Clos du Soleil Signature 2020

91POINTS

16^¾/20

British Columbia, CanadaConsisting of merlot (34%), cabernet sauvignon (33%), cabernet franc (21%), malbec (9%), and petit verdot (3%), this Bordeaux blend was aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels. This wine impresses with highly concentrated dark fruit, featuring blueberries and dark plum, beautifully layered with Similkameen's distinctive graphite, without losing floral and herbal accents. On the palate, a firm and tight core of fruit harmoniously blends with well-integrated tannins, boasting both power and richness. The finish is fairly long, characterised by dark chocolate, bittersweet nuances, and dried herb savouriness.Tasted: 06 November 2023Tasted by: Prices:

$55.90

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, restaurants

Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Malbec - Petit VerdotCSPC: 315820UPC: 857088000077

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92POINTS

17/20

Clos du Soleil Signature 2020

British Columbia, CanadaThis is another impressive iteration of Clos du Soleil's Signature, no doubt benefiting from the exceptional 2020 vintage. It's become one of the most consistent and ageworthy red blends in British Columbia, and is a true expression of the Similkameen. There's the characteristic gravelly minerality as its backbone, layered with lush wild berries, dried thyme, desert shrubs, cedar, and balanced oak. The fruit is exceptionally dense and concentrated at this stage, and will slowly begin to reveal its true potential from 2028 onwards. If you don't have the patience, there's no need to wait, though. It's impressively polished and balanced right out of the gates, and evolves beautifully in the glass over a couple of hours.Tasted: 22 October 2023Tasted by: Prices:

$55.90

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, restaurants

Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Malbec - Petit VerdotCSPC: 315820UPC: 857088000077

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91POINTS

16^¾/20

Clos du Soleil Signature 2020

British Columbia, CanadaSignature is a blend of fruit from Keremeos and Cawston in the Similkameen Valley. The 2020 mix comes with a little less merlot (34%) and a bit more cabernet sauvignon (33%) and petit verdot (9%), a jump of cabernet franc to 21%, with 21% malbec. Each block of fruit is harvested separately and fermented with native yeast in concrete before spending 18 months in French oak before a best barrel Signature selection is made. The wine has been a consistent performer over the years, and in such a fine vintage it has delivered again. The nose is classic Similkameen floral cool, with desert scrub and savoury sagebrush counterbalancing a rich undercurrent of black fruit, cracked pepper, and youthful, structural tannins. The balance and concrete present as ready to drink, but there is no rush, as this wine will go the distance.Tasted: 25 May 2023Tasted by: Prices:

$55.90

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, restaurants

Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Malbec - Petit VerdotCSPC: 315820UPC: 857088000077

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90POINTS

16^½/20

Clos du Soleil Signature 2020

British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Signature, the aptly named flagship red of the winery, blends fruit from Keremeos and Cawston. The 2020 result was 34% merlot, 33% cabernet sauvignon, 21% cabernet franc, 21% malbec, 9% petit verdot. Each vineyard block was harvested separately, destemmed, and native fermented in concrete. After a gentle pressing, the wines aged 18 months in French oak, with the best barrels selected for the final blend. Toasted spice and ample wood pervade ripe black fruit, cracked pepper, cloves, and cedar, all wrapped with softly sticky tannins. As one might expect, at this young age, this tastes relatively young still, so ready to drink if you're keen. However, I'd try laying it down for a year or a few.Tasted: 29 May 2023Tasted by: Prices:

$55.90

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, restaurants

Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Malbec - Petit VerdotCSPC: 315820UPC: 857088000077

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