April 27, 2007
The objective was to produce super premium chardonnay and pinot noir from Ontario terroir with the expertise of master winemakers of Boisset.
Eventually, Boisset, a visionary entrepreneur realized the potential of Ontario and persuaded Donald Triggs into a joint venture project in Jordan, Ontario.
The objective was and remains to produce the best chardonnay and pinot noir in the country.
Boisset send his expert team to scout the best land. The property was purchased, divided into blocks, and soil samples taken to determine the best clones for the different types of soil.
The property located east of QEW ad south of Jordan Station has approximately 80 hectares of those, three hectares are designated as La Petite Vineyard, a few kilometers further lies Claystone Terrace Vineyard, the largest parcel is called Talon Ridge, and the best (limestone containing) block, Le Clos Jordanne measures 7 ½ hectares.
F. Gehry, a world-famous architect was persuaded to design an avant-garde and spectacular winery that would be potentially a tourism attraction.
(The land was set aside, but since the sale of Vincor to Cosmopolitan Wines, the building project has been put on hold).
Chardonnay and pinot have been planted, and from the beginning Thomas Bachelder, an experienced winemaker, was put in charge of looking after the vineyards and making the wine, under the supervision of Boisset winemakers.
Les Clos Jordanne produces three tiers of wines: Grand Clos, from the best blocks of Les Clos Jordanne Vineyard, single vineyard wines i.e Claystone Terrace, and Village reserve.
The first vintage (2004) was recently released:
The wines are produced in a temporary winery equipped with 21 open top oak fomenters.
Recently wine writers had an opportunity to taste the 2004 vintage chardonnay and pinot noir, which is available at selected Vintages stores.
Here are my impressions:
Les Clos Jordanne Chardonnay 2004 – superb citrus and peach aromas, buttery, full-bodied and well balanced. 88/100 $ 35.00 033190
Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2004 – stunning apple, lemon aromas intermingling with an appealing minerality. Buttery mouth feel, balanced and with a long aftertaste. Cellar for two to three years. $ 55.00 034561 92/100
Les Clos Jordanne Pinot Noir 2004 cherry and smoky, toasty aromas waft out of the glass. Beautifully balanced and elegant 89/100 033902 $ 35.00
Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2004 Possibly the best pinot noir produced in Ontario to date, with Burgundian flavour and texture. The wine is fragrant (raspberry) with beetroot undertones. Slightly spicy from French oak, medium bodied and refined. An excellent wine. 90/100 $ 60.00 034553
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