Leaning Post is a relatively new kid on the block in terms of Niagara wineries, but one to watch for sure. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ilya and Nadia Senchuk, and located in Winona at the western edge of the Niagara Peninsula, they are either your first or last stop if you are journeying from Toronto. Ilya has spent over a decade honing his craft, both as winemaker for iconic Ontario names like Daniel Lenko and The Foreign Affair, but also working harvest down under in New Zealand. Their first vintage under their own label was 2009 as a virtual winery, and since then it has been an incredible journey that now sees their estate vines producing gorgeous Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Senchuk Vineyard. Wanna know a secret? Their Keczan Vineyard Syrah is one of my fave Canadian reds that I’ve tasted, and though I won’t talk about it below, look for the next release to be just before harvest this year… but please save a case for me!

Leaning Post Chardonnay 2016 Senchuk Vineyard, Lincoln Lakeshore ($45)

This has a really lovely ‘old meets new world’ personality. The character of the fruit walks the line between tart and ripe, with aromas of green apple, Bartlett pear, and apple blossom. There is a clove and crème fraiche note, with a whiff of smoke and matchstick. Fruit generosity and a leesy texture meet on the palate, held in place with generous but well balanced acidity.

Leaning Post Gamay 2016 Wismer-Armbrust Vineyard, Twenty Mile Bench ($25)

This is simply delicious. Pale shade of ruby, inviting even just to look at. Beautifully lifted aromas of violets, black currants, pink peppercorn and raspberry leaf. So silky and easy drinking, tannins are barely felt and the fresh, joyful fruit sings on the palate. Gluggable, and best paired with good times.

Leaning Post Pinot Noir 201 Lowrey Vineyard, St David’s Bench ($42)

There is a unifying character about this wine and the Lowrey Vineyard Pinot that Thomas Bachelder produces, which is a telltale rose perfume- delicate, and oh so pretty. Bright red fruit, a slight leafy note, and those dewy red petal aromas invite you into the glass. There is a vibrant acidity and a bit of an herbal grip to the tannin, but not overwhelmingly so, and this will lend itself to a backbone for moderate ageing. I’d not wait too long to drink it lest those rose notes disappear.