WineLovers Discussion Group

Another of Howie's homemade wines, we had this lovely Chardonnay, made from Niagara-On-The-Lake fruit, this past weekend.

Bright, clear straw colour with excellent clarity and a few legs when swirled. Beautifully defined nose of green apple and pineapple fruit; no oak here at all. Crisp and gorgeously dry on the entry with a well-defined structure, flavours that follow through across the palate and a perfectly balanced, perfectly crisp and dry texture. Clean, long finish. One of the best unoaked Chardonnays I've ever tried - and not just from around here. The bottle went fast, with everyone commenting on how good it was. Most of the comments were from non-wine types, too. Who says newbies don't like dry wines?

Great work, Howie! I was proud to have this on my table.

This was one of my favorite wines of the weekend. We tried this Saturday night after the winery tours along side Howie's oaked version. I can honestly say it was the most appealing Chard I've ever drunk and is one of the only ones, among those that I have tasted, that I would pair with food. The oaked version I didn't care for at all. This is how I feel more Chardonnay should be made.

I haven't tried Kim Crawfords unoaked Chardonnay and would like to soon so that I could compare my reaction.

Tyler

Thanks Paul, but I have to give credit where credit is due - to the grower. The old axium "Good grapes make good wine". As with the better wines I've ever made, all I had to do was ferment, clarify, finish bone dry and bottle. Glad you enjoyed it.

Howie Hart wrote:As with the better wines I've ever made, all I had to do was ferment, clarify, finish bone dry and bottle.

And, of course, leave it oak-less.
I join in the chorus of fans of your beautiful wine. What a treat.

Hmmmm.... note to self - don't give any more of this away. Save two bottles for NY State Fair. Give away the Cayuga and Vidal.

Howie Hart wrote:Hmmmm.... note to self - don't give any more of this away. Save two bottles for NY State Fair. Give away the Cayuga and Vidal.

Hey, Howie. I was just kidding. You got any more of that crappy unoaked Chardonnay laying around????