In late November of 2016, Southbrook Vineyards had a surprise in store for its fans when it released the 2015 Triomphe Pinot Noir. Winemaker Ann Sperling’s first Niagara Pinot Noir in a decade has quickly become a favourite at the winery and with wine writers alike!
Dean Tudor awarded it 92 Points and said “At a recent cool climate pinot noir tasting with a group that had been tasting wine together for 30 years, I made it a Mystery Wine (the other 10 wines had already been determined for months), and it went up against Burgundy (half the wines), Oregon, New Zealand, and Ontario. In the final vote, seven of the tasters – including me – ranked it in their top three wines; it was exceeded only by a pair of $100 Burgundies.”
The Triomphe Pinot Noir comes from grapes sourced from Heather Laundry’s organic vineyard in Lincoln Lakeshore. A wild ferment with 40% whole clusters was followed by 9 months in French oak with only 12% new wood. The wine opens with floral, red fruit and earthy aromas, with a silky palate of classic red cherry. The long finish is perfumed with violets and cherry, and supported by fine tannins.
Available at Southbrook Vineyards retail store in Niagara-on-the-Lake for $29.95, it can also be ordered online here and delivered directly to your door.
If you are in the Toronto area, you will have to opportunity to try this fantastic Pinot Noir at Skin + Bones during their Pinot League!
Taking place every Tuesday from February 28 – March 28, this is your opportunity to decide who makes the ultimate Pinot Noir in Ontario. Each week, 3 serious Ontario Pinot Noirs will be paired with a dish prepared by a guest chef. At the end of the evening, the guests will vote on their favourite Pinot. The winner will then be entered into the Grand Finale on March 28 and a Champion will be crowned!
The cost to attend is $35, and $45 for the Grand Finale. Southbrook is excited to be included for Week 4 on March 21 with Guest Chef Joe Agostino from Gare de L’est.
For more information, please visit Skin + Bones’ website.
