Wine Profile

Syrah has become a powerful varietal for BC winegrowers, both in terms of its success in growing well in the south Okanagan, and for what it has been delivering in the glass. Estate grown on our Perfect Hedge vineyard in Osoyoos, the style is inspired by Côte-Rôtie in the northern Rhône, blending 95% Syrah with 5% Viognier. This classic technique gives the nose a floral lift and softens the pepper note ever so slightly.

As you swirl the deep purple of the Syrah it reveals its violet edge.  The nose has aromas of cocoa powder and ripe blueberries with notes of vanilla, coconut shavings and cherry pie filling. This vintage showcases spicy oak up front with a complex mix of cassis, violets and dark plum. This richly textured wine balances structure with finesse and can easily be tucked away in the cellar for 5-7 years.

INSIDER TIP - 100% of this wine was fermented as whole berry, which slows down the release of tannins imparting a silkiness to the tannins and a lush roundness to the Syrah.

Winemaking Notes

The Syrah was co-fermented with Viognier in stainless steel.  All the fermentation happened as whole berries.  After pressing, the wine was barrel aged for 20 months in 37% new French oak, and the remainder in older French Oak barrels.

Vintage Notes

The 2020 growing season started slowly but by mid summer the vines were progressing well. The crop was light in general which allowed the quality to really shine. Loosely formed bunches with smaller than average berry size allowed for full sunlight penetration with resulting development of intense fruit flavours. Cold weather and snow starting October 22, which put a dramatic end to the growing season, but due to the light crop, grapes reached full flavor maturity.

Wine from the 2020 vintage are full-bodied with excellent flavours and harmonious balance. Overall, the wines are showing very balanced acidity with great fruit flavours, lush rich palates, and excellent fruit intensity.

Vineyard

The fruit is from a combination of Bull Pine, Bear Cub and The Perfect Hedge Vineyard, Osoyoos.