Norman Hardie Winery - News
Great Reviews from Jancis Robinson, 2021/22 Harvest Update
Dear ,
As winter sets in, our 2021/22 wines are now aging gracefully on their fine lees. Over the years I have learned not to hurry the aging process of the wines and that patience is the most important virtue one can have as a winemaker. I’ve been tasting the 2021 Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs regularly, and they are both likely to come out of barrel sometime between April and June. The Chardonnays are looking fresh as daisies, still sulphur free 14 months after being harvested. Both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are simply going to be a joy to bottle.
My trip to Singapore was incredibly fruitful, the sommeliers and wine buyers were very impressed with the quality of the wines. We also received some wonderful reviews that Premier Cru and Grand Cru Burgundy producers would die for, from renowned wine critic Richard Hemming MW of JancisRobinson.com. Our 2020 Calcaire, 2017 John Bil Cuvée, 2020 Cabernet Franc Whole Cluster, and 2020 County Pinot Noir Jane & Oliver’s Block are all available to buy now at the winery or through our online store. Our 2020 County Pinot Noir and 2020 County Chardonnay will be released later this year.
Last week I spent three days in Amsterdam showcasing our wines at the most important tasting event in the Benelux. The reaction to the wines was similar to the amazing response we had in Singapore. The Dutch, who are known for expressing their opinions in a direct straightforward way, remarked these wines remind them of the Old World but at a fraction of the price.
I will be spending a lot of time in the cellar this winter analyzing and evaluating last year’s harvest and getting the 2021 wines ready for bottle. The team and I are also spending time together to find ways of improving all aspects of the business for the 2023 season. In order to move forward, it is important to change and seek improvement. The goal is to get better and better every year.
Our wines are now served in over 25 Michelin Star restaurants across Europe. While we are excited to see our wines get recognized by these great tables/sommeliers, we are equally thrilled to see our Ontario wines served and enjoyed locally here at home in Canada. Thank you for your continued support.
If you can’t make it to the County, we are happy to deliver directly from our cellar to your door across Canada! Free shipping is available to all provinces including Quebec, and mixed cases are welcome. Click here to order directly from our cellar to your home or office.
Cheers,
Norm
Winter Food Program
We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Prince Edward County this winter. We are offering our delicious, soul warming winter food program daily with no reservations required. Our winter menu includes house cold-smoked Ontario trout, piping hot lasagnas, classic French Onion soup and the East Coast’s freshest oysters. We have indoor seating amongst the tanks and barrels, or outdoors next to roaring fire pits with blankets on-hand.