Clear, very deep garnet. Mature nose of black cherry jam and stewed plums with a bit of “barnyard.” Full-bodied and very fruity (more cherry jam). The fruit, high alcohol and tannins are in lovely balance now, so drink up.
Siblings Martine Pages and Christophe Molinier are fourth generation vignerons overseeing an estate (biodynamic since 2013) that dates back some 115 years. Concrete fermented, with the Carignan whole bunch pressed, aged 12 months in French oak. Aromas of dried fruit with earthy undertones before a mouth-filling palate supported by firm tannins.
Lots going in the glass! Toast, vanilla, pineapple, peach, cream, yellow apple, yeast and spice. It is soft in the mouth with a protracted finale. Wine for lovers of New World/oaked Chards!
Les Fevettes is from the estate's oldest Cabernet Franc vineyard, planted in 1943 on deep clay and sand, and has been vinified separately since 1989. Organically farmed, this macerated on skins for approximately 1 month before spending 2 years in foudres and being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Satisfyingly alluring with savoury cured meats, baking spices, sultry five spice, dried violets with downy, soft clad tannins. Mulberry, dusky plum and perfumed cassis linger on the finely textured finish.
Bachelder’s other single-vineyard Chardonnay from Niagara is a slightly more restrained version. The medium straw colour segues into a bouquet of smoke, toast, cream, apple and pear. The palate features much of the same, as well as a spicy finale and refreshing acidity. Drink between 2013 and 2017.
Refined botanicals highlight juniper, coriander and citrus on the nose. On the palate, the spirit is silky smooth with juniper and citrus flavours initially, and spicy coriander with a suggestion of ginger emerging on mid-palate. Finishes with a touch of spirity heat.
Honeysuckle and stone fruit on top, followed by a luscious peach and apricot palate with seductive viscosity and a touch of citrus and mineral. Quite possibly Viognier like you’ve never tasted before.