British Columbia, CanadaCélestiale is the little sibling to Clos du Soleil's icon Signature red. Theoretically you can enjoy this one now (signal screwcap) while waiting for Signature to mature. This year blends 38/33/13/13/3 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, from various Similkameen vineyards. Mostly destemmed (some Merlot was fermented whole berry and with stems), this was fermented primarily in concrete, and pressed off into French barrels for 15 months before the final blend. It was bottled unfined. Ripe and dusky black plum, cassis, dark raspberry is seasoned with baking spices, toasted cedar, and cracked pepper on a succulent palate. Tannins are well integrated and balanced by the savoury fruit and Similkameen's wind-swept acidity. Certainly drinking well now, and will continue over the next couple of years.Tasted: 30 December 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$23.90
750ml
winery online/direct
ON
$26.00
750ml
fine wine shops
Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Petit Verdot - MalbecCSPC: 828848UPC: 857088000459
British Columbia, CanadaCelestial is a nod to Bordeaux, blending four Similkameen vineyards and five grape varieties: 38/33/13/13/3 merlot / cabernet sauvignon / cabernet franc / malbec / petit verdot, from Keremeos and Cawston in the Similkameen, and Osoyoos in the southern Okanagan. The superheated 2015s were barrel-aged for 15 months in French oak, and while good, it lacks the lift and energy of the 2013 or 2014. This is essentially crafted to be consumed sooner than the flagship Signature blend. The attack is young and juicy with smoky cedar, spicy black cherry, albeit with ripe, silky tannins. There is a touch of forest floor in the finish balancing the ripeness and playing to the savoury aspects of the Similkameen. Anything off the barbecue works here. Eight hundred five cases were produced.Tasted: 01 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$23.90
750ml
winery online/direct
ON
$26.00
750ml
fine wine shops
Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Petit Verdot - MalbecCSPC: 828848UPC: 857088000459
British Columbia, CanadaCélestiale is the little sibling to Clos du Soleil's Signature red blend. It's also Similkameen based and the blend is similar: 38/33/13/13/3 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot. However, this is meant to be enjoyed in its youth and is made in a fittingly approachable style. It shows a smoky nose with forward oak spice and vanillin alongside ripe black fruits. Medium-bodied, with warming 14.5% abv, the tannins are fine-grained and smooth, making this a wine to open now while you tuck Signature away in your cellar.Tasted: 02 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$23.90
750ml
winery online/direct
ON
$26.00
750ml
fine wine shops
Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Petit Verdot - MalbecCSPC: 828848UPC: 857088000459