Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Sémillon comes out of Oliver, where it is grown by Dhaliwal Bros. The bunches were hand harvested in late September, whole cluster pressed, and fermented in a mix of stainless steel tank (72%) and large French oak puncheons (28%). It is aged six months with sporadic bâtonnage. Not quite as aromatic as the last vintage, it offers up delicate grassy, scrubby desert notes with exotic greengage pear, grapefruit, and Similkameen stone dust. Fresh and food-friendly, this works with halibut, prawns, Dungeness crab, creamy pasta, and most any vegetarian dish. It’s just the beginning of life for this wine, but it will age for decades. A label to watch.Tasted: 14 August 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Dhaliwal Bros. vineyard in Oliver, this sémillon was whole cluster pressed and fermented in a mix of stainless and French puncheon, before aging on lees in the same for 6 months, with occasional bâtonnage. This is quite open and opulent for youthful sém, perhaps indicative of the super warm climate where it grows. Greengage, Asian pear, white grapefruit line the slender, fruity palate, with a fine stony hum on the finish. Pour now, alongside halibut or prawns or summer tomato basil salads.Tasted: 15 August 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Dhaliwal Bros. Vineyard in Oliver, this aged on its lees for six months in stainless steel (72%) and French oak puncheons (28%) prior to bottling. You won't pick up a lot of oak character, though. This is quite mineral driven, with a saline quality that's backed by juicy yellow fruits, grassy herbs, and lees. Even at 12.4% abv, there’s still some broadness to the chalky texture, complemented by a refreshing crispness. Still very youthful at this stage, it will benefit from a quick spin in the decanter. It really evolves in the glass over time, so be patient.Tasted: 25 August 2020Tasted by: Prices: