Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt took 23 years to release a flagship red at Tinhorn Creek, The Creek, but CEO and former winemaker Sandra Oldfield decided 2014 would be the year. The blend is a mix of vines from six to twenty years, grown on the home Golden Mile Vineyard site and across the valley at Black Sage. The mix is 53/19/17/9/2 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. The cabernet sauvignon dominated red is partially wild fermented and aged for two years in French and Hungarian barrels. Global warming has inspired winemaker Andrew Windsor to take a chance on the later ripening cabernet sauvignon to give The Creek a strong, linear edge which, has been achieved with 2014. The soft entry devolves into a mineral, salty, nutty, blueberry fruit-laden palate. A touch softer and more approachable than the complex 2015 sample I tasted, but it is still a solid start. For now, roasted meats or a grilled steak is you best bet, or simply wait five years for the final outcome.Tasted: 14 September 2018Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$55.99
750ml
BCLS
AB
$75.00
750ml
private wine stores
SK
$75.00
750ml
private wine stores
MB
$75.00
750ml
private wine stores
Producer: Tinhorn Creek VineyardsDistributors: Trialto Wine Group Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Malbec - Petit VerdotCSPC: 138432UPC: 624802981321
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwenty-three years along, this is the first release of "the flagship" of one of BC's wine legends, Tinhorn Creek. Named for THE Creek (yes, there is one), this is a blend of 6-20 year old vines, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot from both the Black Sage and Golden Mile Benches, partially wild fermented and aged for two years in French and Hungarian barrels. True to house, this is a welcoming, friendly and cushioned black fruited red. What makes The Creek stand out, however, is the salt-licked firm, gritty tannins, the walnut nuttiness, the elegance of the shape and balance overriding, even at this young stage. This is ripe, reflective of its southern Okanagan terroir. There is a swarm of heat on the finish of this young 14 percent wine, but at this stage, easily mitigated by roasted pork or veal. Tuck this away for a couple of years in the cellar, or do what I did and open it a day ahead (or decant) for maximum enjoyment now.Tasted: 05 September 2017Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$55.99
750ml
BCLS
AB
$75.00
750ml
private wine stores
SK
$75.00
750ml
private wine stores
MB
$75.00
750ml
private wine stores
Producer: Tinhorn Creek VineyardsDistributors: Trialto Wine Group Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Malbec - Petit VerdotCSPC: 138432UPC: 624802981321