Cave Spring
Pinot Noir Dolomite
2019
About this winery
More than three decades ago, the Pennachetti family helped to pioneer the cultivation of noble European grape varietals on the Niagara Peninsula with the planting of their first Riesling and Chardonnay vines at Cave Spring . In the years since, Cave Spring has established itself as one of Canada’s most acclaimed wineries, earning a reputation for crafting elegant and distinctive cool-climate wines in the heart of Ontario’s wine country. First named by European settlers in the late 18th...
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Product notes
‘Dolomite’ refers to a type of limestone comprising the Niagara Escarpment caprock above the estate. Through the forces of erosion, this ancient stone has come to enrich the soils of the vineyard below, nestled along the gentle slopes of the Beamsville Bench. This Pinot Noir bears the mark of its origins. The calcareous clays of the site contribute to the delicate aromas and silky textures that are the wine’s signature. 2021 brought a warm growing season and turbulent autumn, delivering ripe fruit and moderate yields. Pinot Noir ripened on time, producing delicate yet well-structured wines with medium-term ageing potential.
Production notes
14-day, whole-berry maceration and fermentation using exclusively indigenous yeast; 35% of the cuvée was bled off the skins to barrel, with 65% pressed and gravity fed to barrel; aged for 12 months 90% in neutral oak and 10% in 2nd–4th fill French oak barrels; formats were 90% 225L and 10% 500L; minimal sulphur additions; unfiltered.
Tasting notes
Colour Medium garnet. Nose Aromas of forest floor, truffle, macerating cherries and saddle leather over top hints of red currant, anise and blacktop. Palate Medium bodied and harmonious in feel; supple up front, with chewy tannins and a dried cranberry undertone; in the middle, the tannins tighten to a fine grain, infused with saturated black cherry and rose water and framed by rounded edges; to the back, granular yet silky tannins steer a linear path, driving into a dense yet lacy finish flush with black raspberry compote, sage, clove and cracked pepper.