Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Ross Wise is having fun making BH Brut, strictly selecting the finest chardonnay grapes from Hidden Terrace vineyard in Oliver, and pinot noir from a cool site above Lake Skaha. The chardonnay dominant mix is 71/29, and it comes with a pleasing creaminess and complexity helped along by using a gentle champagne-style press cycle and an oxidative winemaking approach that helps to enhance flavour and “harmony and balance between the chardonnay’s richness and crispness.” The key is aging, and this bubble remains on its yeast in the cellar for 40 months. Croissants and brioche draw you into a refined glass of bubble with a pear fruit underside. The dosage is kept low. Drink or hold.Tasted: 21 March 2024Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$55.00
750ml
winery online/direct
Producer: Black Hills Estate WineryDistributors: Andrew Peller Import Agency Blend: Chardonnay - Pinot NoirUPC: 058976052899
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis, the first BH Brut, was based on 2018, and since it's the inaugural trad met wine from Ross Wise MW, we assume there are no reserves here. We do know that it's 70% chardonnay and 21% pinot noir, from their home vineyards on the Black Sage Bench, fermented in a mix of stainless and oak, and rested 40 months on lees in bottle before disgorge in March 2023 with 4.1 g/L. Searing lemon, red apple, vanilla wafer, and crushed stone drive through the palate, with a noticeable lees bed taking this to a snappy smoked stone end. Quite disjointed at present, understandably so in its early days, but future vintages are hopeful to work it out.Tasted: 24 March 2024Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$55.00
750ml
winery online/direct
Producer: Black Hills Estate WineryDistributors: Andrew Peller Import Agency Blend: Chardonnay - Pinot NoirUPC: 058976052899
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Ross Wise gets it, and his BH Brut is a home run of mammoth proportions for a first release. Tight, mineral, citrus, lemon curd draws a long bead across your palate, while a savoury Okanagan floral honeysuckle affair supports the top underneath. Fresh croissant wafts from the glass and ends in a super fresh citrus bath of acidity and a perfectly crafted tiny mousse that might be the best I've seen in BC. It's a wine for sparkling freaks that reaches as close to the big C as it gets. Drink now with fresh oysters or cellar for 7-10 years. Amazing. The mix is 59/41 chardonnay/pinot noir, and it gets 40 months on the lees, the way it should be.Tasted: 13 August 2022Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$55.00
750ml
winery online/direct
Producer: Black Hills Estate WineryDistributors: Andrew Peller Import Agency Blend: Chardonnay - Pinot NoirUPC: 058976052899