Great Ontario Wines Just Keep On Coming Part Two: Norman Hardie Wines

Norman Hardie Wines
About Norman Hardie.
South African born Norman Hardie is well known for his wine making in various wine countries and regions such as: New Zealand, Oregon, Burgundy, California, South Africa and of course Ontario. His stint as the Sommelier and Restaurant Manager of the Four Seasons Hotels served to increase his appreciation and deepen his already extensive knowledge in the world of wine and food.
One would think that with all this behind him, he would be expected to pontificate and "put on airs" but in actuality, he comes across as a gentleman who is passionate about wine. In fact, he comes across as passionate about life itself. There is no bravado or showy mannerisms here. Norman Hardie is just what he comes across as in his writing-----a gentle, passionate and talented person who loves his trade and who wants to make great wine. His belief that Prince Edward County is reflected in the opening verse in his website!
"The wines are from France,
The limestone soil is in Southern Ontario
The taste and nose are from me-------"
The Visit
The day was warm as Tino, Denise and me drove up to Norman Hardie Wines to get a taste of what was becoming his legendary wines. The drive up revealed no major reception building but a huge, well kept 19th Century barn which served both as the winery, tasting room and boutique.We were lucky enough to "catch" Mr. Hardy before he was off to do his work. Norman dressed in a pair of work shorts and a sweat soaked shirt, was gracious enough to welcome us and take a few snapshots before departing. He handed us over to his associate winemaker, Ben Simmons.
Ben gave us a lesson on wine viticulture "Prince Edward County Style". In Prince Edward County, the very extreme climate makes it difficult to grow quality grape varieties without some specialization.
"Niagara, uses 'cool climate technology'. Here we use 'cold climate technology' ", Ben stated!
For one thing, the main trunks are grown very low to the ground which allows the vines to be "shored up" with dirt and hay during the winter months thus protecting them from the harsh effects of the weather. The grapes also grow close to the ground not far (about 20 centimetres) from the main trunk.
The vines were full of maturing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne which all had begun to change into their "mature" colour.
Went back to try the wines. The one I was most interested in was the Pinot Noir.
Critical Acclaim
Norman Hardie wines have been praised by such well known critics and wine writers as Jancis Robinson, Tony Aspler, David Lawrason and Christopher Watters. The raves are well earned.
It is nice to see nice people such as Norman Hardie coming out on top!

Wines Tasted

2007 County Pinot Noir (Norman Hardie and PEC grapes)
Nose: Light fruity nose of cherry and red berries. Some floral notes with a minrality I found typical in this area which of course reflects the abundant limestone.
Palate: Light to medium in body with lively red fruit flavours. Lively acidity and smooth tannin. The wine has a pleasant mouth feel and lasting finish

2007 Cuvee L Pinot Noir (Norman Hardie and Niagara Grapes)
This wine was tasted at a private residence and not at the winery.
Nose: Strong flavours of ripe red and black fruit with wood vanilla on the cusp but not overwhelmingly so. Some floral notes of violets and a hint of some pepper/anise spice.
Palate: Medium plus body with a very pleasant and smooth mouth feel. Cherry, plum and raspberry flavours give way to an almost prune development. Excellent tannin and structure. A truly treat Pinot that will develop over time.
N.B. The wine was kept in a cool cellar and took awhile to open up.