92POINTS
17/20
Nichol Vineyard Old Vines Syrah 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSavoury, structural, singular with wild blackberry, thorns, peppercorns and a lick of anise, all interwoven with Nichol's characteristic duskiness, unhurried palate and understated charm. Tannins are firm, but sueded, housing the pure black fruit but never overwhelming it. A swell of medicinal tobacco cherry lingers on the lengthy finish. This is the oldest syrah in Canada, planted in 1990/91 on granite bedrock at the end of the Naramata Bench. After destemming, this fermented on skins in large open top fermenters before being basket pressed to neutral French barrique. After aging time in neutral barrique and puncheons, this was bottled unfined and unfiltered. In youth now, this is a quiet wine that will reward with cellaring.Tasted: 10 September 2018Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:BC | $40.00 | 750ml | winery direct, private wine shops |
Grape: Shiraz/SyrahUPC: 00626990093312