Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA year down the road, 2016 is in excellent shape. The fruit comes off the Lake Breeze Naramata Bench vineyard, strategically centred in the middle of the Okanagan Valley. Naramata is an Okanagan sweet spot (not too hot, not too cold) for chardonnay and merlot, and you feel it in the mouth. As it ages, it is slightly broader, showing a bit more butterscotch, but the acidity remains firm and helps to keep it relatively tight in the finish. Citrus, pears, and spicy hazelnut flavours mark the palate. The nose is a mix of bright green apple and citrus with more buttery tones, suggesting it is time to drink this up, but it is in perfect shape and would be a fine accompaniment to lobster, roasted chicken, or grilled halibut.Tasted: 17 August 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI did not see 2015 of this label, but 2016 is a significant improvement on the first 2014 release. The fruit comes off the Lake Breeze Naramata Bench vineyard, strategically centred in the middle of the Okanagan Valley where daytime temperatures are warm and the night is comfortably cool: perfect acidity for making premium white wine. Before I highly recommend this wine, know that production is tiny, and it is virtually snapped up via the McIntyre mailing list, so if you want some, you had better get signed up. The difference is this year is a more subtle tone, letting the bright fruit shine while the lees and oak add support for texture and length. The palate is a mix of citrus, pears, and spicy hazelnut. The nose is a mix of bright green apple and citrus with some spicy hazelnut notes — less Napa, more Burgundy this year. Lobster or crab would be the perfect match. Owner Drew Macintyre’s father was a member of the RCAF, so when he decided to launch two high-end wine 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 - through adversity to the stars.Tasted: 16 March 2019Tasted by: Prices:
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