Wines from Featherstone Estate Winery
David Johnson and Louise Engel live where they farm. They work hard to ensure that during their stewardship, a healthy and robust environment is maintained on the land.
It is from their very small but special piece of the Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Escarpment, that Featherstone creates "vin de terroir", wine that embodies and shares a sense of the life and the place where it has been produced.
At Featherstone we grow our wines in harmony with the land and the life that teems throughout it. We believe that this encourages an environment that is completely unique and that this individuality translates into our wines.
We hope you agree.
New release:
2009 Gamay Rosé VQA | $14.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
Gold, 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships
A vibrant rosé that combines the amiable characteristics of Gamay Noir with the refreshing dry aspects of a white wine. Ripe red berry fruit aromas reminiscent of cherries, raspberries and strawberries abound here. Great on the patio or at a party. Served slightly chilled it is also a tasty accompaniment to light vegetarian meals and most fish and chicken dishes.
White Wine
2008 Canadian Oak Chardonnay | $21.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
This is our ‘feral’ Chardonnay - fermented by wild, local indigenous yeast instead of being inoculated with a commercial strain of yeast. The grapes were hand-picked and sorted and then fermentation took place in oak barrels that are made from oak trees that grew along the Grand River in Brantford, Ontario. The result is a rich and buttery wine that is truly ‘local’ in every sense of the word and represents the best of the region and the vintage.
"The 100-mile diet? This chardonnay was barrel-fermented and aged ten months in Niagara oak. You don’t get much more local than this. And there are no compromises on quality. It’s a lovely chardonnay with concentrated flavours, a veneer of oakiness (oakiness is to oak what truthiness is to truth) and a broad seam of crisp acidity. Drink it with smoked white fish or chicken. Only 119 cases of this were made." - Rod Philips, ‘On Wine,’ May 10, 2010
2008 Old Vines Riesling VQA | $19.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
Bronze, 2009 All Canadian Wine Championships
This Riesling vineyard was established on the Featherstone property in the late 1970's. The grapes are Weiss clone, famous for the fresh citrus and clean mineral character they impart to the wine. An exceptionally well balanced and intense wine with delightful lingering flavours- lemon-lime, grapefruit, mineral and a touch of petrol. This vintage expresses the quintessential nature of Niagara Riesling, pure and simple.
"A dry styled Riesling with minerals, honey, green apple and pear on the nose. Citrus, grapefruit, minerals and some petrol notes appear in the mouth, and are all backed up by fresh acid. Very good length. LCBO #64584, Release date, September 18, 2010." - Evan Saviolidis, wine writer
2009 Black Sheep Riesling VQA | $16.95 
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
Shows ripe apple and peach, with a slate quality from the limestone soils. Mid-weight and off-dry with a great acid core and light body (10.5% alcohol). Quintessential Riesling with tang and precision.
"This pale, silvery Riesling has all kinds of lift and zest. Granny smith apple, lime and floral aromas burst from the glass. It's slim, taut and narrow on the palate - with piquant acidity softened just enough by a touch of sweetness. Very focused and long..." Tasted March 2010 (89/100) - David Lawrason, wine writer.
2008 Gewürztraminer VQA
"The G Wine" | $19.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
(gah-VERTZ-trah-mee-ner) This wine has everything going for it- intense perfumed rosewater aromas, a little spice (licorice and lavender) and zesty, grapefruit freshness. Because it is dry, it pairs well with a variety of foods and is best enjoyed with Asian dishes, vegetarian entreés or roast chicken. Great also as an aperitif, chill lightly and take to parties.
2009 Off-Dry Riesling blend
"Four Feathers " VQA | $12.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
This is an easy and approachable blend of Riesling and other carefully chosen estate grown aromatic white wines (If we told you the blend, we would have to leave you chained in the wine cellar for the rest of your natural life.). Tropical lemon-lime, peach and spicy granny-smith apple flavours abound here. Delightful as an aperitif but see what it can do for a BBQ'ed chicken breast.
2008 Sauvignon Blanc VQA | $15.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
This wine has lots of tropical fruit flavours (lemon, lime and kiwi) with the typical straw and grassy nose. Zesty, refreshing and incredibly drinkable. It's a summer's day in a glass, full of vitality and spirit. Enjoy slightly chilled with a patio lunch, as pre-dinner sipping or with seafood appetizers.
Reviews of the previous vintage:
"Colour: almost water white
Nose: grassy, green plum
Taste: ripe fruit, nectarine, herbaceous, touch of residual sweetness; full on the palate" - Tony Aspler, wine writer
“Like the sister Riesling from 2007, this is very pale silver in colour. Lifted, juicy nose of green apple, lime, with a touch of green pepper. Very mindful of Touraine sauvignons from the central Loire Valley. Mid-weight, a touch sweet but clean and mouth-watering. Focused fruit, very good length.” - David Lawrason, wine writer
Dessert Wine
2008 Select Late Harvest
Cabernet Franc VQA | $19.95 (375 mL)
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
Double Gold, 2009 All-Canadian Wine Competition
A rich ruby colour greets you and what follows is aromas of wild honey and fruit sensations like strawberry, raspberry and crab apple. There is a lush, sweet, highly complex palate but the sweetness is nicely balanced. This wine is great with chocolate, amazing with berries and stellar with cheese-cake.
2008 Gewürztraminer Icewine VQA | $34.95 (200 mL)
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
Bronze, 2009 Intervin International Wine Competition
We rarely make Icewine but couldn’t resist making one with this premium grape variety. Here the glimmering gold colour is married to complex aromas of rose petals and spice which combine with the honeyed flavours of apricot and pineapple. Wonderful by itself, it can also accompany creamy desserts, fresh fruit, or try it with roasted almonds and grilled peaches. Also divine with foie gras, rich pâté or a selection of fine cheeses.
Red Wine
2008 Gemstone VQA | $13.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
This rich, plumy blend of Baco Noir and Cabernet Franc has a rustic and honest character. Enjoy it in a big glass with everyday foods- lasagne, chicken or anything off the BBQ. Makes your burger taste like a gourmet dinner and gladdens the heart.
"Tasting notes:
Colour: dense purple ruby
Nose: smoky, spicy, plum and blueberry
Taste: fruity, soft, lively acidity. Good BBQ wine
Style: red, dry, medium-bodied" - Tony Aspler, wine writer
2008 Cabernet Franc VQA | $16.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
A very full-bodied and flavourful wine with deep rich colour. Fruity with ripe red berry flavours. Smokey aromas attest to time in American oak. Tremendous vitality. Decent tannins and length mean it also cellars well.
"Shows what properly ripe Cabernet Franc should be like. This pale- to medium-ruby coloured wine is filled with aromas of blueberry preserve, boysenberry, cedar, raspberry and rose petals. Dry and poised with very good fruit surrounded by fresh acidity and -balancing, moderate tannins. This graceful, medium-bodied wine has a long finish. Cellar it 2-4 years, or enjoy it now with grilled lamb chops. LCBO #64618, Release date, April 17 2010." - Vic Harridine, Ottawa Wine Critic and Wine Writer
2007 Pinot Noir VQA | $39.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
Earthy, sour cherry and raspberry notes and a graceful sensuality best describe this wine. Deserving of fresh salmon or roast pheasant and a bit of formality- but be sure that you echo the delicate heart of the wine. Cellaring well and drinking at its peak 2001-2015.
"This is an uncommonly elegant pinot noir, one of the best from Ontario that I’ve tasted in a long time. The flavours are concentrated and structured, the balance is fine, the tannins are ripe and supple, and the texture is solid and stylish. Everything’s in its place and in proportion. It’s drinking well now and will continue to for another four or five years. Enjoy it with roast duck or turkey or herbed roast chicken. Available at the winery only. 4/5 Stars." - Rod Philips, ‘On Wine,’ May 10, 2010
2008 Red Tail Merlot | $19.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
This is our first bottling of the Red Tail Merlot, and we ask ourselves ... why have a Yellow Tail, when you could have a Red Tail instead? Aged in American oak, this wine is liquid velvet in a glass: seductively flavoured, textured and generous. This is a wine for food. It matches grilled or roasted meats at table, or strong cheeses after dinner when you want to put your feet up.
”This is a very nicely pitched. merlot. The fruit is just ripe with well extracted sweet. flavours and good complexity. The texture is quite lovely,. silky smooth and palate caressing. The tannins are present and. accounted for, but standing easy. Dry and just medium bodied,. this is a versatile wine that will go well with tomato based. pasta as with roast chicken, turkey or red meats. LCBO #131540, Release date, August 7, 2010.” - Rod Philips, ‘On Wine,’ May 10, 2010
Rosé
2009 Gamay Rosé VQA | $14.95
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
Gold, 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships
A vibrant rosé that combines the amiable characteristics of Gamay Noir with the refreshing dry aspects of a white wine. Ripe red berry fruit aromas reminiscent of cherries, raspberries and strawberries abound here. Great on the patio or at a party. Served slightly chilled it is also a tasty accompaniment to light vegetarian meals and most fish and chicken dishes.
"Leader of the Rosé parade arriving on shelves today. Pretty rose petal aromas with hints of apple and lime. The flavours strut mellow strawberry, red apple, cherry charm in an off-dry style. 88+ out of 100. LCBO #117861, Release date May 15, 2010." - 'Gord on Grapes,' Gord Stimmell, Toronto Star, May 15/2010.
Verjus
Featherstone 12 Brix Verjus
Non-alcoholic | $13.00 (750 ml)
Grown, Produced and Bottled by Featherstone
Verjus is made from Cabernet Franc grapes removed from our vines in midsummer, at a point in the growing cycle called véraison. Thinning the grape crop is an important part of managing our vineyards and producing high-quality wines because it concentrates energy and flavour in the remaining grapes.
The number of grapes thinned by hand depends on the season and usually the culled fruit are left on the ground as compost. However, if harvested and pressed into Verjus, they make a non-alcoholic, highly acidic juice with a tart apple-like flavour.
You can use Verjus as you would lemon juice or vinegar in any recipe, but while vinegar may clash with the wine you are serving, Verjus compliments wine.
Order wines online
You can order wines directly from us by using the on-line storefront we have created for the purpose. The e-store can securely take credit card orders. We will telephone to confirm shipping arrangements and complete the transaction.
When you click on the 'buy now' icon, you will be taken to the Featherstone online store. Select your wine and complete the delivery information section: the total purchase price and shipping estimate will be calculated.
We include bottle deposit and shipping GST in the calculation for single case orders. Multiple-case orders are given a favourable shipping rate, depending on distance and weight: we will confirm by telephone.
Licensees (Restaurants, Winebars, etc.)
Licensees may also wish to contact our agents, Hobbs & Co., who would be pleased to provide licensee pricing and a tasting of any wines you would like to feature on your wine list.
Hobbs & Co. Wine Merchants Inc.
736 Dundas St. East, Suite 607
Toronto, ON M5A 2C5 CANADA
T: 416.694.3689 | F: Fax: 416.694.7550
E: inquiries@hobbswines.com | W: www.hobbswines.com
