Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the big brother to Violette, mostly from the Le Verger vineyard (used to be known as Airfield, due to the vineyard's slightly elevated location on a small bench underneath the Osoyoos airport). This year's Cuvée Classique comes 73% off Osoyoos Lake District and 27% off Black Sage Bench, with 19 months in French oak barrels and puncheons (35% new). Sultry dark blackberry, black plum are imbued with baking spices and downy violets running the length of the fuller palate, housed by ample, well-integrated tannins and lit with a grapefruit pith acidity. Dark cocoa and espresso is woven throughout, and the finish lingers with cracked black pepper. Very complete. A brooding, structural style drinking smartly now, and with time ahead.Tasted: 14 February 2022Tasted by: Prices: BC 49.99 wine club member exclusive
Producer: Le Vieux PinDistributors: Winery Direct Grape: Shiraz/SyrahCSPC: 693606UPC: 808755014071
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCuvee Classique is the bigger version of Cuvée Violette. Winemaker Severine Pinte suggests it combines elements of both the Old and New World in her syrah, although Cuvée Classique is Rhone-ish. Deep, dark, and savoury, it speaks to the power of south Okanagan syrah, and its peppery, back olive, dried herb notes. It is fully ripe but the tension provided by its juicy acidity runs throughout. Lamb shoulder or cauliflower steak are perfect matches for meat lovers or vegetarians, respectively. This is split 73/27 between Osoyoos Lake District and Black Sage Bench, and spends 19 months in French oak barrels and puncheons, of which 35% are new. You can drink it now, but three to five years of cellaring will repay your patience. Impressive.Tasted: 23 December 2021Tasted by: Prices: BC 49.99 wine club member exclusive
Producer: Le Vieux PinDistributors: Winery Direct Grape: Shiraz/SyrahCSPC: 693606UPC: 808755014071