The upcoming Vintage release for July 19th focuses on the 4th annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration taking place in Niagara from July 18th to the 20th. This event will showcase over fifty Chardonnay producers from around the world, with a focus on regions and vineyards that produce cool climate Chardonnay. For more information regarding the event and the many unique tastings go to coolchardonnay.org.
Noble Estates is pleased to have two beautiful cool climate wines as a part of this release, a Chardonnay from 13th Street in Niagara, as well as, a Syrah from Cave de Tain in the Northern Rhone.
Taking part in this release from Noble Estates portfolio is a unique single vineyard Chardonnay from 13th Street Winery. The 2012 13th Street June’s Chardonnay (LCBO# 236745 – $21.95) is certainly in a league of its own, due to the way that the fruit is vinified. Typically, oak plays a large role in vinifying this varietal, but this Chardonnay was fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel tanks. This maturation process gives the wine a strong mineral and green fruit presence. Even though this wine sees no oak treatment, it still possesses creamy textures from the lees contact and use of malo fermentation. 13th Street’s desire to produce a mineral rich Chardonnay comes from their Chablis born winemaker Jean Pierre Colas. Subsequently, the rich yellow limestone that is prevalent throughout June’s Vineyard acreage helps increase this taste profile. Enjoy this Chardonnay with oysters, poached lobster or fowl. Drink now to 2016.
Keeping with the theme of cool climate wine production, Noble Estates second wine of the release comes from the Northern Rhone. The Cave de Tain Crozes Hermitage 2011 (LCBO# 572230 – $21.95) is a great example of affordable cool climate Syrah. Pricing in the Northern Rhone can get quite expensive due to appellations small vineyard sizes and the extreme slopes. Crozes Hermitage is quite different than Hermitage or Cornas. Crozes Hermitage is the largest appellation in the Northern Rhone and the vineyards aspect is not as sever, thus making supply plentiful and harvest a lot easier. Enjoy this Crozes Hermitage with herb roasted chicken, pork, or red meats. Drink now to 2016.
Cheers,
Matt Fowler
nobleestates.com
Additional Tasting Notes and Reviews
13th Street June’s Chardonnay 2012 #236745 ($21.95)
I am going to load up on this wonderful and pure expression of Niagara Chardonnay. The nose shows fresh green apple, pear and citrus with flinty minerality swirling around. What you taste is ‘the soil, the grapes and the kick of a substantial vintage,’ says [13th Street Sales and Marketing manager Peter] Bodnar Rod. Indeed, it is pure and fresh with a creamy note on the mid-palate all lifted by generous acidity. The fruit is front and centre but has the full support of the vineyard’s limestone minerality. Gorgeous. Score – 91. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, Dec. 3, 2013)
Cave de Tain Crozes Hermitage 2011 #572230 ($21.95)
This fresh red shows a savory edge to its mulled cherry, plum and blackberry fruit, with pepper and tobacco leaf notes on the finish. Drink now through 2016. Score – 89. (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2013)
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