Thomas Bachelder stands among Canada’s top winemakers, focusing on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay through a selection of terroir-driven releases. Known for his extensive work within the Niagara region, Thomas works exclusively with local growers, employing sensitive farming practices that align with the natural variability of each season.
In a lengthy tasting session at his “Niagara Batcave” in the summer of 2024, Thomas and his partner Mary guided a thorough exploration of his current 27 wines. This tasting lasted over four hours, emphasizing Thomas’ philosophy that while he aims to streamline his offerings, the nature of winemaking often leads to a plethora of varied creations.
Gamay Highlights
The tasting commenced with Gamay wines sourced primarily from vineyards on argilo calcaire (clay-limestone) soils. These wines typically undergo native fermentation and take about 15 months in neutral barrels. Thomas emphasizes the role of whole cluster fermentation, which he feels can express terroir effectively.
Key Gamay releases included:
- Kirby Gamay Noir 2022, VQA Four Mile Creek – A powerful blend with wild cherry, dusky plum, and a saline finish, rated 92/100.
- Lil Kirby Gamay Noir 2022, VQA Four Mile Creek – Noted for its elegance and tart acidity, rated 91/100.
- Wismer-Foxcroft Gamay 2022, VQA Twenty Mile Bench – Offers a perfumed cherry flavor and a lingering finish, rated 94/100.
Chardonnay Mastery
Bachelder is particularly renowned for his Chardonnays, skillfully sourced from sites rich in dolomitic limestone. His approach involves native fermentation and minimal use of new wood, focusing instead on expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard site.
Notable Chardonnays included:
- Willms Chardonnay 2022, VQA Four Mile Creek – With perfumed notes of Anjou pear and a complex palate, rated 93/100.
- Wismer-Foxcroft Chardonnay 2022, VQA Twenty Mile Bench – Characterized by its mineral-driven profile and vibrant acidity, rated 93/100.
Pinot Noir Exploration
As with his other offerings, Bachelder’s Pinot Noir is released in November. Each wine benefits from around 20 months of aging in a mix of barrels. The following highlights were sourced from older vineyards in the region, showcasing a balance of fruit and finesse.
Noteworthy Pinots included:
- Lowrey Pinot Noir 2022, VQA St David’s Bench – Featuring elements of wild plum and fine tannins, rated 94/100.
- Wismer-Parke Pinot Noir 2022, VQA Twenty Mile Bench – Noted for its spice and vibrant fruit, rated 92/100.
With a clear dedication to harnessing the potential of Niagara’s terroir, Thomas Bachelder continues to enrich Canada’s winemaking landscape, proving that the heart of each wine reflects its origins and the careful hand that crafts it.