Our Rusty Shed Chardonnay bottling is an expression of our best parcels of Chardonnay and our best barrels. The fruit is whole bunch pressed to yield only the purist juice then gently rolled to barrel for fermentation. In 2012 the fermentation was vigorous due to the heat of the season, and a decision whether to inhibit the secondary malolactic fermentation or to let the wine evolve further was made in November. This is a blend of predominantly (45%) of our clone 95 on 3309 rootstock with the balance coming from 3 distinct clone/rootstock selections. We are looking for elegance and power in The Rusty Shed Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is a versatile variety that works especially well in the Flat Rock Cellars vineyards. We have selected two Burgundy clones and planted the clones using two different rootstocks. Cool climate Chardonnay provides the consumer with an elegant white wine that still has weight and power, without the ‘overblown’ butter and oak notes.
The Rusty Shed Chardonnay is fully barrel fermented, lees aged and stirred, and will undergo anywhere from 50% to 100% Malolactic Fermentation, depending on the composition of the grapes at harvest. This wine is made and blended to offer a complex mix of melon and fleshy fruit, spicy oak notes, creamy mouthfeel and balanced acidity. It is made to improve with age and will highlight the potential of our vineyard sites and Flat Rock Cellar’s passion for a premium, layered and elegant Chardonnay.
Complex and nicely weighted with sweet pear and pineapple fruit, coupled with subtle oak. Spicy framing with nice sweetness to the fruit. Lovely freshness here. Easy but with some complexity.
Rusty Shed represents an expression of the best parcels of Chardonnay from the best barrels made from estate fruit. This is robust and generous on the nose with notes of poached pear, baked apple, lemon, mineral and toasted vanilla spice. It has lovely texture on the palate to go with apple, brioche, pear, smoke and a pure vein of minerality. It's rich, no doubt, but maintains finesse and elegance through the finish.
Love this Niagara Chardonnay: voluptuous but balanced. Like you in your jeans. Chardonnay that is the liquid version of worn-in jeans. Comfy, familiar, just right. Almost full-bodied, this tongue-loving, caressing white wine will be perfect tonight when you kick back with some buttered popcorn and an old movie.