The marvelous 2020 growing season and harvest was nearly perfect in all vine-related respects in
Niagara. Wines that practically made themselves with perfect balance and proportions. This inaugural
vintage of an all estate grown – but quite eclectic blend, represents what is beautiful about a terroir
specific blend. The dense, dark, blackberry fruit of Dornfelder is a rare treat of a variety here in Niagara,
but on its own it would be a less complex wine and a bit soft in tannins. So adding to the platter of this
wine we bring other “goodies”. The Cabernet Franc brings a ripe and full palate with rich, fine-grained
tannins and a touch raspberry fruit. Gamay adds black pepper-spice, forest floor and bright cherry fruit.
Lemberger? Another grape that is a rarity here in Niagara, also called Blaufränkisch. A beautiful dark
plummy colour and nose for this wine also supports with fine tannins and a touch of acidity.
Why all of this in one wine? … First of all they are eclectic but well suited blend partners. Stories like
this exist all around the world … Think of Australia’s Cabernet and Shiraz blends, or the wines of the
Rhone or Bordeaux. Terroir driven blends are traditional and well understood as the key to a region or a
site. The tradition we are interested in supporting with this blend puts the blend at the pinnacle of the
hierarchy rather than the single variety. This gives the winemaker flexibility and drives a terroir-driven
style.Entirely fermented in stainless steel as separate varietals, then blended and barreled down for 18
months in French and American oak barrels, mainly used barrels that are milder in their flavour
contribution but still important in the development or elevage of the wine.
This wine is intended as a unique statement. Appealing to those wine enthusiasts that love unique
wines that are fresh, delicious, textured and age-worthy, - yet still exhibits this vineyard and our region
in such an interesting and beguiling a way.