Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Nikki Callaway likes to says she is talking to her chenin blanc vines, hoping to see what it wants to be in the future. The 2016 version seems to be where it wants to be. I could say it's super fresh and clean, but let’s add electric and enervating. Unlike so many heavy, weighty versions of chenin blanc, the 2016 is on the brighter side, seen in green melon, citrus, pear. The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards Mannhart and Osoyoos and in 2016 Callaway put 10 percent sauvignon blanc in the mix to great effect. The fruit is whole bunch pressed, then cold fermented in 80 percent stainless steel tanks with the remainder into 20 percent older French oak barrels and new 500 litre puncheons. Complex and delicious, it is quintessential Okanagan. Great value.Tasted: 23 June 2017Tasted by: Prices:
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA thankful return to form in the 2016 chenin blanc, with that nervy energy back to the fore. Though please, let's drop the 10 percent sauvignon blanc in the mix; it's not needed. This comes from their Kelowna estate as well as Osoyoos, all whole bunch pressed and cold fermented in 80/20 stainless / French oak barrels and new 500L puncheons. Pithy white grapefruit, crunchy pear, green apple and a swing of grass on the lighter body. I'd be hard pressed to call this chenin blind in a line up (the SB is seen and heard), but in future, I'd like to be able to.Tasted: 23 June 2017Tasted by: Prices: