I’ve written extensively about Norman Hardie’s wines before. But on this recent trip I tried some of his wines that astonished me, and are really next-level. These have to be among Canada’s best ever, and are peers of great Burgundies.

Norman Hardie Cuvée Dix Chardonnay 2014 Niagara, Canada
In magnum, under cork. This has an extra six month’s age, and was released for the 10th anniversary in 2017. Superbly refined and taut still, with lovely refined citrus fruit. This has a bit of saltiness and some mineral hints. Superb balance and precision, with just a hint of reductive character. Has some richness, too, with hints of nuts, spice and creaminess. 96/100

Norman Hardie Cuvée Des Amis Chardonnay 2015 Prince Edward County, Canada
Beautifully detailed nose with spicy, mineral citrus fruit. The palate has amazing precision with lovely purity. Lemons, grapefruits and a brilliantly vital mineral character. Tight but with a bit of generosity. Very fine and detailed with amazing acid structure. A lovely wine. 96/100

Norman Hardie Cuvée L Chardonnay 2015 Prince Edward County, Canada
Extremely reduced yields this year that produced a very concentrated wine. Mostly from Cold Creek, which is a very bony site. This is tight and Chablis-like with just a hint of creaminess and some nutty notes. Very refined on the palate with high, yet well integrated acidity and a lovely linear core of citrus fruit. Such amazing texture and purity. This is remarkable and intense, with astonishing mineral character. 96/100

Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir 2016 Prince Edward County, Canada
11.7% alcohol. Deliciously sappy and bright with some raspberry and red cherry fruit. Elegant and pure with some silkiness to the perfumed, floral red fruits. Real finesse here: a beautifully expressive, balanced wine that’s drinking well now, but which will develop beautifully over the medium term. Such precision. Norm says that this has a hardness and an inaccessibility in the mid-palate which is a bit like Chambolle, and is a very good thing. 95/100

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