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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Hester Creek Pinot Biancotext
88POINTS
16/20

Hester Creek Pinot Bianco 2021

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Hester Creek Pinot Bianco is a blend of two sites: storied estate Blocks 4 and 9 on the Golden Mile Bench; and 33 percent grown by long-time grower Stone’s Throw Vineyard on Black Sage Road in Oliver. Most of the juice is cool fermented in stainless steel, with 13 percent fermented in two French François Frères oak barrels for a rounder mouthfeel and more texture. The style is fresh and fragrant, mixing classic almond with apple blossoms. A small amount of residual sugar smooths out the palate without becoming sweet, leaving a fresh, lively, citrus finish to balance it. The winery suggests pork as a match. I would also add a piece of mature Italian cheese as a fun option. The 2021 growing season in the South Okanagan was the driest on record. It was also one of the warmest years, with the most growing degree days GDD (1758) since 2015. The result at Hester Creek was a light fruit set and a smaller berry size, but on the upside, the smaller berries in the clusters yielded intense flavours and vibrant aromatics.Tasted: 15 October 2022Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$21.99750mlwinery online/direct, wine club
Producer: Hester Creek Estate WineryDistributors: Revelry Import Company
Grape: Pinot BlancCSPC: 431729UPC: 626990222163