Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2018

Lori Kilmartin WSET3 rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

An excellent example of what wines from older vines can produce. This wine from the wineries oldest planted vineyard (1988) is exactly the way I prefer my Chardonnay.

It's not an "in your face" oaky chard, rather the aromas are clearly evident but still manage to be subtle. There's a whole medley that comes out of the glass; white stone fruit, popcorn, butter, smoke and caramel but blended artfully and in layers.

Full bodied with complex flavours of ripe peach on the onset, then some nuttiness and butterscotch mid palate, with a fruit and citrus finish.

The pairings are endless; creamy dishes, rich seafood, roast chicken or pork, grilled shrimp, aged cheddar... the list goes on! @HenryofPelham

Tasted August 9, 2020

Craig Haynes rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Fermented in French oak barrels and 3000L foudres, this is a medium to full bodied Chardonnay from Ontario’s Short Hills Bench, the most easterly of the sub-appellations in the Niagara Escarpment appellation. Hallmarks of apples, pears, butterscotch and nuttiness ruled the nose. The palate showed attractive acidity and white orchard fruit layers seemingly brushed with rich caramel and smoke infused butter. Concluded with a long fruit filled finish. The 2018 vintage was crafted with grapes grown in lacustrine silty clay soils. Enjoy.

Reviewed on July 6, 2020

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Beautiful! Great balance of acidity, body, and flavour. Aromas of pear, golden apple, honey, caramel and a hint of vanilla. Full bodied, smooth and creamy on the palate as well as medium+ acidity. Luscious ripe fruit on the palate with a creamy honeyed finish. Tons of flavour, brightness, and freshness, while still maintaining a creamy luxurious mouthfeel. Enjoy with creamy seafood dishes, lobster or roasted chicken.

Malcolm Lamont rated this wine as 95/100 with the following review:

What a wine!

This wine from Niagara plays the line between ripe fullness in body and flavour, and elegance and fresh acidity (which incidentally gives rise to more flavour complexity) perfectly.

This is such a great style, and would suit any Cool Climate Chardonnay lover.

ABC - Another bottle of Chardonnay, please!

Courtney Flood rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Apple, pear, double cream brie, and a touch of vanilla. Nicely balanced. Serve with a cream soup (cauliflower, butternut squash).

Wineboy rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Somewhat reminiscent of Burgundy with a more generous hand of oak. This is my first exposure to Pelhams new winemaker. The weight of fruit is beautiful along with a certain amount of caramel. Some smoky oak flavours appear late to make sure the wine consumer knows it's new world.