Last Wednesday, Le Clos Jordanne, a Niagara-based winery located in Jordan, Ontario, held a super-secret event in an undisclosed location. Upon arrival, we were welcomed into a sexy basement bar, replete with exposed brick, a sleek bar and a glass-walled room filled with tiny storage locker. The space is otherwise known as the Vintage Conservatory, and serves as a space for people who are serious about their wine to cellar their collection and host small events.

3 wines from Le Clos Jordanne winery were featured at the event, all 2009 Pinot Noirs. While hard to find at the LCBO, they are available for purchase online from Le Clos Jordanne’s website and retail at $45 each. This ain’t your $7 Fuzion, nor does it taste like it.

The first, La Petite Colline, was described as perfumey and typically a ladies’ favourite. We tasted vanilla and cherries, a nice light start to the evening. It could be a perfect choice for a girl’s night in with a side of gossip and aged gruyere. Next up was the heavier-bodied, sharper Claystone Terrace. We tasted currant and tobacco and as we mingled with others, discovered that it was the most popular one of the three. Packing a more powerful punch than the Petite Colline, we definitely tasted the earthiness and masculinity of this one. The grand finale was Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard, a smokier, richer choice, with undertones of cherry and caramel. This heavier-bodied, deep ruby had a smooth aftertaste and would be well paired with a nice steak.

As French winemaker Sebastian explained during his charming and informative talk, all three wines are made at the Le Clos Jordanne winery in the Niagara escarpment from different parts of the estate. He encouraged us to discover the differences between the three Pinot Noirs, which, although created at the same vineyard, have remarkable differences between them due to climate, soil and terrain. 

Le Clos Jordanne is a pretty top-notch local winery and the event was a great way to showcase some of their best blends to new and experienced palates alike. Nearing their 15-year anniversary, this is one to watch out for—as they continue to grow and develop the products from their vineyard, we’d place our bets that it will only continue to impress.

~ Orsolya Soos | Photos by Jason Hudson