2021 County Chardonnay

93 PTS — Michael Godel “Welcome to Vintage Five and the channel remains fixed, the song the same. Low alcohol, drying, tannic, fino like character and yet from 2021 a restraint not perceived in previous iterations of this chardonnay. The stage presence here is duly noted in a wine with more backbone than most. You would never accuse this of being round, soft and certainly not oily or fat. In fact the flesh and charm have yet to join the party but surely they will, given some time. Would really like to re-visit in a year, if not in 18 months time. Drink 2024-2028. Tasted March 2023.”   92 PTS — Rick VanSickle “While Trail is ingenious with the wilder side of winemaking that pushes the boundaries of natural and low intervention expressions of nouveau wine styles, their classic County Chardonnays are even more impressive. The trio of Chardonnays reviewed here, are a perfect example of terroir-driven wines all with their own personalities from the estate’s vineyard. There are lovely notes of lemon and saline to start on the nose, then savoury/stony minerality, pear, yellow apples, and flecks of spice, never overpowering. It’s quite delicate on the palate with flinty/saline/salty notes, bergamot, quince fruit and nervy tension on the back end all culminating in a fresh, lifted, and finessed finish."   Hand picked and sorted in field from the Trail Estate Vineyard. The North and South Block were kept separate and vinified separately. Blended prior to bottling. The grapes were pressed whole cluster and were put straight to barrel. Fermented and aged in 500L French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulphur levels.   Chalky lemon notes with raw almond and a hint of salt. This wine showcases the purity of the Prince Edward County terroir. Beautiful aromatics that lengthen throughout the palate. Acidity and backbone make up this wine at bottling, but should appear to soften over time. Our best vintage to date. Enjoy!.