wine review: Leaning Post Senchuk Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Matt’s review: From an unassuming estate vineyard in Winona, at the western edge of Niagara’s Lincoln Lakeshore appellation, winemaker Ilya Senchuk has crafted one of the most extraordinary Pinot Noirs I’ve tasted from the Niagara Peninsula. What was once an overlooked property, nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, has emerged as a remarkable source of character-driven, world-class Pinot Noir. The vineyard’s distinctive combination of stony loam, underlying clay and limestone, and moderating lake breezes contributes to wines of striking intensity, freshness and mineral expression.

From an unassuming estate vineyard in Winona, at the western edge of Niagara’s Lincoln Lakeshore appellation, winemaker Ilya Senchuk has crafted one of the most extraordinary Pinot Noirs I’ve tasted from the Niagara Peninsula. What was once an overlooked property, nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, has emerged as a remarkable source of character-driven, world-class Pinot Noir. The vineyard’s distinctive combination of stony loam, underlying clay and limestone, and moderating lake breezes contributes to wines of striking intensity, freshness and mineral expression.

The 2022 is simply magnificent. An intensely aromatic, deeply complex bouquet unfolds with smoky matchstick reduction, wet stone, spicy red cherries, wild berries and an intoxicating array of dried florals and potpourri. The palate is equally impressive, delivering extraordinary concentration and depth without sacrificing the elegance, tension and energy that define exceptional Pinot Noir. Layers of vibrant red fruit, savoury spice, crushed stone and earthy complexity are beautifully integrated, supported by fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. The finish is remarkably long, mineral-driven and persistent, with an evolving interplay of fruit, florals and savoury nuance.

Produced in an exceptionally small quantity of just 67 cases, this is a profound expression of both vineyard and vintage. My standout Pinot Noir of i4C26 and among the very finest Niagara Pinot Noirs I can recall tasting. A remarkable achievement from a once-overlooked vineyard that deserves recognition among Canada’s most exciting Pinot Noir sites. Absolutely outstanding.

96 Points | Matt Steeves | QuercusVino.ca | Tasted July 2026

Available winery-direct