Henry of Pelham in Niagara, Ontario can be relied on for consistency and quality. HP is one of the few wineries mastering Baco Noir the Heartbreak Grape in terms of results.
We try a CANADIAN Pinot Noir frequently referred to as a Heartbreak Grape but my vote in that regard may be swayed to Baco Noir.
Aroma: Strawberry, raspberry, bright red cherry and a touch of cherry Jello. Discrete oak.
Palate: Very nice (my English teacher said never use the word “nice”) oak framework that melds spectacularly fruit influences veering towards dried fig, raspberries on steroids and boastful red cherry. What is the expression I am looking for? Muscular and highly disciplined in a straitjacket of near perfection. A long slightly raspy finish.
Personality: Big and confident enough to lead the Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada Day parade as grand Marshall. You might even try me with a slice of pinkie cake in the park that we follow the cake to! Yes the cake is the star of the parade.
Food Match: If you would rather skip sipping this wine with the pinkie cake in the park, without offending the mayor of course, enjoy with short ribs at Treadwell in NOTL. This Pinot has the gumption to pair with beef perhaps even a lowly burger at the Harp Irish Pub on King Street with its Buffaloish vibe.
Cellarbility: Push limits to the end of 2027.
Price: $28 CDN.
RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine Rating: 92/100.Decanter Magazine 92.
(Henry of Pelham Family Estate Pinot Noir 2020, VQA Short Hills Bench, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, St, Catharines, 750 mL, 13.5%)
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 