Last year in
April, on a cold windy day I took my sister and mother wine tasting in NOTL.
That day we discovered Five Rows in St. Davids. A lovely small production
winery. Fast forward one year later, we made another trek to Five Rows. This
time my wife came with us and it was just as cold!
I have come to
really respect what Wes Lowrey and Five Rows is doing. When they started the
winery back in 2001 they were focused on small production. Today their
production may be a bit larger, but they are aware of not getting too big. As
they feel that it will effect the quality of their wines.
This trip to Five
Rows was my first time to try their whites. Small production also means selling
out quickly, so I was happy to see what the whites were like. Five Rows
produces three white varietals, Sauvignon Blan, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. We
also tried their three reds as well Pinot Noir, Shiraz
(Shiraz clone,
but more Syrah like in character), and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Here is the low
down and tasting notes.
- It was light
straw in colour. This was by far the most aromatic white of the tasting. Aromas
of peach, citrus, and an interesting flinty note. The citrus and stone fruit
continued on the palate. Really nice acidity (something that I found in all of
the whites). A great palate cleanser! Reminded me of a Sancerre or Touraine
Sauv Blanc. 88 points
Five Rows
Pinot Gris 2012
- Light straw in
colour. Had to really get my nose in the glass to get at the aromatics. Pear,
apples, and almond came through. Apple and melon strike the palate. Good
acidity with good length. A clear favourite with the ladies. 87 points
Five Rows
Riesling 2012
- Pale straw. Strong aromas of citrus peal (lemon & lime)
and floral notes. The citrus wave continues on the palate with crisp acidity that
makes you want to come back for more. The Riesling haters in the group enjoyed
this wine! Riesling is certainly a strength in Niagara ! 88 points
Five Rows
Pinot Noir 2010
- Pale ruby in
colour. Aromas of fresh red fruit, cranberry, and coffee. This was quite a
young wine and was tight on the palate. Red fruit and cedar on the palate. Good
acidity with strong tannin's One of the better 2010 Niagara Pinot's
that I have tasted. I tend to favour the 2009 style of Niagara Pinot over the
recent 2010 releases. It will be interesting to taste this wine in a few years
and see how it integrates. 90
points
Five Rows
Shiraz 2010
- Deep ruby in
colour. Dark fruity, pepper spice, and game notes dominate the
palate. Very elegant and great balance to this wine. A well
structured wine that will develop into an interesting red in the future. I am
really liking the N.Rhone Syrah play that is starting to take place in Niagara . 91
points
Five Rows
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
- Deep ruby in colour. Dark fruit, hint of green pepper and
all spice. A constant theme of the reds was "tight". All wines
could benefit from decanting or cellaring for a year or two. Strong
& fresh acidity on this Cabernet. Good acidity is a great indicator of
a cellar worthy wine. 89
points
Yet another great
tasting at Five Rows. I tried to find out if they will ever expand and make a
Cab Franc, all I got was that they have thought of making one. I'll look
forward to that!
Keep up the good
work Wes and Lowrey family.
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