Jost Vineyards

Long regarded one of Nova Scotia’s finest vineyard locations is the south facing swath of land that rises gently from the Minas Basin of the climate-moderating Bay of Fundy. For more than 20 harvests, top quality fruit has been sourced from this area; the first vineyard being Wayne MacDonald’s Habitant Vineyard, now the estate vineyard of Blomidon Estate Winery.

Immediately next door to the Habitant Vineyard is Racca Vineyards. Here Dr. Allan McIntyre has been doing much to prove that vinifera varieties are viable and have a good future in the province. On his 10 acre plot, he has successfully cultivated Chardonnay, Cab Franc, and Pinot Noir. Most vines are now in their seventh year, and over the past few erratic seasons, they have survived the full gamut of winter conditions that this unpredictable maritime climate can serve up.

Just shy of an acre is planted to Pinot Noir clone 115. These vines, now fully mature, are yielding some particularly exciting results. The entire crop is eagerly bought up by Hans Christian Jost, who employs the saignée method to produce this barley pigmented wine from the free run juice just after crush. This is not a rosé, but a true vin gris, with a pale onion skin, coppery color - what the French aptly describe as l'oeil de perdrix, or “eye of the partridge”.

The nose offers yellow plum fruit with confectionary notes of bubble gum and a mild leafy herbal character, hinting at mint. The palate opens up to reveal cherry and spearmint with rose water and a pronounced pear juice flavour lingering on the finish. All elements – acid, weight and alcohol – find a harmonious balance. Truly a lovely wine and easy to drink. The only problem is that the 500 mL bottle runs dry too quickly, bringing a premature ending to all this enjoyment. My suggestion, get 2 bottles!

Reviewed January 17, 2008 by Adam Dial.