Charles Baker sources choice Niagara fruit and bottles it under his own name. His wines are made and sold at Stratus but it’s Baker who decides on fruit, style, yields and where to source what he feels are the best Riesling grapes in the region. Bakers Vinemount grapes are from Picone Vineyard and Charles is dead-set on showcasing the terroir, the region and the varietal from the hard clay soil of the Picone Vineyard.
Redstone Winery was founded in 2009 on a 38-acre estate vineyard, farmed organically, it is perfect for maturing late-ripening varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. There is also Pinot Gris on the property. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay from recently acquired Limestone vineyard will round out the estate portfolio.
If we've talked Niagara Rieslings, you'll know my opinion on them... I prefer bench Rieslings and year on year Redstone is putting out some of the best Ontario has to offer.
I love side by side tastings like this, and it was great to see how well both of these local wines have aged.
Both of these wines are still maintaining beautiful acidity. The Baker appears to be more fruit driven and its showing slight oxidization and honey. Redstones offering is boasting loads of funk (the good kind!) kerosine, petrol, minerality and ripe apple/ dried lemon peel.
Personally I would say both of these wines are ready to drink immediately if not within the next year.
Match the Baker with a lighter style pork dish
Match the Redstone with smoked gravlax