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| CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANCS 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, traditional method |
| Vintage Assessments Tasting Note |
Producer |
HENRY OF PELHAM |
| This 100% Chardionnay (20% barrel fermented) has a bright medium yellow colour with fine effervescence. Attractive, intense, very slightly spicy, slightly leesy, minerally, gently complex, ripe lemon-melon-apple-pear nose with some slightly toasty notes. Dry, medium plus bodied, nicely textured, slightly spicy, ripe lemon-apple-melon meringue flavours with a lingering, well balanced, gently toasty, lingering, effervescent finish. Disgorged after 54 months the lees it is showing very nicely now and has 12.5% alcohol and 6 g/L residual sugar. A repeat of the 2017 that was released on April 26, 2025 at $49.95. Note that the new 2018 (untasted) is available at the winery for only $43.93 |
CSPC |
315200 |
| Type |
Sparkling Wine |
| Agent |
Hen Pel |
| Country |
Canada |
| Region |
Ontario |
| Rating |
***(93 points)
Elegant, Nicely Textured, Dry, Ready |
| LCBO Text |
Status |
Recommended by Vintage Assessments! |
| TASTING NOTE: The 2017 vintage of Carte Blanche is easily among the best sparkling wines made in Ontario that I have tasted. It's made from 100% estate grown Chardonnay from the Short Hills Bench with 20% of the fruit barrel fermented. Secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle (traditionally made) and is followed by a further 54 months aging on the lees. Such an intriguing nose of lemon tart, brioche/autolytic notes, apple/quince fruit, poached pear, pie crust and showing a light golden colour in the glass. It's pure hedonistic pleasure on the palate with a soft(ish) but elegant bead, ripe stone fruits, baked bread/biscuit notes, lemon, fresh saline/flinty minerality, and mouth-watering acidity keeping it clean and fresh through a lifted finish. Such depth and verve. Wow, just beautiful! Score - 95+ (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com Dec. 9,2024) |
Price |
$ 49.95 |
| Bottle Size |
750 mL |
| Tasting Date |
vintages release - November 22, 2025 |
| Cases bought |
180 (6 bottles per case) |
Check LCBO Availability |
|
Score:
- Not Presented * Below Average
*+ OK
** Good
**+ Excellent
*** Outstanding
***+ Exceptional
|
