Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDrawing on her family's six generations of viticulture and winemaking at Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion in Bordeaux, Pénélope and Dylan Roche have created their Grand Vin, Chateau. This year blends 75% merlot, 17% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc from Kozier Organic Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, as well as a site just north of Oliver. After fermentation in stainless this rested in 30% new French oak for 14 months, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Spiced black cherry, black raspberry course through the layered palate, with cedar hewn tannins framing, and a tart acidity streaming this through a bitter cherry, baking spiced finish. On the tarter spectrum of full bodied Bx blends, and welcomes a decant or chance to open in the glass prior to enjoying with roasted pork / veg.Tasted: 11 February 2023Tasted by: Prices:
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Chateau is a 75/17/8/ mix of merlot, cabernet Sauvignon, and cabernet franc. The merlot is grown at Kozier Organic Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, over granite gravel slopes overlooking Okanagan Lake. The franc and the sauvignon are grown north of Oliver, on rounded river rock, from a post-glacial riverbed. The Grand Vin flagship demonstrates the best from Roche, something winemaker Penelope Roche is familiar with, having grown up at Pessac Leognan at Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. Elegance sets this apart from many Okanagan reds with flavour and power. Most of the competition lacks this wine's sophistication and mineral notes. The chalky tannins are the icing on the cake. The Chateau is 14 months in French oak, of which 30 to 40 percent is new. Braised lamb shanks are the winery match, but at the moment, I say leg of lamb.Tasted: 29 October 2022Tasted by: Prices: