2006 Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir VQA

The 2006 growing season started slowly with a cool damp spring. Bud break was later than normal. The weather warmed in mid May and remained hot through the summer. The heat coupled with timely rains made 2006 a very good growing season. September started off very warm and there were hopes of an early harvest, but the tail end of a hurricane brought rain in mid September which continued on and off through to October. However because of the great summer the grapes were mature and the flavours are exceptional.

Grapes were hand harvested from two distinct plantings - young vines planted in 2003 and an older block planted in 1975. The wines were fermented and aged in separate batches and blended together prior to bottling. The grapes were cold soaked for a short time before fermentation to extract colour and flavour. Fermentation, using select yeasts, was carried out in small batches with hand punch down two to three times daily. Wine was put into French Oak barrels for ageing and completion of malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked from barrel and egg white fined before bottling.

winemaker's tasting note
Bright red in colour with aromas of cherry and fresh raspberry and delicate floral notes. The palate is medium-bodied with red fruit flavours and a touch of wood spice. The wine finishes with a fresh acidity and an uplifting burst of of orange peel.

review
A blend of estate-grown fruit from Niagara-on-the-Lake, this stylish Pinot Noir brings together the crops from the recently planted Brickyard Vineyard and the established block further back on the Lailey Vineyard property. Made in the Lailey style, this is marked by appealing cherry and spice aromas and flavours. A medium-bodied Pinot, this is an elegant, you might say downright pretty wine that has freshness and focus.
Chris Waters, www.watersandwine.com / December 2007

Available to order in Banff at this fine dining establishment
the bison mountain bistro in Banff

Available to purchase at this fine wine retailer in Calgary

The Wine Shop
550 - 17th Ave SW
403-229-WINE
www.thewineshop.ca