IMPRESSIVE Ha-Ha Wines 2022 Hawke's Bay Chardonnay (New Zealand)

 

Not sure how many of us look to New Zealand for our Chardonnay choices. Sauvignon Blanc? Yes. Pinot Noir? Sure. But Chardonnay? Turns out, yes. Today, it's the Ha-Ha Wines 2022 Hawke's Bay Chardonnay

ASTONISHING Leaning Post 2020 Chardonnay, Clone 96 (Canada)

 

Coming off the i4C (International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration) this past weekend, reminded me of how good the Chardonnays in Ontario are; none has rattled my cage most in the last year than this Leaning Post 2020 Chardonnay, Clone 96

MARVELOUS Inniskillin 2021 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay (Ontario)

 

In a world full of mediocre Chardonnay this was one of the first I tried that opened my eyes to what Chardonnay could be. Now, many years later, Montague Vineyard Chardonnay is still one of those eye-popping Chardonnays - and that it is from here, in my own backyard (so to speak) makes it even more exciting ... It is time to reveal the newest edition of the Inniskillin 2021 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay.

ADMIRABLE Tawse 2021 Robyn's Block Chardonnay (Ontario)

 

With one of the preeminent events in Ontario approaching, Cuvee, it's time to take a look at the caliber of wines shown at that event - today it's the Tawse 2021 Robyn's Block Chardonnay

INCREDIBLE Alois Lageder 2001 GAUN Chardonnay (Italy)

 

When I tasted this Chardonnay I was knocked off my feet, almost literally, so fresh, so vibrant so ... today it's the Alois Lageder 2001 GAUN Chardonnay

 

AMAZING Meldville Wines 2022 Chardonnay (Canada)

 

Chardonnay because of what you tried at Lailey, you have Derek to blame. Derek has moved on to create his own label, and for a guy who has made some memorable Chardonnays in his day - this one might be one of his best (or at least up there). 

Today, it's the Meldville Wines 2022 Chardonnay

BLISSFUL Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2019 Karia Chardonnay (California)

California Chardonnay is making the turn towards fresher, fruitier wines. 

It's been a slow roll out, but it's getting there. 

This wine is pointed in the right direction

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2019 Karia Chardonnay

 

... WRITTEN REVIEW ...

The chill here was perfect and brought out so many of this white's cool temperature loving characteristics. “Karia” is Greek for graceful and that's just what this wine was: super-pleasant from beginning to end. Rich, smoky, oaky, but with a fruit core, that doles out salinity and good acidity; vanilla and some butterscotch also join the show. The wine is made in what Marcus called “a less intervention style”. Only 9 months in barrel, 34% new, all French, with 8% going into stainless steel to retain a modicum of freshness. There's also 0.5% Muscat Canelli that sneaks in - just enough to give it a floral aspect.

 

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.

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

WONDERFUL La Chablisienne 2019 Les Venerables Chablis

Have we all forgotten about the wonderful world of Chablis? 

I have thankfully been reminded about it - you're welcome 

Les Chablisienne 2019 Les Venerables Chablis

TERRIFIC 2027 Cellars 2020 Grimsby Hillside Chardonnay

Chardonnay from a very sought after vineyard, you'll see what I mean

2027 Cellars 2020 Grimsby Hillside Chardonnay

AMAZING Cave Spring Cellars 2019 Estate Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

This ABCer finds another Chardonnay that floats his boat 

Cave Spring Cellars 2019 Estate Chardonnay

 

This is a stunning wine that delivers a bit of spice along with some richness that pairs nicely with its acidity to keep it light on the palate. Thanks to a cool growing season, 2019 was a challenging vintage, but the folks at Cave Spring clearly didn’t get the memo. This may be the best Chardonnay in the LCBO at this price point from anywhere. 

Westcott 2020 Estate Chardonnay - A Second Look

Just over a year ago, I looked at this very same wine 

Westcott Vineyards 2020 Estate Chardonnay

time to take a second look; here are my thoughts again

TOTAL TURNAROUND Morandin 2020 Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

This County winery's Chardonnay has taken a huge leap forward, 

find out why this Morandin Wine 2020 Chardonnay is the bomb 

 

 

Their 2019 was “not my Chardonnay", so when asked to taste the 2020 I was a little hesitant; but not for long. Now with winemaker Jonas Newman (of Hinterland fame) at the helm the Chardonnay has taken a drastic turn for the better. This is a really pretty Chardonnay with good spice notes on the finish and a rich mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Vanilla, apple, caramel and so much more; plus there are other fruits in here that take the form of those yellowish in nature. The oak, of which 33% is new, barely registers, as the leftover 67% goes into neutral oak and that seems to have won the day. This comes out late summer 2022, so be ready to pick some up.

 

TASTY : Aresti 2021 Trisquel Vichuquen Costa Chardonnay (Chile)

Chardonnay from Chile? It's a thing, and it's a good thing, especially with this wine

Aresti 2021 Trisquel Vichuquen Costa Chardonnay

 

 

Written Review:  This has some real punch, both of flavour and balance: spiced-tropical fruit and a lovely grilled-pineapple finish, which has some really good length (more details in video).

Flat Rock 2020 Rusty Shed Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

It's from a vintage for the ages - and this is a Chardonnay you're gonna love: 

Flat Rock 2020 Rusty Shed Chardonnay 

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

I actually tasted this wine in the confines of its namesake – did it taste better? Nope, but it's still a tasty wine with or without the sheds presents. Beautiful notes of tropical fruit sweetness, with creamy vanilla, apple, pear and nectarine, plus a dose of acidity and spice on the finish. This leans a little more Cali than Ontario, but it's kind of what I expect from a hot vintage Chardonnay from The Rock.  (****)

Rosehall Run 2019 JCR Vineyard Chardonnay

Oops, he's done it again, yet another wonderful bottle of 

Rosehall Run 2019 JCR Vineyard Chardonnay

 

>>> THE WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

Here’s a surprise. I just got a chance to taste this wine again – the first time was just after its bottling, and not some months later I was implored to try it again (by a Chardonnay loving friend who will remain nameless) … Dan Sullivan continues his winning streak with Chardonnay from his own vineyard. This 2019 has a beautiful mix of minerality and acidity to go along with the white fruit (apple and pear) plus notes of peach and pineapple. There's a little vanilla on the back end and creamy-esque mouthfeel that comes across rich and delicious. This is another JCR Chardonnay I could sit and sip on all day.  

Rating: ****+

Closson Chase 2019 Chardonnay, Churchside Vineyard (Ontario Wine)

Been a bit since we've seen a wine from Closson, 

so let's check in on a Chardonnay and why I'm liking this one : 

Closson Chase 2019 Chardonnay, Churchside Vineyard 

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

There's a slight smokiness here that plays well with the white peach and green apple; there's a subtle, spicy apricot note on the finish that helps to it elevate this Chardonnay out of the realm of merely typical into one of delicious. (****)

De Simone 2019 Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

Not usually a fan of Vincenzo's version/style of Chardonnay, until now

De Simone 2019 Chardonnay

 

Bachelder 2019 Chardonnay, Bai Xu Vineyard (Ontario Wine)

This might be another of those sold out wines, 

but the vineyard has proven to be such a gold mine of great wine, that I had to tell you about it : 

 

Bachelder 2019 Chardonnay, Bai Xu Vineyard 

 

 

>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<

 

Where did this Bai Xu vineyard come from? It's like Thomas B was driving along, spied the vineyard and then stopped, parked, wander up to the door and asked a bunch of questions ... One of them was the draw dropping "how old are these?" Now it says it right there on the label, 1981. These old vines have the sense to bring us notes of pineapple, pear and apricots; there's a hint of vanilla here as well. The oaky notes manage to weave its way between the fruits, but never seems to get in the way.  (****+)