2018 Chardonnay CSV

VQA Beamsville Bench

About This Wine:

This wine originates from the limestone-rich soils of our Cave Spring Vineyard, located on a terrace of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking Lake Ontario known as the Beamsville Bench. Produced from our finest, lowest yielding parcels at the estate, our CSV wines embody our highest commitment to quality and authenticity.

Origin:

A single parcel of 38 year old vines at Cave Spring Vineyard.

Soil:

Stony, clay till composed primarily of limestone and dolostone mixed with sandstone, shale and traces of granite and gneiss; soils overlie moraine and sandstone/shale bedrock; depth ranges from 4 to 8m

Composition:

100% Chardonnay

Harvest Data:

Harvest Date- Oct. 5
Sugar- 21.2 Brix
Titratable Acidity- 6.5 g/L
pH- 3.33
Yield- 2.4 tonnes

Vinification:

Whole cluster pressing; fermented 50% in tank and 50% in 225L and 500L French oak barrels (10% new) using indigenous yeasts; full malolactic fermentation; aged 11 months on the lees in barrel

Bottling Data:

Bottling Date- Oct. 2019
Alc./Vol. 13.5 %
Residual Sugar- 2 g/L
Titratable Acidity- 5 g/L
pH- 3.58
Production- 260 cs. (9L)

Tasting Notes:

The nose is very complex and harmonious, with pronounced mineral and saline aromas over top scents of lime pithe, vanilla bean and ripe apricot. The palate is dry, full bodied and highly extracted, with a stony texture underpinning rich flavours of custard cream and succulent stone fruit. A tight thread of briny acidity bring luster and clarity, carrying notes of toasted almond granola and caramel into a long, vigorous finish.

Taste Profile:

Dry (D)

Serving Suggestions:

Grilled or baked wild salmon, lobster with wild rice, lentil-Parmesan polpettes, roasted goose, baked squash or sweet potato dishes

Ageability:

Best consumed 2021 through 2026; will continue to develop through at least 2028.

Ontario Retail Price:

$29.95

Availability:

Winery, select LCBO stores (#529941)
LCBO Item #529941

Reviews & Accolades:

WINE ALIGN: There is a lovely tenderness of frame in Cave Spring's top CSV wines, but do not interpret that as weakness. This has impressive flavour depth. Expect a refined, complex nose of yellow apple fruit with subtle nutmeg spice, smoke and hazelnut. The flavours don't waver on the palate; the focus and length are excellent to outstanding. There is a creamy richness that is delicious yet not heavy. That kind of fine restraint identifies great wine. Tasted May 2020. 93 Points. David Lawrason