Top 5 of 2007
In 2006 I simply tried to taste as much different Ontario wine that could -- if someone made it, I wanted to taste it. This year, I've tried to focus a little more on the regions, varietals and wineries I like the best -- I tried to dial-in what I like specifically about this region and it's grapes and it's people.
I've come up with my favourite five Ontario varietals, in order:
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Franc
- Sauvignon Blanc
My top five favourite wineries (Unfortunately, I've yet to try Hidden Bench or Daniel Lenko, two highly regarded producers. I look forward to trying them in ‘08), in order:
- Le Clos Jordanne
- Norman Hardie Wines
- Peninsula Ridge
- Fielding
- Malivoire
And the five Ontario wines I enjoyed most:
- 2004 Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir
- 2005 Norman Hardie "County" Chardonnay
- 2005 Closson Chase Chardonnay
- 2006 13th Street, Funk Vineyard Riesling
- 2005 Peninsula Ridge, Fumé Blanc
Comments
Hidden Bench and Lenko will outdo Fielding and Penninsula Ridge, I assure you. You should also be sure to try The Organized Crime Winery, which is across from Fielding, the next time you go out tasting. They have incredible Gewurtztraminer.
Posted by: Suzanne | February 18, 2008 9:50 AM
Hi Suzanne, thanks for the comment!
I was able to try Hidden Bench two weeks ago while down picking up some Icewine juice. I haven’t written up the trip, but I’ll try and do that in the next week or so. I was absolutely floored by their Estate Pinot. It was the first Ontario Pinot I’ve tried with the distinct smell of violets – I loved it.
The only Lenko I've been able to try was his '05 Viognier, which I thought was fairly meh. Maybe Ontario Viognier just doesn't do it for me, but I just didn't think it stood up to the price he was charging. But I won’t judge the entire operation from just that one wine :)
For what it's worth -- what I like about Fielding is the approachability and price-point of their wines. There isn’t a single wine they make that I’d say is my favourite in the class/region, but there’s a nice consistency between them all, and their prices work for my budget.
I saw the sign for the Organized Crime Winery, but didn’t stop in because I was short on time. I’ll admit I was a little turned off by the cuteness of their brand – but I’m one to talk, I’ve got an animal on my label…
Posted by: Nathan | February 19, 2008 12:17 PM