Back down the road and we're at the Norman Hardie Winery. Owner and winemaker Norman Hardie worked a few vintages in Burgundy, in addition to his time in Niagara. His experience shows - wines that are complex yet subtle. He was away when we dropped by, but we spoke with Johannes Norman, the Manager of Operations, who told us that Norman tries to "leave his wines alone", meaning that he doesn't complicate the natural flavours through fining or other processes. That's good news for our vegan diners - no egg whites in Norman Hardie wines.
By the way, many for the wines are made from Niagara grapes, where Hardie manages a number of vineyards.
In addition to the five wines we tasted, ... drew a sample of the 2007 Pinot Noir from the barrel. It will be bottled in a few weeks, and this wine has it all going on. Looking forward to it!
Norman Hardie Winery Chardonnnay sans barriques 2006
This unoaked chard is spicy and vegetal while light on fruit flavours. The tart mouthfeel has lots of sweet spice, though, and a long tart finish.
Norman Hardie Winery Riesling 2007
Like every other 2007 Riesling I tried today, I found a good set of aromas (gasoline, green apples) but a less complex palette - grapefruit dominated. It's a little spritzy, too, which I liked. Highly acidic, it has a long sharp finish.
Norman Hardie Winery Chardonnay 2006
Oaked in French barrels, there's a lot of vanilla and sweet spice along with the tropical fruit. The vanilla persists in the mouth, along with secondary characteristics of melon and citrus.
Norman Hardie Winery Pinot Noir 2006
Like the upcoming 2007, the 2006 vintage has a complex sour cherry and vegetal aroma. The mouthfeel is highly tannic with a lot of acid and green pepper flavours. The tannins stay to the lengthy finish. Very nice, it could use a little more time in the bottle.
By the way, many for the wines are made from Niagara grapes, where Hardie manages a number of vineyards.
In addition to the five wines we tasted, ... drew a sample of the 2007 Pinot Noir from the barrel. It will be bottled in a few weeks, and this wine has it all going on. Looking forward to it!
Norman Hardie Winery Chardonnnay sans barriques 2006
This unoaked chard is spicy and vegetal while light on fruit flavours. The tart mouthfeel has lots of sweet spice, though, and a long tart finish.
Norman Hardie Winery Riesling 2007
Like every other 2007 Riesling I tried today, I found a good set of aromas (gasoline, green apples) but a less complex palette - grapefruit dominated. It's a little spritzy, too, which I liked. Highly acidic, it has a long sharp finish.
Norman Hardie Winery Chardonnay 2006
Oaked in French barrels, there's a lot of vanilla and sweet spice along with the tropical fruit. The vanilla persists in the mouth, along with secondary characteristics of melon and citrus.
Norman Hardie Winery Pinot Noir 2006
Like the upcoming 2007, the 2006 vintage has a complex sour cherry and vegetal aroma. The mouthfeel is highly tannic with a lot of acid and green pepper flavours. The tannins stay to the lengthy finish. Very nice, it could use a little more time in the bottle.
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