By now we should all know that Henry of Pelham is one of Ontario’s premier sparkling wine producers with their Cuvee Catharine line of wines. Last year they introduced us to the newest brain-child, the 100% Chardonnay aged 54 months on lees/in bottle sparkler that was a grand success and now here’s the 2009 version, an even better version than that first effort. Nose has lemon pith, green apple, fresh baked croissant, touch of buttery-ness and lemon drop. Palate over-delivers with great acidity that cleanses the palate keeping the complexity of flavours feeling fresh: lots of lemon zest and pith with tart apple and traditional bready-biscuitiness, with persistent bubbles and a long finish … this really is the best Carte Blanche to date. Price: $44.95 – Rating: **** ½