Website: https://kingandvictoria.com/
Located in the Twenty Mile Bench appellation of Niagara, Canada, King and Victoria preside over the Hanck vineyard, nestled beside the Wismer Parke vineyard. They acquired this once derelict fruit farm in 2002, progressively planting it between 2004 and 2007, crafting their initial wine, a 2006 Pinot Noir. The vineyard, spanning 20 acres with 13.5 acres under vine, is managed by Craig Wismer. Not only do they supply grapes to notable winemakers like Cloudsley and Thomas Bachelder, but they also reserve some for their own wine production.
During a recent visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Harold and Rob Schenck, who co-own the vineyard, which is reflected in its name ‘Hanck’. Along with their wives Liz and Tracey, they both also partake in the winemaking process. Starting in 2013 in Joe’s barn, they crafted three barrels of Pinot Noir, initiating their winemaking journey which would soon include other varieties. The unexpectedly high quality of their early wines spurred them to continue, drawing on experiences shared with Matt Smith at Cloudsley and Thomas Bachelder. They initially moved their production to Cloudsley for their first official vintages and have since established their own winery.
In 2018, Rob pursued a formal education in Viticulture and Enology at Brock. Both he and Joe garnered experience at Cave Spring, where they learned the crucial importance of producing pristine wines under the mentorship of Angelo Pavan. Over the past few years, they have shifted from using commercial yeasts to natural yeasts, enhancing their winemaking approach.
King and Victoria Riesling 2019 Twenty Mile Bench
12.5% alcohol. This wine offers a clear taste with vibrant lemon and apple flavors complemented by ripe pear. It is finely textured and has a touch of sweetness in the finish, maintaining lively and bright characteristics with excellent balance. 91/100
King and Victoria Sauvignon Blanc 2023
12.5% alcohol. This Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing and well-textured, featuring bright, lemony fruit alongside a chalky contrast on the crisp finish. Its stony, mineral essence and refined nature are balanced by a nice weight, making it a pure and excellently crafted wine. 92/100
King and Victoria Chardonnay 2023
Recently bottled, this Chardonnay comes from Joe and his brother’s vineyard in St Catherines. The grapes were handpicked, sorted, and whole cluster pressed before aging in a combination of stainless steel and old barrels. The result is a bright and fresh Chardonnay with textured pear flavors and almond hints. It boasts a beautifully focused fruit flavor in an unoaked style. 91/100
King and Victoria Pinot Noir Rosé 2023
Sourced from the vineyard’s new plantings where each vine sustained 8-10 clusters. The wine underwent a cool fermentation in stainless steel and partial malolactic fermentation. It is fresh and pure, showcasing delightful citrus fruit with a subtle cherry undertone. The Rosé is dry and well-weighted, emphasizing crisp fruit. 89/100
Pinot Noir vertical
Hand picked, hand sorted, wild ferment, natural malo, barrel ageing for 20 months with one-third new French oak.
King and Victoria Pinot Noir 2018
Supple and mellow with sweet cherry and plum fruit showing nice texture and hints of iodine and earth. Warm with some vanilla oak in the mix. Nice sour cherry finish with a touch of liquorice. 91/100
King and Victoria Pinot Noir 2019
Some focused reductive notes on the nose with supple red cherries and some roundness. The palate is fresh with red cherries, herbs and plums, with a savoury, woody edge to the fruit. Lots of interest here. 92/100
King and Victoria Pinot Noir 2020
This is understated, with sweet red cherries and plums as well as a touch of raspberry, showing nice sweet fruit. There are some floral notes on the nose and the palate is ripe but restrained. Some spicy, savoury characters hiding under the fruit. Nice grip. 93/100
King and Victoria Pinot Noir 2021
Exhibiting a delicate, refined aroma with hints of red cherries and redcurrants. The palate is supple and elegant, bursting with a juicy feel that boasts real finesse. It features a subtly spiced profile of red cherries and plums, underpinned by a chalky, mineral base. This wine achieves a commendable balance of elegance, purity, and finesse, rated 93/100.
King + Victoria Cabernet 2021 Creek Shores
This wine originates from Joe and Tracey’s own vineyard, composed of 58% Cab Franc and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s vibrant, bright, and richly aromatic, presenting a notable spicy undertone beneath its firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The palate is juicy and fresh, characterized by sweet acidity and a refined, spicy finish. A truly stylish wine, rated 92/100.