2023 Bachelder Werner-York Chardonnay🔥94pts

This is my first time digging into the Werner-York single vineyard by Thomas Bachelder, from the St. David’s Bench, although it has been made in at least one previous vintage. This vineyard sits right next to the famed Lowery Vineyard, which members have discovered in the past for it’s highly rated and elegant Pinot Noir. 

I am amazed with the flavour definition, chalky wet-stone-like texture, and complex finish. This wine is wonderfully structured with bright acidity and a stunning mix of citrus such as key lime, but also peach and yellow apple. The mid-palate is tightly knit, filled with tension, developing into a flinty and almost spicy finish. The finish is impressively long and I’m really looking forward to the next vintage. I think this vineyard deserves it’s own following, and is right up there in terms of potential with Bachelder’s other cult hits. 

A word from Thomas: The Werner-York Vineyard is a long stone's throw from the Lowrey Vineyard that we so prize for Pinot Noir. It, too, is on the Saint David’s Bench. The Werner-York Vineyard, thus, like Lowrey, makes wine that is lacy, chalky, and indescribably elegant – one in Pinot Noir, this one in Chardonnay! There’s a hint of pear on the nose mingling with crustacean seaside notes that seem more elegant, perhaps, than the peach flavours normally emanating from Niagara-on-the-Lake. And let's not forget the limestone vocation of the St. David’s Bench. It really shines through from the nose to the finish.

A word from Mary: Delivers the unique terroir of St. David’s Bench – different from the Vineland bench, but just as interesting!

119 cases made.

94pts Carl’s Wine Club | 94pts Rick VanSycle | 93pts WineAlign