Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Tribute Series - Dr. Bonnie Henry Old Main Road Vineyard 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeyer Family Vineyards are known for their single vineyard chardonnays made in a spare, hands off style. The 2019 Dr. Bonnie Henry Chardonnay comes off the family owned Old Main Road Vineyard that sits on a terrace on Naramata Bench. It was first planted in 1996 with a gentle northerly aspect over alluvial deposits of silt and clay loams. The northerly aspect is key because it allows the fruit to ripen slowly out of the heat of the day, retaining a good level of acidity and allowing the minerality to punch through. The farming methods are a combination of uncertified organic and sustainable principles. Expect a taut, finely strung white made in the reductive style of chardonnay. At once stony and mineral, the acidity freshens it form front to back. The wine reminds me of Dr. Henry: It’s both sunny and compassionate, but the palate is super bright and very complex when you get into it. We are not supposed to use the “B” word, but the enticing lees tinge with a scent of reductive garlic and a wash of citrus notes take me to Burgundy every time. Impressive. Super value.Tasted: 01 May 2021Tasted by: Prices:
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Tribute Series - Dr. Bonnie Henry Old Main Road Vineyard 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Meyer Family Tribute Series Chardonnay honours one exemplary Canadian each vintage. For the 2019, released in 2021, they've honoured Dr. Bonny Henry, our Provincial Health Officer, and the one tasked with calmly, kindly, safely guiding us through the Covid-19 pandemic over these past 18 months. From their northerly facing 1996 planted Old Man Bench vineyard, on the Naramata Bench, and it's silty loams over clay, this was whole bunch pressed and cool fermented in stainless before heading to French oak (22% new) for 11 months on lees, without bâtonnage. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Potent lemon peel and pith pervades this complexed chardonnay, one woven with subtle alluring reduction, savoury stoniness, green apple stretched long across the palate, lingering with salinity. Fresh and finessed, this is drinking well now but will certainly reward with cellaring. A worthy tribute, indeed.Tasted: 11 June 2021Tasted by: Prices:
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