2010 Chardonnay Estate Bottled

VQA Beamsville Bench

About This Wine:

This wine originates from our Cave Spring Vineyard, located on a hillside of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking Lake Ontario known as the Beamsville Bench. Vinified partly in barriques from some of our oldest, lowest yielding vines, it retains the clarity of fruit and mineral nuances that Chardonnay from our estate is renowned for.

Origin:

Two parcels of Chardonnay at Cave Spring Vineyard, ranging in age from 28 to 34 years.

Soil:

Stony, limestone-rich clay till overlying shale and sandstone.

Composition:

100% Chardonnay

Harvest Data:

Harvest Date- Sept. 24
Sugar- 21.2º Brix
Titratable Acidity- 8.36 g/L
pH- 3.35
Yield- 2.75 tonnes/acre (48 hl/ha).

Vinification:

Fermented 50% in stainless steel and 50% in a mix of new and older French oak, with the barrel-fermented component aged for 10 months sur lie and partial malolactic fermentation carried out on the whole.

Bottling Data:

Bottling Date- Sept. 11
Alc./Vol. 13.5%
Residual Sugar- <2.0 g/L
Titratable Acidity- 6.75 g/L
pH- 3.55
Production- 1165 cs. (9L)

Tasting Notes:

The nose is a cornucopia of tropical and orchard fruit, including pineapple, coconut, blood orange and red apple, with hints of vanilla in the mix. The palate is very integrated from start to finish, with bright citrus and melon fruit and tingly acidity elegantly woven into the wine's stony, mineral textures. The finish is very persistent, with lasting notes of toast and spice. Overall, this vintage is notable for its combination of exhuberant fruit, power and finesse.

Taste Profile:

Dry (D)

Serving Suggestions:

New England clam chowder, smoked or poached salmon; seafood risotto; pasta Carbonara; roast capon; veal Saltimboca; wine-braised rabbit

Ageability:

This powerful yet subtle Chardonnay drinks beautifully on release, yet will reward patience with many years of cellaring, easily holding until 2016.

Ontario Retail Price:

$18.95

Ontario Availability:

Winery, Vintages Sept. 2012
LCBO Item #256552

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