It does not matter whether they be the single vineyard chardonnays or the conglomerative sku that acts as the geological sum of the total bill. In the world of Thomas Bachelder the intention is 'to define the dolomitic origins of our crazy-quilt patchwork of post-glacier melt/flow terroirs.' L'Ardoise is a clean, pure and representative slate of these notions, a chardonnay intent on helping to unearth what matters most, that being soil and place, to deliver this and more into a poured glass. The 2023 succeeds with its mix of fruit, acid and barrel, with ease and just enough complex depth to keep us asking for more. And posing new questions, to travel further and begin to discover the single terroir bottles made by Mr. Bachelder. Drink 2025-2028. Tasted October 2025. Score - 91. (Michael Godel, winealign.com)

Bachelder produced both this 32% whole-cluster fermented version, and, for the first time, a 100% destemmed version (below), made like a Pinot Noir. 'Both distinct, yet utterly Wismer-Foxcroft in their flinty, iron-tinged savoury profile,' said Bachelder. 'The evolution in the cellar will be interesting to follow.' The Wismer-Foxcroft Vineyard Gamay is the 'wine that started it all, that made Mary and I fall in love with Gamay Noir in Niagara,' said Bachelder. 'We love Jordan, we love all of Niagara, but my word, this wine absolutely proves that the Bench in Vineland has something special, with its slightly reddish magnesium oxide-tinted dolomitic soils.' Such a profound nose of savoury red berries, Morello cherries in spades, underbrush, plump plums and stony minerality. It's a mouth-filling, cherry focused Gamay with support from wild raspberries, red currants, plums earthy/umami notes, a soft texture and a long, lifted finish. Can cellar through 2032. Score - 93. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, April 5, 2025)

Earthy aromas set the tone for this Niagara Gamay, with crunchy cherry, raspberry and red currant close behind. The palate is juicy and lively, bringing fine tannins, bright acidity and a meaty savoury edge, while pepper, clove, juniper and green herbs add complexity.

Bachelder's Les Villages 'Bench' 2023 offers an expressive introduction to the nuance of Niagara Escarpment Pinot Noir. The nose is lifted and inviting, with aromas of bright morello cherries, tart cranberries, and a subtle flinty edge that hints at the area's limestone-rich soils. Smooth tannins frame flavours of rhubarb, sour cherries, and wild raspberries. A saline thread runs through, giving the wine energy and length alongside fresh acidity. It is a lovely Pinot with finesse, hinting at the precision found in Bachelder's single-vineyard cuvées. Drinking window: 2025-2033. Score - 91. (Magdalena Kaiser, decanter.com, April 2025)