Wine List

 

Picture

Name

Tasting Notes

 

2002 Sauvignon Blanc The Oak Hill vineyard is planted to various clones of Sauvignon Blanc, separated into tiny, fragmented parcels.  Loire-et-Cher Clone which offers aromatic perfume and tropical flavours; and Sauvignon Gris, which brings a lush texture to the blend.  Chalk Hill Estate Block Q Sauvignon Blanc, a small hillside vineyard contoured by gravel, delivers forward stone fruit and exotic minerality.  And Semillion, an altogether different but complementary variety, punctuates the blend's full and weighty mouthfeel.

The 2002 vintage was exceptional.  The warm autumn conditions prompted full maturity and produced grapes with heightened levels of concentration and varietal purity.  The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were whole-cluster pressed and fermentation occurred in both barrels (92%) and tank (8%).  Native yeasts, used to enhance the wine's opulence and reveal nuance.  All of the new wine was aged in oak and stirred biweekly through completion of a natural malolactic fermentation.  The result is a wine with concentrated and complex varietal expression, mouth-filling flavours, velvety texture and lengthy finish.  Without question, this Sauvignon Blanc is one suited for the table.
 
    2002 Chardonnay With long stretches of dry, warm, autumn weather the chardonnay vineyards slowly advanced to full maturity, gaining richness, weight and flavour concentration. Hand harvested with the utmost care the grapes were shepherded through traditional Burgundian-style winemaking and progressed through barrel native yeast fermentation and native malolactic fermentations that imparted layers of texture and complexity.

Aged in 40% new French oak for nine months the wine boasts intense aromas of pear, apple, hazelnut and integrated oak.  Flavours of lemon curd and exotic spice are buoyed by the creamy, fresh acidity - a signature combination of richness and elegance, which will continue to develop bottle age.
 

 

2001 Pinot Gris The Pinot Gris grapes from a tiny vineyard in the coolest site on the Chalk Hill Estate became exceptionally ripe.  Two Alsace clones, 146 and clone 152 are grown in shallow clay loam soil.  Clone 146 brings delicate floral aromas and exotic fruit character the the blend, while clone 152 gives roundness and length to the texture. At full maturity, the bronzed grapes were whole cluster pressed followed by natural cold settling of the juice allowing for maximum fruit expression. Fermentation in neutral French oak barrels yielded finesse of this delicate variety and fullness.

Sur lies ageing with bi-weekly stirring brought layers of richness and complexity to the wine. Aged in barrels for 11 months Pinot Gris offers aromas of jasmine, citrus blossom and peach with hints of almonds and hazelnut.  The fully ripe and rich mouthfeel is highlighted by flavours of honeydew melon, red apple and spice.
 
    2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Once harvested the grapes were gently crushed to a fermentation tank.  Using predominantly native yeast fermentation was completed and the tanks were drained to barrel the wine which had reached perfect textural balance.  A native malolactic fermentation proceeded in French oak barrels. which harmonized and softened the wine's structure while integrating the toasty nuances of the oak.

The Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 21 months an the finally blended with small amounts of Petit Verdot (8%) an Malbec (2%) resulting in a unique terrior of dark berry fruit, currant, spiced leather and mocha, while adding sweetness and length to the finish.

91 points - Wine Enthusiast

    2000 Merlot 2000 Merlot was harvested after a long and cool season, ideal conditions for the Bordeaux variety.  Hand picked to capture full maturity and with minimal crushing the whole berries were fermented using native yeasts. Fermentation in French oak barrels produced spicy and robust Merlot flavours with nutty and creamy texture.  The Merlot was then blended with Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

The Chalk Hill Estate 2000 Merlot has decidedly supple and rich texture, exuding aromas of earthy plum and red currant.  The silky tannins carry the lengthy and generous black cherry, cocoa and cigar box flavours to a long and enjoyable finish.

 

 

 1999 Adele's Vineyard Merlot The 1999 Adele's Vineyard Merlot exhibits an opaque purple color along with pure, intense aromas of black currant, mocha and spice, with hints of lavender.  The opulent, full-bodied texture is layered with rich flavours of blackberries, cassis and earth.  The concentrated and supple mid-palate is rivaled only by the long harmonious finish.