wine review: Black Bank Hill Chardonnay 2022 – Lincoln Lakeshore VQA, Niagara ON

April 2025

Black Bank Hill 2022 Chardonnay

Winemaker Jonathan McLean, with a decade of experience creating exceptional wines in the Okanagan Valley, joined Black Bank Hill in 2021. His expertise and stylistic influence is evident in this estate-grown Chardonnay from their Lincoln Lakeshore VQA vineyard in Beamsville, crafted from clones 95 and 548. The wine undergoes barrel fermentation and 18 months of élevage on its lees in French oak, then bottled without fining to highlight the purity of this single vineyard.

On the nose, expect aromas of yellow apple, pear, buttered toast, lemon loaf, spring blossoms, marzipan, mandarin citrus, flint, and stone fruit. The palate delivers a creamy and impressive body with a slightly oily yet harmonious and refreshing texture, showcasing layers of orchard fruit, almond croissant, buttered lemon loaf, and a touch of minerality.

This Chardonnay is exceptionally well-balanced, combining a full-bodied character with refreshing qualities. It’s thrilling to see this emerging winery producing such impressive wines that remind me of some of the Okanagan’s greats. A nod to the exceptional ability of Niagara’s terroir to produce world-class cool-climate wines. Keep an eye on Black Bank Hill, as this could become one of the top rated Canadian wines in the years to come. Tasted April 2025. 95 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available winery-direct $50