Syrah. 2020 is showing well, with 2021 just a touch better. 2022 is now available. I haven't tasted it yet, but I know that the grapes were harvested quite late due to the cold spring and warm fall, so the grapes got a chance to concentrate flavors and even raisinate, which adds to that deep black fruit character.
Made in a Northern Rhône style, with a little Viognier blended in for softness and lift.
Bright acidity. Spicy. Balanced.
Black fruit, some jammy dark berries, and a hint of vanilla from oak.
Full-bodied, but not heavy. Long finish with good depth and complexity. This is a proper quality wine.
Hand-harvested. Aged 14 months in 60% American oak and 40% French oak.
A rich, Rhône-inspired Syrah from the Southern Okanagan.
Great with charcuterie. Even better with something spicy.
Syrah is a dying art in Okanagan, according to many winemakers. It doesn't like cold winters. Recently December of 2022 and January 2024 have been a disaster. Many vineyards consider to replant the Syrah vines with some other more practical varieties.
However, I really do hope we get to experience more of Okanagan Syrah in the future.
See also: Okanagan Valley wine
See also: Hester Creek Winery
See also: British Columbia Wine Institute
See also: Okanagan Tourism