Cellar Profile
Dan and Lynn Sullivan founded Rosehall Run in 2000. The 150-acre farm was selected due to its proximity to Lake Ontario (1-2 kms on three sides) and the remarkable clay soil scattered with rock and shale fragments on a calcareous limestone base. This was one of the earliest Prince Edward County wineries established in the west central region known as Hillier Ward. Planting of the vineyard began in 2001 with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Today, there are 25 acres of vinifera including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Tempranillo. With over 30 years of Ontario winemaking experience, Dan is recognized as one of the top winemakers in the region. He is critically acclaimed for his consistent, elegant, approachable Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Sparkling wines as well as his innovations with unique varietals.
Region
Nestled on a peninsula on the north shore of Lake Ontario, a short drive from Kingston, the Prince Edward County wine region sits on a bed of porous limestone. This is crucial for creating the mineral, brightly acidic wines the region is known for. The vineyards benefit from breezes off of Lake Ontario, keeping the temperature down on hot summer days and cool at night. "The County" was first settled in the late 18th Century and, after years of farmland agriculture, began growing grapes in earnest by the early 2000s.
Vineyard
Sourced from select old vines in the West and North Block. Limestone-based soils and the proximity of Lake Ontario on three sides allow for slow, steady ripening of Pinot Noir to achieve full phenolic ripeness in the skins while maintaining balance. There is a prominent acid core to the wines from these vineyards, which allows Dan Sullivan and his team to ripen the grapes to their fullest potential without sacrificing elegance.
Winemaking
The 2020 vintage in Prince Edward County produced some stunning wines, but with greatly reduced yields. The fruit was sorted and de-stemmed before fermentation in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in a combination of French oak, 35%-40% of it new. The wine spent 15 months in oak, softening the edges, before being transferred to bottle.
Tasting Notes
A bigger, more structured version of Rosehall's signature Pinot. Ripe cherry and raspberry, with hints of cedar and underbrush on the nose. The palate has some fine-grained tannins and the telltale mouthwatering acidity that lets you know this is County wine. On the palate you'll find red fruit flavours and earthy, tertiary notes, along with some vanilla and toast. Chill lightly, decant and enjoy with grilled salmon or duck confit.
Varieties
Pinot Noir grapes are black-skinned and typically very difficult to cultivate. It is well known internationally and is grown in most winemaking regions around the world. Its origins trace back to the Burgundy region in France. Canada has had great success with this grape variety, producing renowned wines in Prince Edward County, among other regions.