Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Middle Bench Vineyard in the Similkameen, the fruit was whole cluster pressed and then fermented in stainless steel, with some lees contact during ageing. That’s given this some noble reduction, with attractive flinty matchstick and hazelnut notes alongside a splash of fresh citrus. Plus, the lees work has also given this some added weight and texture, punching well above its 12.2% frame. It’s bright, crisp, and complex, in short, everything BC pinot blanc can and should be. Highly recommended and exceptional value at this price. You can drink this now with shellfish, but this will get even better with bottle age. Clos du Soleil has the track record to prove it.Tasted: 01 August 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot blanc continues to be a journey in BC, but as the years run by, this variety is beginning to show more and more promise. A lot of its future depends on simply letting it express itself, or place, along with each growing season. Middle Bench Vineyard in Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, is a stony, south sloping vineyard that is precisely the kind of place that gives this variety life. Expect a dry, crunchy mix of pear, peach and nectarine with a pleasant underlying bitterness to keep the fruit restrained and sophisticated. It is the perfect wine to accompany many vegan dishes and equally at home with grilled fish. I like it with a well-chosen charcuterie plate on the patio in the late afternoon.Tasted: 09 May 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis popular wine changes slightly year over year, as one would hope, reflecting the vintage. For 2019, Similkameen's Middle Bench Vineyard has given off ample peach and nectarine, with a palate of cool melon and perfumed lychee, and a crunchy Asian pear acidity. After a whole cluster pressing, this was fermented and rested in stainless to preserve the aforementioned orchard / tropical fruit notes. Snappy, slight (12.2 degrees) and dry, this year's version more fruit-driven than previous.Tasted: 18 May 2020Tasted by: Prices: