WTN: 2007 Henry of Pelham Non-Oaked Chardonnay (Niagara VQA)

$12.95 on LCBO general list. Composite natural-cork closure. 13.1% alc./vol.

Clear, bright straw with a pale-green hue. Vibrant green-apple and pineapple on the nose; crisp and well-structured aromatic profile. Dry and invigorating mouthfeel with vibrant fruitiness following through; very well defined, and a smooth texture from lees ageing. Crisp but with moderate acidity and a lithe, refreshing structure. Another very enjoyable Niagara Chardonnay, from a warm and dry vintage.

[David M. Bueker]

Hi Paul - great to see you around.

Non-oaked Chard sounds nice, especially after the really oaky Chard I had last night.

David, thanks.

Yes, Henry of Pelham has for years made some of the most reliable and pleasant Chardonnay from Niagara, and its lithe food-friendliness and healthy acidity - completely unlike that of many warm-climate Chards - has pretty much kept me away from the ABC camp.

They also used to make a special 'sur lie' bottling, which later disappeared; but now I see that this non-oaked regular Chard does get the sur-lie treatment, and it is very noticeable on the palate.

[David M. Bueker]

Gives it little bit of extra breadth of texture.