The Tragically Hip Ahead by a Century Chardonnay 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a limited edition that was released at the beginning of May, 2016 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's highly acclaimed 5th album – Trouble at the Henhouse. This Chardonnay is a nice follow-up to the critically-acclaimed Fully Completely Grand Reserve Red that sold out very quickly! The band members Gord Downie, Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair and Johnny Fay worked directly with Stoney Ridge head winemaker Jeff Hundertmark to create this rich and elegant Chardonnay.

The grapes for this wine come from the famed Wiens Farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake and underwent and cool dry fermentation using natural indigenous yeasts. The wine was left on its lees for an additional 6 months, then allowed to undergo malo-lactic fermentation. It was oak aged a further 10 months prior to bottling.

This rich, buttery Chardonnay can be picked up at Stoney Ridge's wine boutique in Vineland, or can be purchased on-line via stoneyridge.com.

Tasting Note:

THE TRAGICALLY HIP AHEAD BY A CENTURY CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#483875) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. Binned apple, buttery aromas with hints of vanilla and oak of medium intensity. The palate is medium-bodied and creamy with more apple, butter, vanilla notes, joined by pineapple and butterscotch flavours. Oak is well-integrated, acids are juicy. Good length on the finish. Ideal for rich seafood such as crab and lobster. I'll be enjoying this with crab curry. Score: 88 pts