All good points. Does anyone know the production levels here? Considering the quality, I had assumed that they were quite small, and therefore not a significant threat. I was thinking more of Long Dog. I was thinking that a high quality producer with small output wouldn’t need the VQA “help”, but given the difference in taxes, and assuming that they are pricing to market, they are losing out on substantial revenue.
Lab testing in Ontario is $175 per bottling, per vintage. Not all that significant, but not nothing either.
Chris, I think Mike was alluding to the lab testing they do internally at the winery. I can understand that being expensive due to the constant testing.
LCBO/VQA panel lab tests, on the other hand, are relatively inexpensive as you stated.
@Tran - an update on 09 PM Chardonnay. I took a bottle to our Somm wine class which is taught by Master Sommelier Brunce Wallner. The wine was tasted blind, and the consensus was that it was a Premier Cru Burgundy.
Pretty much everyone was flabbergasted when I revealed the wine.
Cheers.
nice to see such informed discussion on Ontario wines! It is really gratifying to watch the steady progress of the industry over time…did not have as much of a clue as to the politics involved. Will definitely put PM on my next winery tasting trip.
Any opinions on the wines of Malivore? I found the Chardonnay quite elegant in some cuvees…
Sanjay,
When was the 09 opened? I accidentally popped the cork on one a couple months ago and it was so shut down that it’s not even funny. I’ve buried additional bottles well out of reach so that I don’t make the same mistake again.
The 11 Is also really tight, but assuming you swish is like mouthwash, it actually brings out some of the wine. Clearly Francois’ wines need some cellaring to show well.
Dennis:
I’m not fond of Malivoire. If I were to look at another Niagara winery producing some good whites, I’d select the Reserve range at Ravine (Estate Reserve and Michael Stadtlander Reserve, 10 and 09, respectively). Not cheap at $40+ though.