Bachelder Kirby Vineyard Gamay Noir 2022

The Kirby Vineyard sits on a beautiful parcel of land in the Four-Mile Creek sub-appellation and is owned by Scott and Maria Kirby, who also bottle their own wines (but not Gamay) under their Kirby Estates Winery label. This is Bachelder’s first year working with their fruit. The grapes are 43% whole cluster pressed. There is a lovely floral note on the nose followed by ripe raspberries, cherries, cranberries, subtle minty herbs, pepper, and spice. It shows more intensity on the palate with savoury red berries, a touch of plum and darker berries with light tannins, juicy acidity, and a vibrant finish. Might want to give this a bit of time to open up on the nose. Can cellar to 2027. Score – 92. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, April 5, 2024)