Feeling PECish ─ Part 4

(Read Part 1 here)

(Read Part 2 here)

(Read Part 3 here)

The Wineries of Marysburgh/Athol  

This newer area is south of Picton.  The winemakers here all sing from the same song-sheet:  they are absolutely convinced that the next 10-20 years will show that this area is better suited for vineyards than is Hillier.  (Every winery expressed this opinion, accompanied by a small, smug smile, without me having asked the question.)  And based on our tastings, they’re right.  The people were knowledgeable and friendly.  But yikes, the wines are expensive!

Long Dog:  We tried both the 2007 and 2008 Bella Riserva Chardonnay.  An interesting contrast in styles:  2007 showed more rich tropical aromas and flavours while the 2008 offered citrus-y flavours with crisp acidity.  It all comes down to personal preference and we brought home the 2008 ($30).  Long Dog also makes Pinot Noir.  The 2008 Top Dog ($36) is fruit forward with aromas and flavours of red cherry and raspberry and a bit of sweet spice.  Light-bodied with fresh acidity.  The 2007 Otto Riserva Pinot Noir ($50) is a better and more complex effort but, to be blunt, not worth $50, so we brought home the Top Dog.  Long Dog also makes a couple of Pinot Gris. 

Exultet:  Very small production and oh so expensive.  The 2009 Chardonnay ($50) has pear, butterscotch, and spicy nutmeg on the nose.  Aged in half French and half in Hungarian oak.  Medium acidity.  No question, it’s delicious.  I broke down and bought a bottle.  I passed on the 2009 Pinot Noir at $50.

Lighthall:  Another small producer.  The 2009 Chardonnay Reserve ($25) had citrus and peach aromas and flavours.  Crisp acidity with minerality.  Bought it.  We tasted the 2010 Chardonnay Reserve from the tank.  It has a similar profile to the 2009 but better balanced, soft and smooth in the mid-palate but refreshing acidity at the end.  The 2009 Pinot Noir Reserve ($25) was quite earthy, with sour red fruit on the palate.  Light-bodied.  The 2009 Pinot Noir Particulaire ($50) is more New World in style, bigger, riper red cherry aromas and flavours and a more balanced structure with medium acidity and a hint of tannin.

Cheese Producers

Waupoos:  We rode our bicycles out to Fifth Town Cheese, which is towards the east end of the County.  On the way back, we stopped at Waupoos for lunch.  As with the Grange, it’s a beautiful setting and touristy.  Although it’s one of the oldest PEC wineries, it had not a single VQA PEC wine.  Shame.

Marysburgh wineries worth a visit:  Long Dog, Exultet, Lighthall

Subscribing to this blog through RSS or email is easy! Just click on the subscribe link to the left ←