Cloudbursting

Moving from strength to strength

Cloudbursting

I recently had the opportunity to taste through the current releases from Adam Lowy’s Cloudsley winery in Vineland. The last time I caught up with this exciting project, Lowy was focused on pinot noir and pouring his 2015 vintage. Since then chardonnay has joined the ranks and shows equally compelling complexity and character to the noteworthy pinot portfolio. Wines are available direct from the domaine. 

Chardonnay 2017
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
SCORE: 91 PRICE: $35

A blend of Foxcroft and Wingfield. Barrel fermented and aged (25% new oak). Ripe, rich and balanced style of chardonnay, with round, creamy texture. Apple, pear and spice notes combine with oatmeal and buttery notes. Nice finish, touch warm? 300 cases. Drink now to 2023

Wingfield Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
SCORE: 93 PRICE: $50
Vines planted in 1993, clone 76. Refined nose and palate. Youthful and tightly wound at the moment, more mineral and restrained than the other Cloudsley chardonnays. Citrusy with melon and custard apple, less pronounced oak. Long spicy finish. Attractive. 100 cases. Drink now to 2026. 

Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
SCORE: 92 PRICE: $50
A chardonnay with immediate appeal. Rich and refined nose. Full-bodied, creamy and leesy, with mouthfilling stone fruit, citrus, toffee and vanilla notes. Finish is nice and fresh. Rewarding. 100 cases. Drink now to 2024.

Pinot Noir 2017
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
SCORE: 91 PRICE: $35
Blend of Glen Elgin and Homestead vineyards. Appealing red fruit, spice and oak notes. Complex, with layers and roundness. Attractive core and creamy texture that carries to the finish. Impressive. Light, bright fruit and spice notes, midpalate weight and creamy texture carries to the finish. Layers and roundness. 210 cases. Drink now to 2025.

Pinot Noir Homestead Vineyard 2017
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
SCORE: 92 PRICE: $50
Planted 1999 and 2002, clones 777 and 115. The standout from the 2017 pinots, this offers attractive perfume, suggesting spice and juicy red fruit. More streamlined on the palate. Medium-bodied, with a concentrated core of fruit balanced by underlying minerality and refreshing finish. Supported by oak, impressively dialled in. 110 cases. Drink now to 2024.

Pinot Noir Glen Elgin Vineyard 2017
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
SCORE: 91 PRICE $50
Planted in 1996, clone 115. True to form this presents more depth and richness. Concentrated cherry and cream, with a seamless texture and spicy finish. Best aging potential of the 2017s. 90 cases. Drink now to 2027.

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