The winery’s only been open since 2004 and they still need to pare down the range inherited from the growers who ran the 58-acre vineyard for over 30 years – at least eight different varieties are currently planted. However at least three of their wines are really excellent. I will be reporting on others, including their riesling, soon. Meanwhile, here are three pricier Niagara wines that more than match foreign counterparts at the same price points. And the screwcaps are such a nice touch.
Reserve Chardonnay 2005. $21.95
Rich nose with evident sweetish oaky notes over citrus fruit and maybe some green apple. Smooth and a little round on the palate (05 was a hot summer after all…), but enough acidity to keep it fresh. Not too fruity, but nice butterscotch and vanilla notes from the oak, nicely balanced. Decent finish. 89 points.
Cabernet Franc 2005. $21.95
Beautiful and very characteristic nose: dark floral and spicy notes, as well as bell pepper and red berry fruit. Most of the aromas follow through into flavours on the palate. Tannins are pretty firm and the acidity is good. Smooth, medium bodied and elegant, if slightly thin, on the palate. There’s a good solid finish as well, with the red fruit coming back to the fore. This is exactly what a cab franc should taste like. Excellent. 91 points.
Pinot Noir 2005. $29.95
Lovely light ruby colour. Pronounced nose of dark cherry fruit, earthiness and maybe even a bit of barnyard. Smooth and light on the palate, through the tannins are still pretty evident. Acidity is quite crisp and it’s not too fruity – more Old World than New in style. Again, they’ve really captured the varietal style here. Good finish. 90 points.
This Coyote's Run riesling was a contender in the recent Cuvee Awards:
