June « 2011 « Closson Chase

Tomorrow we launch our 2011 Wine and Words in the Garden season. A spectacular line up of fine writers will share their work against the backdrop of the vineyards. As seating and shade are limited, we request that you bring a lawn chair and hat to ensure your maximum comfort. Admission is free and all readings begin at 2:00 PM. So kick back and enjoy the intellectual stimulation, and of course the opportunity to indulge in a flight of wine.

Wednesday, June 29th
County author Dorothy Speirs presents Emile Zola and his Notes From Exile. Speirs has been recognized by the French Government for her contribution to French culture, an honour rarely accorded outside of France.

Wednesday, July 13th
A panel of authors from the pages of Brighton’s Hidden Brook Press: Karen Cole, Lifting the Veil (memoir); Kathryn Macdonald, A Breeze You Whisper (poetry); and Eric E. Wright, Captives of Minara (novel).

Tuesday, July 26th
Charlotte Gray is the award winning author of 8 non-fiction bestsellers, and a member of the Order of Canada. Her most recent book, Gold Diggers, Striking it Rich in the Klondike, tells the story of the gold rush through the lives of six remarkable individuals. It was a 2011 County Reads selection.

August, date to be confirmed
Every Lost Country, Steven Heighton’s latest novel was inspired by an actual event that took place on the Tibetan border. A literary page turner, it’s about heroism, human failings and what love requires. Heighton’s 11 books have been translated into 10 languages and include novels, short stories, poetry and essays.

Wednesday, August 24th
Marianne Ackerman’s third novel, Piers’ Desire brings us to Avignon, in the South of France. It is a charming, romantic and evocative read. Ackerman, also an award winning playwright, was raised in the County and maintains a strong local connection.

Saturday, September 10th
Mark Sinnett won the 2010 Toronto Book Award for his novel The Carnivore, the story of a crumbling marriage set against the backdrop of Hurricane Hazel. Sinnett brings Toronto, the storm and the characters to life with his taut prose. The Carnivore is his second novel, other works include a collection of short stories and two volumes of poetry.

Those 2008 chardonnays, whether from Prince Edward County or Niagara, are getting rave reviews and a lot of great attention. And lucky enough, one of them is headed to the LCBO this Saturday, in the wake of a great review.

Michael Pinkus, all around Grape Guy for OntarioWineReview.com, awarded the 2008 K.J. Watson Chardonnay 4.5 stars / 5. He noted “[t]here’s a real restrained use of oak here, soft butter and coffee toffee notes on the nose – very interesting, unique and inviting. The palate is full of buttered toffee laden popcorn with roasted coffee and a caramel linger; lovely finish that`s dry, pleasant and ultimately drinkable.”

This isn’t the only great review the Watson Chardonnay has garnered in the last few months. Alberta wine blogger Mel Priestley also raved about it after a tasting of Closson Chase wines in Edmonton, earlier this spring: “This was easily the ringer of the group, with all components perfectly in balance and great complexity on the palate. The up-front citrus fruit rounds out into almond spice on the super long finish.” Makes you want to taste it, doesn’t it?

This exquisite Chardonnay will be available June 25th though LCBO Vintages – product number 230912. It pairs especially well with soft cheeses like brie or aged goat cheese. We recommend stocking up now as this wine won’t last long.

By the way, the 2008 CCV Chardonnay and the 2008 South Clos are going well, too, with stocks diminishing steadily and enthusiastically. Don’t miss them! And don’t forget, you can also buy them online, right here on our website.