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JCR Chardonnay 2017

Producer: Rosehall Run
Region: Ontario
Appellation: Prince Edward County
Country: Canada
Classification: VQA
Wine Type: White
Variety: Chardonnay
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: 3.8 g/L
Soil: Hillier clay and calcareous limestone
Farming Practices: Dry farmed, hand picked, low intervention (Sustainable Cert expected for 2023 vintage)
Awards: 93-John Szabo
info@buyersandcellars.ca www.buyersandcellars.ca

Cellar Profile


Dan Sullivan of Rosehall Run has succeeded at crafting elegant PEC wines for over 20 years, focusing on highlighting the specific terroir of the County and creating some of the best examples of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world. Dan received the “Best Red Wine in Ontario” medal at the 2020 Ontario Wine Awards for his signature JCR Pinot Noir 2018. Sitting on the “Hungry Point” isthmus, surrounded by Lake Ontario on 3 sides, the vines dig deeply into the rocky, calcareous limestone soil. The long sunny days and cool evenings of the region, along with the high acid levels and low pH of the estate soils, ensure Rosehall wines are never lacking in freshness and structure. It is this kind of nervy tension that allows for the production of sublime sparkling wines, both traditional method as well as tank-fermented sparklers, including the exceedingly popular “Pixie” brand. The key to Rosehall’s success is its attention to detail in the vineyard. Sullivan believes that he simply bottles what the vineyard gives him. Yields are infinitesimally small compared to other wine regions, made smaller still by careful selection. Grapes are harvested at full phenolic ripeness, made difficult by the sometimes slow ripening and by the inherent climactic dangers of long hang times.

Region


Nestled on a peninsula on the north shore of Lake Ontario, a short drive from Kingston, the Prince Edward County wine region sits on a bed of porous limestone. This is crucial for creating the mineral, brightly acidic wines the region is known for. The vineyards benefit from breezes off of Lake Ontario, keeping the temperature down on hot summer days and cool at night. “The County” was first settled in the late 18th Century and, after years of farmland agriculture, began growing grapes in earnest by the early 2000s.

Vineyard


Entirely grown and selected from the North Block, planted in 2001 and 2002.

Varieties


Climate, terroir and wine making procedures play a great role in the flavours and textures of Chardonnay. Using Dijon clone 76, 95 and 96 brings smaller berries, earlier ripening and very expressive aromatics.

Winemaking


The juice was settled and racked to barrel for fermentation and élevage for 16 months in large 500L tight grained predominantly French oak puncheons. Ultimately, the cuvée selected was approximately 50% new oak with the balance second fill French and Russian wood.

Tasting Notes 


Full-bodied with bright citrus and tasty almonds on the nose. On the palate, fresh lemon, green apple and toasty vanilla characters. Hints of minerality on the finish.