WTN: Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2004

Niagara Peninsula.

Moderate yellow-light gold in the glass.

Very strong sulphur notes on the nose. Wine was decanted and given some vigorous swirling, before being repoured into the bottle.

Later, the nose revealed honey, spices, with some more subdued sulphur.

Sulphur, tart green apples, crisp, spicy, a little sweet, tangy, good acidity, good weight, somewhat viscous, with some obvious signs of oak.

Mouthwatering finish, with some moderate sulphur notes.

Apart from the obvious sulphur problems, I found this bottle to be rather simple and disappointing, compared to others I have enjoyed.

Screwcap closure.

Purchased at $16.95 (Canadian).

[James Roscoe]

Bruce, the Flat Rock Chard didn't do much for me when we visited at the end of June. I think their soil could be put to better use by raising Riesling, but that may be just me. I did find their pinot noir to be very good.

Bruce, the Flat Rock Chard didn't do much for me when we visited at the end of June. I think their soil could be put to better use by raising Riesling, but that may be just me. I did find their pinot noir to be very good.

Have been quite impressed by FRC Chardonnay, over a couple of vintages, until this one bottle. Tried their PN, a couple of them, at a recent wine show and was quite impressed.

FWIW - In our area, Chardonnay is a early-midseason ripening grape (late September-early October). Both 2004 and 2006 ere not good for grapes ripening around then. Lots of rain in August-September. Late ripening varieties, such as Cab Franc and Riesling were pretty good for 2006. However, 2005 and 2007 were excellent across the board.