• Order the following three wines for delivery to home, office or restaurant from Closson Chase by phone 1.888.201.2300 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or pick them up from the winery 629 Closson Road, Hillier, Ontario K0K 2J0 an easy 2 or so hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa and environs. Here’s a map.
Fruit for the following 2016 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay was hand-harvested from 2 vineyards—75% South Clos/25% Churchside sourced from low-yielding, hand harvested vines, barrel fermented and matured in French oak, only 10% new. Twist caps now to 2022.
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Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 (148866) 13.3% alcohol
Baked custard, an oaky note or two and exotic spice aromas provide segue to a medium-weight, beautifully textured stream of pure ambrosia with apple pie spice, lemon curd and orchard fruit flavours—yellow peach, white nectarine and ripe pear—gliding over the palate mellow and smooth. It finishes with replays adorned with ginger snap and lip-smacking tang and acidity. Gorgeous now, will improve over the short term and pours well with roast chicken or pork, or duck confit. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2016 Closson Chase ‘South Clos’ Chardonnay is quite stunning and will fully integrate the oak in a short few months. Hand-harvested, single vineyard, low-yielding chardonnay (1.2 tonnes/acre) was barrel fermented in barrique and matured 16 months in French oak, 20% new, with good ageing potential, it was sealed under cork.
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Closson Chase ‘South Clos’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 13.3% alcohol
Piquant spice, oaky notes and notions of slate/mineral tones precede a medium-full-bodied, generously textured flow of ripe orchard fruit spice-laden apple, pear and yellow plum interlaced with tangy lemon pie filling on the palate persisting through the lingering, mouth-watering finish decorated with sharp spice. This showcases deft balance, ripe fruit, judicious use of oak, depth and complexity. It requires another few months in bottle to really strut its stuff, but my, oh my, is it good now. Pop corks now to 2024. (Vic Harradine)
• Fruit for the following 2016 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from two separate, premium, estate vineyards—90% Churchside/10% South Clos. It saw minimal time in French oak, only 10% new.
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Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2016
VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 (145888) 12.3% alcohol
Lightly hued in the glass, aromas of cherry cola, beetroot and mixed spice abound. It bathes the palate with a fruit-forward, balanced wash of raspberry/rhubarb flavours adorned with ripe sweet red plum, mixed Indian spice and pleasant tang and acidity throughout. It has good mouthfeel, shows finesse and elegance, has persistent purity of fruit, is delicious from twist top to last drop and has great appeal when sipped on its own or poured with smoked duck breasts or pan-seared salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following wine by the case for delivery to home, office or restaurant in Ontario online from Featherstone Estate Winery or pick up a bottle or case at the winery at 3678 Victoria Ave, Vineland, ON. Here’s a map.
• The following 2017 Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc was hand harvested, hand sorted, whole-bunch pressed and 20% barrel fermented; the balance in stainless steel tank and held a short 36 hours on gross lees. Initial aromas of rosewater and tropical fruit belie the fact this is 100% cool-climate, sauvignon blanc. However, bottom line is… it’s excellent value and delicious wine.
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Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (89011) 13.0% alcohol
Tropical fruit and rosewater aromas interweave with notions of melon and gooseberry before dishing up a lovely river of ripe pit fruit—nectarine, peach and yellow plum—and a racy line of delectable lemon-lime tang. It’s light-medium bodied with good mouthfeel, persistent purity of fruit and a superb crisp and refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own or with sushi or olive-oiled arugula under cubed chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
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Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Four Feathers’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (341586) 12.7% alcohol
Delicate aromas of ripe pineapple, floral notes and soft spice introduce a sweet-tinged wash of ripe apple, peach and pear followed by a racy streak of tang with white grapefruit and wisps of mandarin orange to the fore. This is nicely balanced with lots of pizzazz. It’s medium-weight with texture, good focus and a lengthy lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour with grilled or skillet-seared seafood. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following by the case for daily office or home delivery direct from the winery using this link - Rosehall Run - or pick it up from the cellar door on your next visit to the winery in Prince Edward County. It’s just over a two-hour drive from the GTA or Ottawa via the 401. Here’s a map.
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Rosehall Run ‘Estate - Hungry Point’ Pinot Gris 2017
VQA Prince Edward County $24.95 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of baking spice, honey, ripe apple and pear unleash a mid-plus weight, creamy-smooth mouthful of ginger-infused green apple and a surge of racy lemon and grapefruit tang interwoven with slate minerality. The mouth-watering finish replays palate flavours decorated with pithy notes and lime cordial on the aftertaste. A couple more months in bottle won’t hurt, although it’s drinking well now, especially poured with lemon chicken or white pizza. (Vic Harradine)
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Rosehall Run ‘Estate - Hungry Point’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2017
VQA Prince Edward County $24.95 12.0% alcohol
This tang-laden beauty was sourced from 10- to 15-year-old, estate, dry-farmed vines with 25% chardonnay musqué. Aromas of flinty minerality, green apple, floral notes and citrus swirl from the glass. Tart apple and racy citrus acidity bolt across the palate infusing the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste along with flecks of orchard fruit and saline minerality. Pour with freshly shucked briny oysters, sushi or prawn ceviche. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Rosehall Run flagship white wine, the 2016 Rosehall Run ‘JCR – Rosehall Vineyard’ Chardonnay, was sourced from estate grown, 14 and 15-year old vines fermented in 500 L puncheons of tight- and extra-tight-grained French oak, 60% new. It matured 16 months on its lees with infrequent batonage, aka stirring.
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Rosehall Run ‘JCR – Rosehall Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Prince Edward County $34.95 13.0% alcohol
Baked apple and pit fruit aromas spill from the glass. A rush of tang-laden citrus and green pineapple streak over the palate interwoven with mineral tones, Key lime and yellow plum. It’s quite balanced on the palate and finishes crisp, clean, refreshing. This showcases wonderful focus; it’s linear, but not lean, along with good balance and exhilarating finish. Pour with freshly shucked briny oysters or California sushi rolls. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following wine by the case for home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario online from Southbrook Vineyards or phone toll free: 1 888 581-1581 or pick up a bottle or case from the winery at 581 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Here’s a map.
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Southbrook Syrah Rosé 2017
VQA Four Mile Creek $26.75 11.5% alcohol
A muted nose awakens after a vigorous swirl to reveal aromas of watermelon, strawberry and fermentation notes. Tart flavours – cranberry, rhubarb and red cherry take the lead on the palate until meeting with mineral notes and tannin which add interesting structure to this organic and biodynamic certified medium-light bodied rosé. Refreshing on its own or paired with a selection of appetizers. (Louise Boutin)
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Southbrook ‘Organic – Triomphe’ Cabernet Franc Rosé 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 11.4% alcohol
This rosé is a blend of 85% cabernet franc and 15% merlot. It’s salmon-peach hued, with aromas of strawberry and earthy notes. It’s medium bodied and slightly tart with a wisp of tannins. The strawberry flavours linger on the finish. Enjoy with crisp, summer salmon salad. (Dave Isaacs)
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Southbrook Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2016
VQA Four Mile Creek $39.80 13.0% alcohol
This wild-yeast fermented organic and biodynamic chardonnay is blended with 13% semillon. Quite oaky on first nosing, it becomes subtle with a few swirls. It showcases aromas of peach, red apple, vanilla, honey and toasty notes. A warm, almost peppery wash of orchard fruit flavours flood the palate carried by persistent acidity leading to a vanilla, apple and nutmeg dry finale. Medium-full bodied, it’s delicious with hearty homemade mac & cheese. (Louise Boutin)
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Southbrook ‘Organic - Triomphe’ Riesling 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.85 11.0% alcohol
This is pale-yellow hued with a tinge of green like a golden delicious apple. Tantalizing aromas of nectar, honey, stewed pears and beeswax abound. It’s medium bodied and tart with just a touch of off-dry sweetness. Flavours of apple and grapefruit fade away on the palate to an interesting sharp bite on the finish. This will develop nicely over next four years, but can also be enjoyed now—try pairing with pork chops and applesauce. (Dave Isaacs)
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Southbrook ‘Organic - Triomphe’ Cabernet Franc 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.75 12.5% alcohol
This is a blend of 88% cabernet franc/8% merlot/4% Cabernet Sauvignon with fascinating aromas of dried wood, cherry, moss and mint leaves. It’s medium bodied with a good balance of acid along with tannin growing on the palate over time. Flavours of cherry dominate the finish with a trace of stemmy notes and mineral chalkiness. Aerate/decant a couple of hours pairing with medium-rare, grilled steak. (Dave Isaacs)
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Southbrook Farms ‘Organic - Triomphe’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 13.0% alcohol
Exotic spice, wisps of smoky oak and sweet vanilla aromas provide segue to a racy river of lime-drizzled crab apple jelly and notions of Mirabelle plum caressing the palate infusing the lengthy, mouth-watering finish. This is medium-weight with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang throughout. Pour with ceviche, sushi, pan-seared or grilled seafood. (Vic Harradine)
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Southbrook Farms ‘Organic - Triomphe’ Merlot 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 12.5% alcohol
Seductive aromas of sandalwood, exotic spice and dark berry fruit aromas abound. It bathes the palate with myriad ripe fruit flavours—plum, cherry, blueberry, black currant—intertwined with racy tang and oaky notes on the back palate and aftertaste. This is medium-full bodied with good texture, depth and complexity. Pour with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)