East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Pinot Noir is fronted by a golden mask created by heralded Tahltan-Tlingit artist Dempsey Bob, signifying its importance in the portfolio and its rarity (only 100 cases). This Reserve is based on a small mid-slope block of Dijon clone 667, with seasonings of 91 and 31 in the mix, along with partial whole bunch. One barrel of 115 was co-fermented in with neighbouring 667 including 50% whole bunches. Post native ferment, this went to barrique (40% new) for a 15 month rest. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dusky dark cherry, wild plum courses through the medium palate, with a lift of tart acidity, and herbal thorny, scrubby seasoning. Tannins are taut and firm, stringing the downy palate through the pink peppercorn finish. The Diam10 cork leads one to believe this will go the distance. I vote for opening sooner than that, with some version of wild mushrooms.Tasted: 02 October 2023Tasted by: Prices:
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe now familiar golden mask created by Tahltan-Tlingit artist Dempsey Bob marks edition five of the Tantalus Reserve Pinot Noir. 2020 is a lovely vintage clocking in at only 13.2 percent alcohol, and bone dry. This is an invitation to finesse and complexity. Expect dry, forest floor, earthy tobacco until it hits your palate. From here, a rush of red fruits, pomegranate, wild strawberries, and plum jam fill in the spicy oak notes that filter into the finish. “Small but mighty” is the Tantalus vintage review. It began with a cold snap of under -20C in February, damaging some buds. Above average rainfall in May charged the soil with water. It gave the vines all they needed before cool and wet weather in early July affected the flowering, and caused an uneven berry set across the property. Summer was warm but not hot, while the smoky skies on the early days of harvest quickly dissipated. The blocks were picked under ideal dry and warm conditions moments before the first frost and snow.Tasted: 05 May 2023Tasted by: Prices:
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