Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Amulet Red blends 50% Grenache from Kiln House Vineyard in Penticton, 48% Syrah from Suncrest Vineyard in Oliver, and 2% Viognier from Kozier Vineyard in Naramata Bench. This was destemmed and whole berry cold soaked for 5 days, prior to the lignified Grenache stems being added back in and a native ferment beginning. After 3 weeks this was pressed off into neutral French barrels for 7 months' rest. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulphur. This is a full, deeply cushioned red, with layers of wild blueberry, dark cherry, black raspberry, wild mint, cherry menthol on a velveteen palate. Furry tannins are well absorbed into the dense fruit, and there is a buoy of acidity holding the full 14% afloat through the peppery finish. Remarkabley smoothed and ready to drink now.Tasted: 27 December 2021Tasted by: Prices:
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDwight Sick and Penelope and Dylan Roche (Roche Wines), collaborate to make the Amulet wines led by this highly impressive 50/40/2 mix of grenache/syrah/viognier. The fruit was hand harvested in mid-October after an early frost terminated the 2020 growing season. It gets a five-day cold soak, after which all of the lignified grenache stems were added back into the ferments before a native ferment. Twenty days later, the free run wine was drained off, the grape skins were gently pressed, and the wine transferred into neutral French oak barrels to mature on fine lees for seven months. By spring, it had undergone a full malolactic fermentation, perfectly softening the edge. The palate is alive with juicy cherries and strawberries with a floral undertone. A hit of Okanagan garrigue or sagebrush adds further interest, along with a dusting of pepper and dried herbs. It is an elegant style that could catch on with white wine drinkers who won't drink cabernet but want something different than pinot noir. Hello Rhone. Food possibilities are endless. Real value, real wine.Tasted: 17 August 2021Tasted by: Prices:
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnthony and I tried this wine from the tank with winemaker Dwight Sick just moments before it was bottled at Roche, where the wines are made in partnership with Penelope and Dylan Roche. It was a wine that immediately grabbed our attention, and the type of wine you don't just want to taste but drink, buy, and cellar. The fruit is pure and layered, with dark cherries, wild blueberries, and blackberries intertwined with white pepper, fresh herbs, and lavender. There's real depth and elegance, and then there's the texture: supple, silky, and elegant. A real wine and a real steal at this price.Tasted: 23 September 2021Tasted by: Prices:
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