RKS 2024 Wine: Canadians to the Pinot Noir Rescue?

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inWineTags:, , , , , , ,

Of late I have encountered dismal Pinot Noirs, primarily and surprisingly from New Zealand suffering from excess oak.

Canadian Pinot Noirs perform top rate in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Niagara Pinot Noirs are hit and miss. How about Pinot Noirs from the land of the lawyers, judges and well-heeled Torontonians cozying up at swank hotels and restaurants they thought they wistfully left behind in Toronto!? Yes that is Prince Edward County, picturesque farm land on the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario about a two hour drive east of Toronto. Somewhat the midpoint between Toronto and Montreal.

There is much limestone in “The County” as it is called and Chardonnay can do particularly well here. Climatic conditions can be harsh in the winter challenging the vines. A good part of the wine you purchase in Prince Edward County is not VQA Prince Edward County but made from Niagara grapes. If you are looking for true VQA Prince Edward County ensure it has that VQA designation on the label.

1,800 cases made.

I had this Closson Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir, proudly bearing its VQA destination on the label, with a pre–Blue Jays MLB dinner last summer and I recall it being good. In quieter surroundings it deserves a “double check”.

All the grapes were sourced entirely from their estate vineyards. Destemmed with no crushing and cold soaked for 3-5 days. 75% fermented in oak tonneau and 25% in stainless steel. Aged for 18 months French oak barrels 5% of which were new.

Aroma: Light if not delicate. Raspberry, strawberry and but a bit of milk chocolate. Impressive.

Palate: Light tannins being no surprise due to destemming of the grapes. The fruit, raspberry and strawberry is light perhaps too much so. Short undistinguished finish. Not impressive.

Personality: I smell mighty nice but body wise I am anemic.

Food Match: Mushroom soup and for goodness’s sake not from a can!

Cellarbility: Drink by 2024-year end.

Price: $38 CDN (Ontario).

RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 90/100. David Lawrason 90.

(Closson Chase 2021 Vineyard Pinot Noir, VQA Prince Edward County, Closson Chase Vineyards Inc., Hillier, Ontario, 750 mL, 12.2%).

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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