Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder's prowess with pinot noir and chardonnay cannot be denied, and his return to Le Clos Jordanne, where he was founding winemaker from 2003-2010, is a wonderful turn indeed. This first chardy release since his return comes from western part of the Le Clos Jordanne Estate Vineyard, Le Grand Clos, was whole bunch pressed and native fermented, finishing off the ferment and full MLF in 228L French barrels, 20% new. After 16 months of aging, the wines were racked into tank to marry for a month prior to bottling. Firm, but generous on the palate, with that structural brace filled out with plump white fruit, white florals, licks of reduction, perfumed cream, and a riveting green apple acidity that lifts the weighted whole. The finish lingers with toasty spice, upfront in youth but will integrate further with cellaring. This is certainly cellar-worthy, though drinking beautifully now with some time in glass or decanter.Tasted: 10 January 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis wine was always good back when it was a joint venture between Boisset and Constellation Brands, but like a lot of Constellation projects requiring ongoing investments in land, farming, and people, it was shut down. Under Arterra Canada, Le Clos is back, and so is its original winemaker, the irrepressible Thomas Bachelder. Bachelder's return marks a massive injection of electricity back into the project, and if Arterra is smart, they will triple his salary and put him in charge of a whole lot more. But I digress. What has been accomplished, in a so-so vintage, is impressive. I love the energy here amongst the green apple, floral, citrus, and some of the best lees I have savoured in Canada. Salty, stony, mineral, and delicious, this wine hit all the right notes without boasting. Can’t wait to see what Thomas does with a stellar vintage. A wine to savour today or in another five years. Watch out, Burgundy.Tasted: 27 November 2019Tasted by: Prices:
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