2021 Malivoire “Forgotten Row” Chardonnay 🔥 93pts

ON, Niagara, VQA Beamsville Bench
100% Chardonnay | Dry wine | 13.5% ABV
93pts Carl's Wine Club 

From a few select rows of the Moira Vineyard, this might just be my favourite Chardonnay of the lineup. I love the way oak is handled in this wine. I mean, who said new oak is a bad thing? Not me, that’s for sure. Everything in moderation—and this wine nails it: 16 months aging, with 16% new French oak. The weight is just right, the integration is seamless, and the harmony between barrel, fruit, and acidity is absolutely flawless. On the nose, this Chardonnay leans a touch more tropical, with aromas of pineapple, melon, yellow apple, and subtle hints of vanilla and hazelnut. The palate is richer and more opulent, delivering flavours of honeydew melon, ripe peach, apple pie, and a touch of salted caramel on the finish. The length is seriously impressive, finishing with a burst of white spice, wet rock, and pulsing acidity. That extra hang time on the vine (harvested October 3) clearly made a difference. I’m a very big fan, and what a deal for $32! (Carl Boucher, March 7, 2025). Less than 100 cases produced.

Food pairing: fish stew, salmon a la plancha
Drink now until 2030