Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of four Vancouver Island grown hybrids (cabernet libre, labelle, 0583, and petit milo), this aged 20 months in French and American oak. The wood is very much up front and present, bashing up against the green-tinged, sour cranberry, red currant, cassis fruit. The palate is quite warming (though only 13.5%) and short, with soft, lightly gummy tannins on the sides. This very hefty bottle comes across more like a wood symphony at this point in time, illustrating why bigger reds and the Wine Islands usually make for an uncomfortable fit.Tasted: 16 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSymphony is stainless steel fermented and aged 20 months in French and American oak. The mix is 52/26/20/2 cabernet libre/labelle/0583/petit milo. The medium-dark red opens with earthy, leafy notes flecked with espresso, milk chocolate, cherry, and pronounced dill. The attack is smooth and round, with light tannins and black cherry, earthy, foxy, vegetal flavours. Well made and fun to sip, but it would be best with grilled beef or spicy Italian sausages.Tasted: 30 May 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of four hybrids (cabernet libre, labelle, 0583, and petit milo), this is dominated by wood at the moment after aging for 20 months in French and American oak. But underneath the coffee, dill, and vanilla, there is some characterful fruit. It's just slow to emerge. One of the challenges with hybrids is their notoriously high acidity. That’s been well handled here, with fresh acidity that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. Unfortunately, the sharp, woody tannins work to further obscure the fruit. It’s trying to be a wine for the big red crowd, but in a climate that may not be best suited for it.Tasted: 31 May 2020Tasted by: Prices:
quicksearch
