IMPRESSIVE Cave Spring Vineyard 2021 Chardonnay (Canadian Wine)

Entry-level wines are rarely this good, 

but Cave Spring has raised the bar here's why

Cave Spring Vineyard 2021 Chardonnay

 

THE WRITTEN REVIEW

This is not a straight Chardonnay it is Chardonnay (65%) and Chardonnay Musque (35%); it is 52% estate (grown on the Beamsville Bench) while the rest is grown in the Lincoln Lakeshore sub appellation (closer to the lake). A majority of the wine is fermented in stainless steel; another 5% sees neutral oak and the final 5% sees new oak. Ageing happens for 6 months on lees and only 15% of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation - keeping the wine fresh and fruity. Melon, apple, floral all meet up with good acidity and hints of minerality. You'd be hard pressed to find as good a Chard for the price.

STUNNING Domaine Boudau 2020 Patrimoine (France)

Talk about a takeaway. 

This wine from the Roussillon was an eye-opener about how good the wines of the region can be: 

Domaine Boudau 2020 Patrimoine 

FRESH & CLEAN William Fevre 2020 Petit Chablis (France)

Chardonnay from Chablis is not your same old-same old. 

There is something about these wines that just sing in the mouth : 

William Fevre 2020 Petit Chablis

ENJOYABLE Malivoire 2020 Stouck Merlot

Ontario Merlot does not always have the best reputation, 

but this one is so good it is gone

Malivoire 2020 Stouck Merlot

 

The Written Review ...

Merlot from a hot vintage aged in American oak for 12 months, and 6 months in neutral: notes of cocoa, blue and black berry with a nice tannin seam. Vanilla and smoke jam with silky tannins on the finish. This is approachable now, but also has a decade ahead of it.

 

MARVELOUS Domaine Tempier 2020 Bandol - Lulu & Lucien (France)

Bandol is part of Provence and while there is Rosé there, 

it is primarily known as a red wine region embracing Mourvedre : 

Domaine Tempier 2020 Bandol