Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTight as a fist, even now four years on. This Hypothesis is a blend of Golden Mile Bench 38/36/26 merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, from their higher altitude Arise Bench vineyard. Blackberry, cassis thorns, roasted earth line this hard palate, lined with coffee and with gritty espresso bitter tannins to frame. There's a medicinal swing to the potent fruit that finishes astringently at this youthful stage, best mitigated with rib eye steaks. The best is yet to come after some time in bottle.Tasted: 23 October 2017Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$46.00
750ml
winery direct
Producer: Culmina Family Estate WineryDistributors: Principle Fine Wines Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancUPC: 827413000089
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted six months down the road, just before its official release on September 16 at the winery, and I remain impressed. The latest Hypothesis or proposition from the Triggs family is a fine jump up in quality, but everyone should just take a deep breath. People forget these are very early days for wineries like Culmina no matter how many times you dot your i's and cross your t's, vineyards take time to find their feet and winemakers may need even more patience. The blend is 38/36/26 merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon all grown on the Arise Bench. Hypothesis has shed its rusticity in 2013 and is projecting some early elegance despite a wealth of dense but sweet tannins in the back end. The fruit is black and savoury but with an elegant, stony mineral undercurrent. Age another three to five years for optimum quality, or serve now with pheasant, venison or beef. Super value.Tasted: 11 September 2017Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$46.00
750ml
winery direct
Producer: Culmina Family Estate WineryDistributors: Principle Fine Wines Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancUPC: 827413000089
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Hypothesis or proposition from the Triggs family is a fine jump up in quality, but everyone should just take a deep breath. People forget these are very early days for wineries like Culmina no matter how many times dot your I's and cross your T's, vineyards take time to find their feet and winemakers may need even more patience. The 2013 season got off to a quick start and the south Okanagan didn’t change much until late September when 13 days of cool, wet, and unpredictable weather stalled the final ripening. October was better than ever and all was forgotten when so many perfect clusters came in. The blend is 38/36/26 merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon all on the Arise Bench. Hypothesis has shed its rusticity in 2013 and is projecting some early elegance despite a wealth of dense but sweet tannins in the back end. The oak regime is 60/40 new and one year old French oak barrels. The fruit is black and savoury but with an elegant, stony mineral undercurrent. As I say, a pleasant step forward. Age another five years for optimum quality, or serve now with pheasant, venison or beef. Super value.Tasted: 13 April 2017Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$46.00
750ml
winery direct
Producer: Culmina Family Estate WineryDistributors: Principle Fine Wines Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancUPC: 827413000089