2019 Chenin Blanc Select
Appellation: Niagara Lakeshore
A.B.V: 12.8%
R.S.: 4.7 g/l
T.A.: 5.6 g/l
Source: Smith Vineyards
Winemaker’s Notes: This is from the older vines of the Smith vineyard and we sorted for the most botrytis affected fruit. Primary fermentation started as carbonic for 7 days, then pressed and finished fermenting after a year in concrete. This has roughly double the botrytis affected fruit than our white label Chenin.
Sommelier's Notes: This is a richer example than the white label 2019 Chenin we produced. The botrytis concentrates the palate, but also alters the complexity of the nose. I find the white label Chenin to be a touch more developed since it had time in bottle already. This wine will need a couple months to spread its wings and show its muscle, because there will be some oomph. Honey candy, yellow apple skin, and a hint of medicinal character similar to iodine which is a common aromatic for botrytis affected Chenin or Riesling. The palate is dry, unctuous, and long. A lot fresher in the mouth due to the acidity, and the flavour reminds me of lemon skin, granny smith apple, and button mushroom.