Down the road to By Chadsey's Cairns, one of the original wineries in the area. It's a small but very pretty winery with rich clay loam. Co-owner Richard (his wife is the winemaker), was busy with some customers making a number of purchases, giving us time to fuss the dog and sit on the porch overlooking the vines. Life is good.
By Chadsey's Cairns Riesling 2007
The Riesling has a very light, watery colour but has good peach, pear and citrus aromas. Dry in the mouth, the peach, mineral and grapefruit flavour are well-balanced, leading to a long citrus finish. This will be one to try again after it's had some months in the bottle.
By Chadsey's Cairns Gewurztraminer 2007
Also surprisingly light and watery to the eye, it has a light, floral and sweet spice aroma. But the citrus and peach flavours even it out, and it has a medium citrus finish. Not great, but pleasant.
By Chadsey's Cairns Gamay Noir 2007
The aromas of leather, ripe red fruit and sour cherries don't all come through in the tasting. Sour cherries and tobacco dominate the flavours, and the long finish.
By Chadsey's Cairns Pinot Noir 2006
The tobacco and sweet red fruit are repeated in the mouth. There are good tannins here, even if it's a bit on the tart side. There's a long tart cherry finish. Unfined (and therefore suitable to vegans), this wine is offered in very convenient half bottles.
By Chadsey's Cairns Merlot-Cabernet Franc 2006
This blend comes from a partnership with Lailey Winery in Niagara, which provided the Merlot that makes up 55% of the wine. The remaining 45% Cab Franc is Estate. According to Richard, their attempt at growing Merlot - natural, given the soil - failed due to the severe cold. Plumy, jammy, with some leather, this blend really works. The tannins are high but smooth and the acidity low. Extra dry, it has a too-short tannic finish.
By Chadsey's Cairns Chardonnay 2006
Another blend, this time with Lailey Chard (65%) and Estate Chard (35%). A complex nose of citrus, peach, per and minerals doesn't quite make it to the taste, though the citrus and pear do. The finish is short. The wine is fined with egg whites.
By Chadsey's Cairns Riesling 2007
The Riesling has a very light, watery colour but has good peach, pear and citrus aromas. Dry in the mouth, the peach, mineral and grapefruit flavour are well-balanced, leading to a long citrus finish. This will be one to try again after it's had some months in the bottle.
By Chadsey's Cairns Gewurztraminer 2007
Also surprisingly light and watery to the eye, it has a light, floral and sweet spice aroma. But the citrus and peach flavours even it out, and it has a medium citrus finish. Not great, but pleasant.
By Chadsey's Cairns Gamay Noir 2007
The aromas of leather, ripe red fruit and sour cherries don't all come through in the tasting. Sour cherries and tobacco dominate the flavours, and the long finish.
By Chadsey's Cairns Pinot Noir 2006
The tobacco and sweet red fruit are repeated in the mouth. There are good tannins here, even if it's a bit on the tart side. There's a long tart cherry finish. Unfined (and therefore suitable to vegans), this wine is offered in very convenient half bottles.
By Chadsey's Cairns Merlot-Cabernet Franc 2006
This blend comes from a partnership with Lailey Winery in Niagara, which provided the Merlot that makes up 55% of the wine. The remaining 45% Cab Franc is Estate. According to Richard, their attempt at growing Merlot - natural, given the soil - failed due to the severe cold. Plumy, jammy, with some leather, this blend really works. The tannins are high but smooth and the acidity low. Extra dry, it has a too-short tannic finish.
By Chadsey's Cairns Chardonnay 2006
Another blend, this time with Lailey Chard (65%) and Estate Chard (35%). A complex nose of citrus, peach, per and minerals doesn't quite make it to the taste, though the citrus and pear do. The finish is short. The wine is fined with egg whites.
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