April Jewels
Bachelder’s bountiful gamays
Bachelder’s La Violette release has expanded to encompass a rich assortment of gamays from Niagara. The April 2 online release centres on eight different expressions of gamay from the celebrated 2020 vintage, including single-vineyard wines from well-established vineyards in Vineland and Niagara-on-the-Lake and a debut release of a gamay / pinot blend.
The virtual offering also includes Villages chardonnays and pinot noir from 2020, which managed the heat well and give hope for distinctive and refreshing single vineyards to come. BachelderNiagara.com
If you buy only one: While value for money of the Villages Gamay is a smart buy and I’m certainly impressed by the freshness and depth of the Gamay/Pinot from Bator (this debut vintage is a must taste for Ontario red lovers), but the fragrance, fruit and finesse of the Bai Xu Gamay is truly special. To my taste, it’s destined to be one of the most memorable wines of the vintage.
Les Villages Bench Chardonnay 2020, $34.95
Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula
Mix of Saunders, Wingfield, Foxcroft parcels. 13.5% abv. 224 cases.
More citrus and brighter character than the NOTL model. A heavyweight due to the heat of the vintage, but still fresh and layered. Gives me hope for the single vineyards from 2020. Drink now-2024. (91/100)
Les Villages N.O.T.L. Chardonnay 2020. $34.95
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula
Mix of Bator, Bai Xu, Patte Rouge and Willms parcels. 13.5% abv. 175 cases.
Ripe chardonnay character. Yellow apple (hello Niagara-on-the-Lake), honey and spice with a mealy, savoury character. Richness and fleshy fruit with a line of acidity to balance. Drink now-2023. (90/100)
Les Villages Bench Pinot Noir 2020, $34.95
Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula
Mix of Hanck, Wismer, Saunders and Spencer-Morgan parcels. 13.5% abv. 374 cases.
Ripe and bright. Mixed fruit with spice and a dry finish makes for a rich, taut style. Should develop nicely. Drink now-2028. (90/100)
Les Villages Gamay Noir 2020, $25.95
Niagara Peninsula
13% abv. Mix of Bai Xu, Bator, Willms and Wismer-Foxcroft. 16 months in neutral barrels. 474 cases.
Surprisingly fresh and inviting. Dry and fruity character with meaty and savoury notes adding interest. Bright. Fine texture and dry finish. Bistro style that impresses. Drink now-2025. (91/100)
Bai Xu Gamay Noir 2020, $29
Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Planted 1981. 13% abv. 32% Whole Cluster. 150 cases.
A cloud of pretty aromas, beguiling and immediate. Thrilling and persistent fruit flavours. Love the intensity and vigour. Vivid. Intense. Delicious. Can’t wait to see this develop in bottle. Drink now-2028. (94/100)
Bator Gamay Noir Pinot Noir 2020, $29
P.T.L.G. – Passez Toutes Les Grappes. Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake
13% abv. Gamay planted 1998, 2001, 2015. Pinot 2003, 2014. 2/3 Gamay and 1/3 Pinot. 75 cases.
A clear favourite from the Bator range, love to see this style. Pinot really shows up on the nose (blueberry), with richer fruit notes. This fresh and lively red benefits from contributions from both grapes. Enjoyably juicy and spicy character. Harmony and complexity. Drink now-2026. (92/100)
Bator Gamay Noir 2020, $29
Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Planted 1998, 2001, 2015. 13% abv, 100% Destemmed. 50 cases.
Attractive supple fruit. Ripe and juicy, more like pinot in its delicacy. Cherry and berry character. Easy to appreciate. Drink now-2025. (90/100)
Bator Gamay Noir 2020, $29
Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Planted 1998, 2001, 2015. 13% abv. 13% Whole Cluster. 50 cases.
More focus and serious character than the destemmed. Mint (surprise) and spice notes as well as ripe fruit. Dry and refreshing finish. Tannins more present. Food-friendly style. Drink now-2025. (91/100)
Willms “Les Naturistes” Gamay Noir 2020, $29
Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Planted 1983. 13% abv. 55% Whole Cluster. 150 cases.
Ripe and pure fruit on the nose and palate. Generous and round, fresh and inviting. Appetising character. Finish is fresh with a tug of tannin. Drink now-2026. (93/100)
Wismer-Foxcroft Gamay Noir 2020, $32
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Planted 1998. 14% abv. 33% Whole Cluster, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula. 75 cases.
Pure and dense core of fruit, with juicy sweetness at its heart. Impressive. Long, reverberant finish makes this more complete, compelling than the 52% model. Satisfying. Drink now-2030. (93/100)
Wismer-Foxcroft Gamay Noir 2020, $32
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Planted 1998. 13.5% abv. 52% Whole Cluster, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula. 225 cases.
Loads of intensity and ripe fruit on the nose. Stands out. Bold fruit flavours and generous character. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Drink now-2028. (92/100)