Day 4: Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards

I realize that 2 of my 3 posts have been about LENS-area wineries, but I am randomly opening bottles and then writing. I’ll try to choose the next one more selectively! 🙂

Rori McCaw

Rori McCaw

We had met Rori McCaw through some Niagara wine events (and our mutual friend Gary Killops) so we had to make a stop into Cooper’s Hawk when we visited LENS last fall (Rori has since left her position as winemaker at Cooper’s Hawk).

I knew there were some great reds coming out of the winery and indeed we have several “reserves” aging on the shelf. We found that they were also producing some very good white wines which we also stuffed into our case.

When we visited, we met briefly with owner Tom O’Brien who was rushing around with an architect – they were just finalizing plans for the new restaurant/banquet hall addition off of the tasting room. The restaurant “The Vines” just opened in late August and gives them capacity to hold large functions on site, and another reason to stop in and visit when you get to the LENS region (and you must!).

Last night we opened their 2013 Pinot Grigio – which was much more like an Alsatian Pinot Gris than I expected from the name.

2013 Cooper's Hawk Pinot Grigio

2013 Cooper’s Hawk Pinot Grigio

Cooper’s Hawk 2013 Pinot Grigio: Notes of nectarine, honeydew melon, light beeswax and a sweet caramel note akin to burnt sugar. The palate is similar (and slightly sweet) at first, and then the citrus and acidity kick in and cleanse the palate. The lemon zest lasts quite long and then there is a hint of burnt sugar again that lingers. Very nice patio sipper or pairing complement for lighter summer fare! $16.96

Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard

Address: 1425 Iler Rd, Harrow, ON N0R 1G0
Phone: (519) 738-4295

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