Vintages Release: September 3, 2011

Lailey Vineyard Chardonnay 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.20 13.0% alcohol
This is a delicious well-made Chardonnay with balance, generous texture and a crisp, refreshing aftertaste. Aromas of orchard fruit mingling with wisps of tropical fruit abound followed by a wave of delectable flavour—crisp apple, ripe pear and racy citrus. It finishes with a lip-smacking refreshing aftertaste. Barrel fermented and barrel aged 10 months in well-seasoned French oak; it punches well above the price. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 10, 2011

Lailey Vineyard ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.20 13.5% alcohol
Impressive from the get-go, this is aromatic and laden with richly layered flavours persisting through the mid-length deftly balanced finish. Apple and pear aromas replay on the palate with gusto—waves of Granny Smith apple and ripe Bosc pear mingle with spiced citrus. It’s mid weight with a gorgeous mouth feel cleaning up mouth-watering and refreshing. With each sip better than the previous, it’s difficult to take your hand off the glass. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.20 12.5% alcohol 

The price and Niagara Peninsula appellation suggest ‘entry level’, the tasting suggests otherwise—it’s a crowd-pleaser with the price-quality balance tipped wildly in your favour. Lifted aromas jump from the glass with oodles of cinnamon, cloves and mixed dark berry fruit. It’s an amalgam of mouth-watering flavours—ripe cranberry and pomegranate mingling with spice, strawberry and cherry. It’s medium bodied, generously textured with a lengthy aftertaste of sweet, succulent cherry/berry flavour. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 15, 2011

Lailey Vineyard Riesling 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.20 11.5% alcohol
This is pure, focused and fruit forward with a creamy silky-smooth texture. Riesling expresses terroir and wine maker Derek Barnett wisely allowed this wine to do all the talking. Focused aromas and flavours persist on the palate and lip-smacking aftertaste—white flowers, lemon-lime sherbet with high notes of honeyed tropical fruit. Perfect to sip, it has the balance and slightly off-dry character to marry well with a variety of dishes, especially spicy Asian. (Vic Harradine)