Vintages Release: July 7, 2018

• Fruit for the following 2016 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay was hand-harvested from 2 vineyards—75% South Clos/25% Churchside sourced from low-yielding, hand harvested vines, barrel fermented and matured in French oak, only 10% new. Twist caps now to 2022.

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Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2016

VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 (148866) 13.3% alcohol

Baked custard, an oaky note or two and exotic spice aromas provide segue to a medium-weight, beautifully textured stream of pure ambrosia with apple pie spice, lemon curd and orchard fruit flavours—yellow peach, white nectarine and ripe pear—gliding over the palate mellow and smooth. It finishes with replays adorned with ginger snap and lip-smacking tang and acidity. Gorgeous now, will improve over the short term and pours well with roast chicken or pork, or duck confit. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 15, 2018

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Closson Chase ‘K.J. Watson Vineyard’ Pinot Gris 2017

VQA Four Mile Creek $22.95 (469445) 12.0% alcohol
Honey-dipped pear, apricot and exotic spice aromas are precursors to a luscious balanced and beautiful gusher of racy lemon curd and pineapple interwoven with tingly spice on the palate and a dry, lip-smacking finish. This is medium weight and unoaked with plenty of creamy-smooth mouthfeel and mouth-watering, mineral-laced aftertaste; it’s crisp, clean and refreshing. Pour with prawn ceviche or mussels steamed in white wine and leeks. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 2018

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Featherstone ‘Premium Cuvée Joy’ Rosé 2016

VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (450700) 12.5% alcohol
For ease of opening, this is sealed under crown cap. This méthode traditionelle, 100% pinot noir was hand harvested, whole-cluster pressed and rested on its lees for 12 months before disgorgement. It bubbles over with frothy mousse and a delightful array of barely off-dry palate flavours with bright red currant, ripe strawberry and oodles of tang to the fore. It’s medium weight and showcases a monumentally lengthy lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour with an assortment of appetizers on the patio. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: TBD, 2018

• The following méthode traditionelle, vintage-dated, 2013 Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blanc’ is named for family matriarch Catherine Smith—Henry of Pelham’s wife. It was hand harvested, bunch selected from 100% chardonnay, whole-cluster pressed, 20% barrel fermented, maturing more than four years in bottle on its lees before disgorgement.


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Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blanc’ 2013

VQA Short Hills Bench $44.95 (315200) 12.5% alcohol
As always, one of the top traditional-method, vintage-dated sparkling wines on the market, regardless of country of origin. Aromas of leesy notes, buttered toast and flinty minerality make way for a profusion of fine-bead bubbles that endlessly wind their way to the top of your glass. This has complexity, purity of fruit, good tension, is balanced on a pin with a painter’s palette of lively flavour—a surge of racy lemon and lime tang adorned with white nectarine, nutty and mineral notes dazzle the palate infusing the lingering finish. This is classy, elegant and wired for sipping on its own for two or with food when entertaining. (Vic Harradine)