Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is nothing like Tantalus Old Vines Riesling, beginning with its single, north-facing block of vines planted in 1978. It’s fermented to perfectly balance its 11.41 grams of residual sugar with its 10.7 grams per litre of total acidity, leaving you to marvel over its minerality and fresh stony lime and tangerine fruit. I like to say it's not for everyone, and riesling aficionados should be happy with that, otherwise it would be sold out in an instant. As it is, the taut, slender, savoury white is a classic North Okanagan experience in a bottle. Buy a case or two and spread out your consumption over the next twenty-five years. The two acre Block 5 sits on deep, silty soils by a mature Ponderosa pine forest on its western edge, which offers dappled late afternoon and evening sun exposure. It is all handpicked at optimal ripeness, and gently whole bunch pressed. The fermentation runs 45 days before it spends four months on its lees, creating a creamy, chalky palate. It then spends two more years in the bottle before release.Tasted: 30 April 2021Tasted by: Prices: BC 34.78 winery online/direct, select private retailers, restaurants
Producer: Tantalus VineyardsDistributors: The Wine Syndicate Grape: RieslingCSPC: 179226UPC: 626990067429
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe OV Riesling comes entirely off their north facing, 1978 plantings, bordered by Ponderosa Pines. This was gently whole bunch pressed and fermented cold for 45 days. The wine spends 4 months on lees and 2 years in bottle before release (2018 is current release). Savoury and singular, with struck stone, lime pulp and peel streaking across the shimmering palate, with ample salinity throughout. Right up there with Canada's top riesling. Crazy numbers for the geeks: 11.4 g/L, 10.7 TA, 12.6%. Drinking well now for riesling freaks, but most may want to lay this severe (in a good way) wine down for a few years.Tasted: 01 July 2021Tasted by: Prices: BC 34.78 winery online/direct, select private retailers, restaurants
Producer: Tantalus VineyardsDistributors: The Wine Syndicate Grape: RieslingCSPC: 179226UPC: 626990067429