Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaElysia Vineyard impressed me with its sparkling wine contribution to Lightning Rock, and this still pinot is equally attractive. It one of three released and in 2018 and the best I have tasted. The vineyard was twelve years old at harvest and seemingly just hitting its stride. The attack is round and soft with mouth-filling and delicious cherry and plum, before ending in a salty, mineral, stony storm. Dry and firm, but with finesse, it has a lot going for it. Not sure about the ageing potential, but hell, why not drink it now? We can also assess it again if there is any left in 2025.Tasted: 12 May 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of three pinot noirs released by Summerland's Lightning Rock Winery in 2018. This comes from their estate Elysia Vineyard and its limestone laced, granite bedded slopes, and from vines planted in 2006. Partial whole cluster, this was native fermented before being pressed off into neutral oak vessels of various sizes. Pouring a pale crimson hue, this swirls with wild raspberry, morello cherry, baked plum, and mineral salts. Tannins are appropriately grippy around the slender sides, drawing this to a narrow, sour cherry close.Tasted: 08 April 2020Tasted by: Prices: