard’ Chardonnay
Hidden Bench is a highly awarded winery that excels with steady, promising releases of single vineyard chardonnay.
This chardonnay somehow encapsulated all the attributes of a hot vintage on the Beamsville Bench sub-appellation, while maintaining all there is to love about cool-climate chardonnay. Its silky, mineral driven palate is complex with a plethora of stone fruit and ripe citric flavours. Seamless and well-balanced with nutmeg, cinnamon and butter notes. Its opulence is experienced straight through the long finish.
Cloudsley Cellars 2020 ‘Foxcroft Vineyard’ Chardonnay
A high-quality, small-lot producer that excels in creating terroir-driven chardonnay. Foxcroft is a highly sought-after single vineyard on the Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation that is famed for brilliant chardonnay.
This bottle showcases crisp orchard fruit, including bosc pear and baked apple aromas. A complex, but light texture of linear acidity and encompassing minerality. More depth discovered still with a slightly savoury aspect attributed with button mushroom and earthy notes. Golden apple and sweet spice ring through on a persistent finish.
Bachelder 2020 ‘Wismer-Wingfield’ Chardonnay
You wouldn’t be able to speak about Ontario’s best chardonnays without mentioning Thomas Bachelder. He’s a terroir guru of the Niagara Benchlands and this particular bottle expresses another top site from the Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation.
On the nose: pecan, toffee, buttered toast, corn, and reductive notes. The palate is a sexy, creamy cocktail of signature Bench acid and mineral prominence. Cohesive and balanced. Apples, apples, apples…and ripe citrus. An impressive display of Niagara’s cool climate chardonnay.
Westcott Vineyards 2021 ‘Butlers Grant Chardonnay’
Other than this one, Westcott is typically producing chardonnay on their home farm in the Vinemount Ridge sub-appellation of Niagara. They are continuously producing outstanding expressions of the grape, even in the tougher vintages.
This is a chardonnay that begins with inviting aromas of toffee, apple skin and lemon drop. An elegant and creamy mouthfeel, that between notes of apple, citrus, and dazzling minerality, lies admirable balance and poise. A hint of salinity on a long finish wraps up another exceptional expression of terroir from the Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation.
Closson Chase 2021 ‘South Clos’ Chardonnay
Coming from one of the most highly regarded producers in Prince Edward County, and one of the top vineyard sites, this single vineyard chardonnay opens with a complex nose of ripe pineapple, buttercream, walnut and nectarine. A rich and creamy palate with beautiful oak integration that coddles the pure fruit and mineral nuances provided by the unique terroir. Baked apple and baking spice notes endure on a persistent finish. Excellent.
Closson Chase 2021 ‘Estate Unoaked’ Chardonnay
One of our top Canadian producers has released two versions of chardonnay from their South Clos vineyard – oaked and unoaked – and they are both mind-blowing.
This single-vineyard expression opens with tempting, vibrant aromas of mango, kiwi, starfruit, peach and sea breeze. A silky palate with ripe, zingy acid and a fine mineral vein proves incredible structure from the pure, uncloaked fruit of the estate cru-like South Clos vineyard. A flavourful and entirely refreshing long finish.
Last House 2021 ‘Vineyard Electrum’ Chardonnay
A young winery in Hillier Ward, Prince Edward County that has a “hands-on farming, hands-off winemaking” approach. Last House is already producing remarkable chardonnay and this wine proves that big risks can reap a big reward.
A chardonnay crafted with a 25-day skin maceration and using 20 percent whole cluster grapes. Complex and appealing aromas of orange peel, pineapple, turmeric and ginger that are all reflected on the palate. A full-bodied, energetic white with brisk acidity and a slight tannic grip on a persistent finish. This wine is loaded with intrigue and deliciousness! Incredibly food friendly.
Adamo 2020 ‘Hockley Valley’ Chardonnay
Adamo Estate Winery is located in Hockley Valley, an emerging wine region in Ontario. They produce exciting wines, especially chardonnay, that creates even more excitement by industry professionals for this up-and-coming, cool climate region.
Vibrant, floral aromatics with butter, baked pear and nectarine. A creamy palate that explodes with warm flavours of buttered popcorn, anjou pear and hazelnut that transition to ripe citrus and crisp apple in length. A delicate mineral mouthfeel is softly cleansed with bright acid that fans through an extensive and complex finish.
– Leah Spooner is a contributing editor with VineRoutes
