Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Le Grand Clos - 93+pts

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir (Jordan Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Limited. Jackson-Triggs Niagara
Cost: $70
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 409 cases
Date Tasted: August 5th, 2012

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Sometimes it pays to splurge a bit more for an experience you won't soon forget. Yes, it's Canada's most expensive Pinot Noir, but is it Canada's best? There's an argument for 'yes' with its sublime nose of cherry, plum, pepper, cinnamon and popcorn kernel aromas and with its memorable, well balanced and fine tannin filled palate of kirsch, cherry and magic marker flavours. Of course, you'll decide for yourself if it is or isn't "the best" and either 'yah' or 'nay' you'll enjoy the debate. Still youthful after 5 years with easily another 5 to go, if not more. Drink 2013-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Village Reserve Chardonnay - 88pts

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Village Reserve Chardonnay (Vinemount Ridge) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here. Select LCBO stores and online retailers in the UK
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 1st, 2010

Tasting Notes: The Village Reserve is a blend of Chardonnay grapes grown on multiple vineyard sites around the Jordan area of the Niagara Peninsula. Being the winery's entry-level Chardonnay its goal should be to entice the buyer to seek out the their more intricate (and expensive) wines by showcasing the house style and quality. This it does very well.

A well-balanced, Burgundian recipe of oak, fruit on the edge of ripeness, silky textures and minerality. This is a good quality Chardonnay that is drinking beautifully now and will last another few years. If you're intrigued about the hype that Le Clos Jordanne has generated and want to taste for yourself, this is a good wine to start with. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Village Reserve Pinot Noir - 87pts

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Village Reserve Pinot Noir (Vinemount Ridge) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 2nd, 2010

Tasting Notes: This entry-level Pinot Noir from neo-Burgundian winery Le Clos Jordanne of the Niagara Peninsula offers a good assemblage of oak, earth and raspberry characters on the nose and palate. Chalky textured with a light-to-medium body, the wine has decent tannin structure paired with sharp acidity. The result is a wine who's balance is a bit off. Approachable with decanting, yet drinking a bit tight still despite three years of aging. I recommend cellaring another six months before opening. Drink mid-2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Talon Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir - 91+pts

Le Clos Jordanne Estate Wines 2007 Talon Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir (Vinemount Ridge) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: LCBO Vintages. Jackson-Triggs Niagara
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 5th, 2010

Tasting Notes: The Talon Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir offers elegant, developing aromas of dark cherry, raspberry seed, oak spice and steely minerality on the nose. The palate recalls the limestone terroir with earthy flavours, austere acidity and smooth, integrated tannins. Very Burgundian in character.

This is a high quality Pinot Noir that has been built to age. We recommend squirreling this beauty away for another year or two for further development. If you can't wait, decant for 2+ hours before serving. Drink 2012-2018.
 - Liam Carrier