I love a great Carmenere—when it’s done right, it’s powerful without losing its soul.

And somehow, this grape has found a real home in the Okanagan. Plenty of wineries are doing solid work with it, but Phantom Creek is on another level entirely.

This is a seriously impressive wine. Rich and commanding, yet still polished. There’s a confidence to it—nothing feels overdone, even with the weight it carries.

The nose is layered and inviting: dark chocolate, fig preserves, tobacco, a touch of anise, and warm spice—clove comes to mind. There’s a subtle sweetness in the aromatics that pulls you in without turning jammy.

On the palate, it delivers. Full-bodied, with 15.3% alcohol that you definitely feel, but it doesn’t burn—it just adds to the presence. Tannins are firm and structured, giving it backbone and aging potential. The color is deep and saturated. There’s enough acidity to keep things from getting heavy, which is crucial here.

Flavor-wise, it leans into classic Carmenere character—green bell pepper, cassis, even a hint of aronia. That slight bitterness on the finish actually works; it adds grip and complexity rather than detracting. A peppery note lingers nicely.

There’s history in the glass too. Carmenere was planted here decades ago, when German viticulture expert Helmut Becker began experimenting with Vitis vinifera in the Okanagan. Wines like this feel like the payoff of that vision.

The 2020 release shows just how far things have come. This isn’t just good for Okanagan—it’s just plain good, full stop.

Now also available in 2022 vintage.

See also: Hester Creek Winery