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89POINTS
16¼/20
MacIntyre Heritage Reserve Astra 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOwner Drew Macintyre’s father was a member of the RCAF, so when he decided to launch two high-end labels, the names Astra, and its merlot brother Ardua were an ode to his father and the Royal Canadian Air Force motto - Per Ardua ad Astra - meaning through adversity to the stars. The Lake Breeze Naramata Bench vineyard is home to the fruit for Astra, and since 2014, what goes into Ardua. There is very little production of either wine (less than 300 cases) and it is virtually snapped up via the McIntyre mailing list. It’s a concept Drew MacIntyre learned from his many years as an active buyer on the famous Harlan mailing list in Napa Valley. The ‘14 Astra is a rich style of chardonnay, but it’s not over the top. The nose is a mix of bright green apple fruit and citrus with some spicy hazelnut notes. Two thirds of the wine is barrel fermented while one third is fermented in stainless steel. It’s still young and showing plenty of oak but it is part of the style, and more Napa than Burgundy. As time goes on I suspect the oak will drop back a bit and the fruit and finesse will be brought forward. Now, there is a freshness, enabling the wine to pair well with richer seafood dishes. Try again in 2018.Tasted: 29 March 2017Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml | sold out at the winery |
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 554253UPC: 626990225546
