Holland Marsh whites
Thursday, January 1st: Started the new year off with a couple of tastings. Holland March Wineries describes itself on its website this way:
Nestled in Canada’s premier historical farming community, The Holland Marsh – The Nersisyan Family strives to harmoniously infuse the Tradition of Old World winemaking with some New World flare. The Winery was established in 2008, which encompasses 22 acres of sandy, clay and loamy-type soil. This unique soil composition and bowl-shaped micro-climate gives the estate grown grapes an unparalleled distinction from that of any other region in Ontario. Paired with many centuries worth of knowledge and countless years of experience, we are pioneering the way for emerging wine regions in Ontario.
Holland Marsh Wineries Ephemere Pinot Grigio 2022
Pale straw in colour with a lime tint; peach pit nose with a citrus note; medium-bodied, crisp, green peach flavour with good length. (88)
Holland Marsh Wineries Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Deep straw colour with a green hue; reductive nose of sulphur and green plum; medium-bodied, tart, gooseberry flavour with lively acidity. (86)
Holland Marsh Wineries Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Golden straw colour; toasty, winter apple nose with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, aromatic, apple and pear flavours with lemony acidity. Richly extracted, creamy mouthfeel.
Holland Marsh reds
Holland Marsh Wineries Ephemere Baco Gamay 2023
A 50/50 blend of Baco Noir and Gamay. Deep purple-ruby in colour; black cherry and plum bouquet with oak notes; medium-bodied, dry, earthy, savoury blackberry and plum flavours with a firm tannic finish. Hold 1–2 years to allow the tannins to soften. (87)
Holland Marsh Wineries Cabernet Baco 2020
80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Baco Noir. Deep ruby-purple in colour; floral, red and blackcurrant nose with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, richly extracted sweet plum and blackcurrant flavours; well-balanced, firmly structured, finishing on lively acidity. Hold 1–2 years. (89)
Holland Marsh Wineries Reserve Merlot 2018
Mature ruby with a tawny rim; spicy, oaky, plum bouquet with a floral top note; medium-bodied, dry, savoury, dried cherry flavour; well-balanced, firmly structured with ripe tannins. Drink now. (90)
Then onto two well-priced white Burgundies:
Two affordable white Burgundies
Cave de Lugny Macon-Chardonnay 2023 ($23.95)
Golden straw in colour; toasty, apple nose with a floral top note; medium-bodied, dry, ripe pineapple and yellow apply flavours; richly extracted and well-balanced. (91)
Cave de Lugny Macon-Lugny 2023 St. Pierre ($23.95)
Straw colour; toasty, apple and pear bouquet with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, elegant, beautifully balanced apple and pineapple flavours with well integrated oak. (92)
Other wines tasted this week (with dinner): The Farm Pinot Noir 2022 (Niagara Peninsula); Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2021; Grand’ Arte Touriga Nacional 2005 (Estremadura); Konzelmann Cabernet Franc 2016; Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2023.
