Blockbuster Okanagan vineyard deal

The vineyard, established in 2004 by Chris and Betty Jentsch, is planted to cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and malbec with a bit of viognier and a block of syrah.

In speaking with Ingo Grady, the President of Phantom Creek he said, “It is a privilege for us to take stewardship of this special site on the Golden Mile Bench,” and the property will join the winery’s estate vineyards on the Black Sage Bench in transitioning to organic and biodynamic certification.

The team couldn't be happier at Phantom Creek as their long-term plans to be sizable landowners and high-quality wine producers in both Okanagan and the Similkameen Valley fall into place. To date, by my count, Phantom Creek is approaching some 175 acres, or 70 hectares. Some will be replanted but all will go organic as soon as possible. Winemaker & Viticulturist Ross Wise says “Biodynamic farming requires meticulous attention to detail, which in turn makes us more attuned to our vineyards. It is a sustainable and gentle approach, which we also think yields exceptional wines.”

As for Chris Jentsch and family and his stellar team at C.C. Jentsch Cellars they will remain in the wine business at their dedicated facility at Testalinda Creek. The family-owned winery will continue to farm three estate vineyards stretching from Testalinda Creek to the Black Sage Bench to Summerland.

“We are delighted to find a buyer that is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence and the pursuit of enhancing this world-class vineyard,” said viticulturist and owner Chris Jentsch.

The new Phantom Creek property has some heady neighbours surrounded by Road 13, Checkmate and Culmina wineries on The Golden Mile Bench, British Columbia’s first official sub-appellation. It’s been said the sub-region benefits from early morning sunshine, while being shaded from the warm, late afternoon sun by Mount Kobau. This, combined with complex, gravelly soils, results in exceptional wines that balance ripeness with fresh acidity. More than anything it would also seem that the sub appellation is beginning to reap the benefits of focus and a place name that is propelling it on the world wine map.

The vineyard sale closed on November 1, 2017. No prices were revealed but my sources have estimated the that an acre of vineyard land in the south Okanagan is now somewhere between $150,000 and $200,000 and rising.

Take a first look at a new winery literally emerging from the historic Black Sage Bench in the South Okanagan. 

For more on Phantom Creek Estates visit: https://phantomcreekestates.com/