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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Rigour and Whimsy Cowabunga!text
89POINTS
16¼/20

Rigour and Whimsy Cowabunga! 2019

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis little trad-met is a fortunate turn of events, as the barrels set aside for a pét-nat finished ferment too quickly to be bottled, so this little surprise was born instead. Cowabunga! 80% pinot blanc and 20% roussanne from West Kelowna and Osoyoos vineyards, the fruit was whole cluster, native fermented, and fermented in used puncheon, where it ended up remaining for 4 months before heading to bottle for second ferment and 6 months on lees. This wine will have multiple releases as they experiment with extended time in bottle. My bottle is the first release, and presents youthful and fresh, as expected, with ample orchard pear and apple, dried apple, wild lemon wrapped with stony toast, and dusted with flake salts. This bone dry bubble has a gentle lees / elderflower core, and fine, persistent fizz that carries it far along the palate. A great, unexpected, result and a project to watch.Tasted: 27 June 2021Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:
BC$25.00750mlwinery direct
Producer: Rigour & WhimsyDistributors: Juice Imports
The Living Vine
Blend: Pinot Blanc - Roussanne