2017 Triomphe Chardonnay/750ml

All lots were gently pressed using our “long-slow-gentle-low pressure” press cycle that yields delicate juice that is low in phenolics.  Slightly settled juice was transferred to 300 L used French oak barrels for wild fermentation, including wild malolactic fermentation, and aging for 7 months in those barrels.

A regional blend (VQA Niagara Peninsula) of Chardonnays from organic growers, including 70% “later harvested” chardonnay Musqué from Lincoln Lakeshore, and the remaining 30% from Twenty Mile and Beamsville Benches. Harvested at several dates throughout October, 2017.

Sara d'Amato - 90 Points - Wine Align
"A lively chardonnay with a gentle oak treatment, lightly creamy profile and an abundance of freshness. Mid-weight, well-balanced and offering a generous aromatic presence. Showing a subtle complexity, notable elegance and good length."

Michael Godel - 90 Points - Wine Align
Winemaker Ann Sperling employs the slow-wine method meaning the pressing of juice is done at a snail’s pace to avoid over-extraction of phenols. This keeps the bitters and tonics at bay while elevating fruit above fruit and integrating with all the fruit. It’s an October chardonnay from several sources, all from organic growers, including 70 per cent mid-month harvested musqué from Lincoln Lakeshore and the rest from Twenty Mile and Beamsville Benches. All together these grapes get on one page with orchard creaminess and Southbrook elasticity. Drink 2019-2022.  Tasted November 2019.

John Szabo - 90 Points - Wine Align
"Impressive aromatic complexity here straight off, offering some reductive/leesy/flinty minerality; good palate presence, above the mean depth and length. Mostly sharp citrus dominate, with low wood impact. Drink or hold short or even mid-term."