Vintages New Release Collection –June 7, 2025

THE NEW RELEASE COLLECTION

SPARKLING WINE CONT’D SORELLE BRONCA L’EST BRUT PROSECCO VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE DOCG, Italy

BLACK BANK HILL RUNWAY CHARDONNAY 2023 6 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula

Gotta be the first chardonnay out of the gates from the 2023 vintage and if this cracker example is any indication of what’s coming then hold on to your senses. Recently bottled and even with an early (September) pick this saw less than 10 months of aging, but the mix of indelible lees and high voltage (8.5 g/L) total acidity put this in scintillant, dare it be said Blanc de Blancs styled territory ... Wild and exciting shift from vintner Taylor Emerson and winemaker Jonathan McLean ... Drink 2024-2026. Tasted at i4C, July 2024. Score: 90 (Michael Godel, winealign.com) Full-bodied & Rich 45092 (XD) 750 mL $29.95 2

... this third generation family estate is run by sisters Antonella and Ersiliana Bronca. This is a very tidy, bright and well balanced prosecco with classic green apple, melon and lime notes – all well integrated and pure. It is light bodied, brisk and even with some sense of minerality. Sweetness is a mere suggestion. Excellent length with a stony, citrus finish. Tasted July 2024. Score: 92 (David Lawrason, winealign.com) Light & Fruity 42677 (D) 750 mL $24.95 1

CANADA – WHITE WINE ONTARIO BACHELDER PARCELLE HAUT IVY & WARREN SAUNDERS VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2022 6

CHARLES BAKER B-SIDE RIESLING 2023 6 VQA Niagara Peninsula

Charles Baker’s single-vineyard Rieslings are among the most definitive expressions produced in Niagara. The B-Side is a blend of fruit from the younger vines of the Ivan and Picone vineyards and is complex, racy and ripe, with marvellous texture and depth and an unmistakable minerality. It will delight through 2030 and potentially beyond. Aromatic & Flavourful 523845 (D) 750 mL $24.95 2

VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment ... I love the rich and silky, creamy palate with yellow and orange-fleshed fruit, also wood spice ... Acids are firm and crunchy, framing limestone such as one sees in fine limestone expressions, red and white, from around the best parts of the world. Excellent length and depth. It’s a fine vintage for the Saunders ‘Haut’ and its over 30 year old vines, perhaps the best yet. Best from mid-next year. Tasted November 2024. Score: 94 (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com) Full-bodied & Rich 45135 (XD) 750 mL $45.00 2 Featured in Local Talent ... so lovely with a pristine, suave and elegant nose that sneaks up on you with its intriguing subtleties of pure saline, wet stones, fresh pear, lemon, white peach and fully integrated spice notes. It’s mouth- filling on the palate with dense stone fruits, lemon, chiseled salinity, river rock, subtle creamy notes and spice ... Score: 94 (Rick VanSickle, winesin niagara.com, Nov. 4, 2024) Full-bodied & Rich 45136 (XD) 750 mL $39.95 2 Featured in Local Talent BACHELDER WERNER-YORK VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2022 6 VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake

CANADA – RED WINE ONTARIO BACHELDER KIRBY VINEYARD

GAMAY NOIR 2022 6 VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake

... grapes are 43% whole cluster pressed. There is a lovely floral note on the nose followed by ripe raspberries, cherries, cranberries, subtle minty herbs, pepper, and spice. It shows more intensity on the palate with savoury red berries, a touch of plum and darker berries with light tannins, juicy acidity, and a vibrant finish. Might want to give this a bit of time to open up on the nose. Can cellar to 2027. Score: 92 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara. com, April 5, 2024) Light-bodied & Fruity 45139 (XD) 750 mL $27.95 2 Featured in Local Talent

28 VINTAGES SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2025