Hand-harvested from the South Okanagan’s Whitetail Vineyard in the freezing-cold early hours of January 12, 2012. It delivers the Icewine promise: intense tropical fruit aromatics, exploding honeyed orchard-fruit flavours, long spicy finish and an unctuous sweetness brightened by lemony acidity. An exciting dessert choice for a holiday-time brunch.
This single varietal red is a blend of 70% young estate Lillooet fruit and 30% older Black Sage Bench fruit. Wild berry aromas waft from the glass, while intense blackcurrant and boysenberry flavours attack a somewhat astringent palate. Smoky notes linger to the tart finish. Consider grilled vegetables.
It’s a blend on several fronts: Merlot/Cab Sauv/Cab Franc grapes, estate Lillooet and Black Sage Bench fruit and French/American oak aging. It results in smoky scents enhanced by mocha and dark berry. Bright acidity, spicy red fruit flavours and soft tannins lead to a taut finish. Try with stir-fry.
This solid-value combination of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot reveals a bouquet of cassis, raspberry, tobacco smoke and vanilla on a light- to medium-bodied frame. Tannins are soft, and there is admirable richness and persistency. Drink over the next 2 years.
Spain’s Tempranillo grape’s early ripening and affinity for arid climes with large diurnal temperature swings bodes well for taking root in the Okanagan. Characteristic garnet colour with tobacco and red berry scents, lean acidity, dry tannins and earthy, oak-spiced finish. Try with chorizo-enhanced dishes.
Forest-floor scents pique the nose while earthy mushroom fills the palate. Red cherry, cinnamon and black tea pervade from start to finish. Firm acidity and integrated tannins ensure a food-friendly quaff. A good match with grilled Portobello mushrooms.
Easy-drinking blend noted by juicy texture, soft tannins and oodles of fruitiness. Bursting with blueberry scents on the nose, with red liquorice and sweet-sour berries on the palate. There’s a tasty minty pepperiness on the finish. Chocolate hints add interest. Just drink it.