I had the pleasure of spending some time in Alberta recently and it’s proximity to BC means you get some of the Okanagan wines we rarely see in Ontario. I’ve had Sumac ridge wines before and been impressed so I grabbed this one. The liquor stores are a lot more privatized in BC … Dark in color with a lovely black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely black cherry notes along with some nice chocolate/mocha. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely smooth tannins and nice acidity. There’s also some nice earthy notes common with Okanagan wines. This is a nice, approachable, food friendly wine. I quite enjoyed it. I would give it an 88 or so. Sadly not in Ontario, but it was just under $20 in Alberta.
From the winery’s web site:
Harvest Report: The hot dry summer of 2015 led to the earlies harvest for us in the Okanagan Valley. This vintage saw some concerns due to the fires in the area as well as in Washington
State. No ill effects were seen from these events as the smoke came and went in a matter of days. Harvest proceeded, and the cool fall nights helped to enhance the varietal
flavours. All in all, 2015 was an outstanding harvest. The fruit was harvested early October and fermented in stainless steel for about 10 days. Increased flavour and colour extraction was achieved by pumping the wine over twice daily. The ferementation was allowed to go to 30C. The wine was pressed off and then it went through malolactic fermentation. Aged in a blend of French and American oak for about 6 months. 45% Merlot 35% Cab Franc and 20% Cab Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Purple ruby colour with aromas of blackberry, dark plum and juicy oak. Flavours of dark berrry and dark plum layered with mocha and vanilla accents. Soft, approachable tannins and well balacned acidity lead to medium long finish Great with lasagna, roast lamb, sauteed mushrooms and aged cheddar cheese
