Fall Wine Tasting
We were at Hidden Bench September 16 to be introduced to the Fall offering for the wine clubs. Nine wines were poured.
Harald Thiel (owner), Jay Johnston (winemaker), Marlise Beyers (previous winemaker) and Meg McGrath (retail manager) walked us through the tasting.
2012 Natur – Zero Dosage $45 paired with Niagara Gold Gougerés
2016 Estate Riesling $24.75 paired with Rodney’s East Coast Oyster with a Riesling and Shallot Mignionette
2016 Locust Lane Viognier $32 paired with Guernsey Girl and Sourdough Tartine with a Niagara peach and pepper compote
2014 Felseck Vineyard Chardonnay $39 paired with UCCC Ricotta Gnudi Ammendine
2013 Tête de Cuvée paired with Creamy Mushroom and Hidden Bench Chicken Pie
2015 Nuit Blanche $40 paired with smoked mackerel on a home-made salt and pepper cracker and remoulade
2015 Estate Pinot Noir $30.75 paired with Ontario duck tartare with pinot noir and blackberry reduction
2014 Locust Lane Pinot Noir $48 paired with grilled rib-eye steak cap with outrageously complex jus
2016 Select Late Harvest Gewurztraminer $30 paired with thyme infused Hidden Bench raw honey
The pairings for the wines were perfect – beautifully prepared and presented.
Charcuterie on the Patio
The week before the tasting we stopped in on our way back from Buffalo and ordered the Charcuterie Board – perfect for two. A glass of Estate Chardonnay and a glass of Locust Lane Rosé overlooking the Locust Lane vineyard.
- Chorizo sausage
- Chicken terrine
- Beef “jerky” – dried and spiced beef strips
- Pickled onions and baby dills
- Cheeses – Niagara gold, goat cheese
- Ham
And baguette, of course.