REW 2022 Christine Chardonnay

THE VINTAGE

2022 got off to a very cold start, with extreme cold temperatures throughout January across the province. While the spring months were cooler than average, June was relatively warm and dry, followed by intense heat in July and August. Conditions for harvest were quite favourable, with wineries reporting a broad window of opportunity to bring in grapes. September was dry and reasonably warm, and enthusiastic growers made quick work of the relatively light harvest. With the cold winter, crop size was the main story for 2022, but fruit quality was excellent and the grapes that were brought in had winemakers wishing for more!

VINIFICATION

100% Chardonnay grapes that were hand-picked on September 22 from the Heron Pond Benchland Vineyard on the Beamsville Bench in the Niagara Peninsula. After whole-cluster pressing, the wine aged on lees for 12 months in French oak with full malolactic fermentation.

IMPRESSIONS

It presents aromas of warm brioche, mandarin peel, and Niagara peaches. The palate displays a sturdy mineral backbone with rich flavours of creamy vanilla custard, apricot, and lemon curd, balanced by bright acidity and impressive length.

Alcohol/Volume: 13.1%

Appellation: VQA Beamsville Bench VQA

Cases Produced: 250