This is a powerful Pinot Noir with good structure and depth. It's deep garnet colour and aromas of violets, red fruits and earthiness speak of a warm growing season. On the palate the wine exhibits an assortment of fruit: Bing cherry, plum and subtle watermelon, with toasty oak quietly complimenting the mix. Fine, slightly dusty tannins and a hint of natural acidity compliment the finish. This wine may be enjoyed upon release but will ultimately reward those patient enough to cellar it.

The 2009 growing season was exceptionally warm. The challenge for our vineyard team was to coax the fruit to maturity without allowing the grape's varietal flavors, acidity and sweetness to fall out of balance. Careful hand tending including very light leaf plucking allowed the fruit to ripen without becoming heat stressed. Precise picking dates were key to producing this lush but elegant wine.

This wine was made from a selection of French Dijon clones planted from 2005 to 2007 and mature German clones planted in 1985. Four vineyard blocks, each with their own specific slope, aspect and soil types produce grapes with an interesting assortment of flavors. Small batches of handpicked fruit were fermented in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 12 months in a selection of high quality French Oak barrels of which one third were new. Malolactic fermentation took place during spring 2010 and the wine was blended and bottled in early autumn.

Like all of our wines, this Pinot Noir was sustainably grown and vinified at our single vineyard estate in South East Kelowna.