wine review: Stonebridge Chardonnay 2019, Stonebridge Vineyard, Four Mile Creek VQA

Ottawa, ON

December 2024

Matt’s review: This single-vineyard Chardonnay hails from Stonebridge Vineyard in the Four Mile Creek sub-appellation of Niagara-on-the-Lake. A blend of Chardonnay clones 95, 96, 548, and 76, it showcases the best of Niagara’s cool-climate terroir. The wine has a light golden yellow color, signaling maturity and ripe fruit. Aged for 22 months in 33% new French oak from the renowned Billon cooperage in Beaune, France, it reveals a nose of lush orchard fruits—think Golden Delicious apples, baked apple pastry, marzipan, and a touch of sweet spice. On the palate, the fruit repeats, complemented by a delicate note of wildflower honey that lingers through the finish. This wine is a perfect expression of Niagara’s potential, demonstrating both the region’s terroir and the exceptional winemaking at Stonebridge. It will continue to evolve beautifully over the next five years. Tasted December 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available winery-direct $45