Little Niagara Pinot Thinking Big

During a rare visit to the Niagara vineyard, I had been impressed by the quality of the wines from this vineyard ideally located on what is known as the Niagara Escarpments.

Impressed by the quality of the wines, of course, but also their affordable price. I had the pleasure of being able to taste the new vintages whose wines have just arrived at the SAQ. It’s still so good. If you want a Pinot Noir with a Burgundy profile with a gourmet touch, I highly recommend it.

Drink less. Drink better.

Flat Rock Cellars, Pinot Noir 2018, Twenty Mile Bench, Canada

$ 23.95 – Code SAQ 12457307 – 13.5% – 3 g / L

It is the entry level of serious wines, the estate producing a more accessible “Twisted” line for the general public. Closed by a screw cap – which avoids the unpleasant surprises of a corked wine – the wine first appears on the reserve with notes of reduction. Once well oxygenated, we feel the pinot come out with tones of cherry blossom and a touch of mocha. In the mouth, we can guess a nourished fruit, supple and elegant tannins, then an impression of dryness on the finish which seems to come from aging. Fairly good persistence, the wine is easy to drink, although it will be better at the table. Decant 45 to 60 minutes and serve chilled (15 ° C).

★★ 1⁄2 $$

Flat Rock Cellars, Gravity Pinot Noir 2016, Twenty Mile Bench, Canada

$ 38.00 – Code SAQ 14503549 – 13% – 1 g / L

The Gravity cuvée is the result of a selection of the best plots and the most beautiful barrels of the estate. A deeper wine, more accomplished than the previous cuvée. It is also more in line with the typicality of the Niagara region with a decidedly gourmet profile. Immediate and seductive nose. Notes of candied cherry, ripe strawberries, pot pourri and spices. The material is ample, chubby, all in restraint, while the tannins are round and elegant. Oddly easier to drink on its own than its little brother, it should prove to be better at the table.

★★★ $$$

Two experimental cuvées

The estate enjoys making special cuvées. We play here on the notion of “nature”. It is more a question of yeast used than of natural wine itself. All this does not matter as the two wines are very successful and, above all, delicious! They could be measured without blushing against excellent Nuitons or Beaune wines at more than tempting prices.

Flat Rock Cellars, Nature Pinot Noir 2017, Twenty Mile Bench, Canada

$ 50.00 (available at the vineyard) – 13% – 3g / L

“Wild” fermentation from natural yeasts. The wine impresses with its explosive fruitiness. It’s crunchy, a bit greedy, elegant and long. Very gurgling, the bottle whistled to two in 26 minutes and 47 seconds. A bit pricey, but I would like to have some on hand every night.

★★★ 1⁄2 $$$$

Flat Rock Cellars, Nurture Pinot Noir 2017, Twenty Mile Bench, Canada

$ 50.00 (available at the vineyard) – 13% – 3g / L

The difference with “nature” is slim, but the quality, just as impressive. Less shaggy in terms of flavors, more classic, the wine leaves a sweet impression of cherry, bergamot and orange zest. My favorite.

★★★ 1⁄2 $$$$

Legend

★ Correct

★★ Good

★★★ Very good

★★★★ Excellent

★★★★★ Exceptional

• More stars than dollars: well worth the price.
• As many stars as dollars: worth the price.
• Fewer stars than dollars: wine is expensive.