Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOsoyoos Larose is owned by Bordeaux's Groupe Taillan, and this, Le Grand Vin, feels firmly French influenced, while having grown up very Okanagan. The 2019 blends 58% merlot, 26% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot. Smouldering cassis, black plum, and blackberry are the background for this savoury red, built around smartly toasted oak, and firm, long tannins. Crushed leaves, cracked peppercorn, smoked cured beef, and espresso complete the picture, with well placed acidity carrying this long on the palate. Drinking well now with a decant and a roast beef, but this vintage will reward with cellaring over the short term.Tasted: 15 December 2023Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$57.99
750ml
BCLS
AB
$59.99
750ml
select private retailers
QC
$46.95
750ml
SAQ
NS
$56.00
750ml
NSLC
BC
$465.99
6000ml
BCL Stores
Producer: La Maison Osoyoos LaroseDistributors: Charton-Hobbs Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon - Petit Verdot - MalbecCSPC: 129999UPC: 871610001554
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOsoyoos Larose is being directed by Groupe Taillan in Bordeaux, and Osoyoos-based winemaker Michael Kullmann, both parts aiming to bring the wine back to its early days and Bordeaux roots. The 2019 mix is mainly made up of merlot at 58%, followed by 26% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, and 7% petit verdot. My second look at the 2019 another three months down the road reveals minimal change as it begins to move off the freshness and flush of youth for an even more serious demeanour on the palate. Look for a silky entry, with savoury and dried sagebrush, dried herbs, mixed with black plums, blackcurrants, and a hint of vanilla. The oak is perfectly balanced, and the fruit is finally beginning to poke back through the spice, wood, and espresso that pervade the finish.This wine has a long history of aging well, and with the fruit surfacing I'm going to say this will easily slide into the 2030s. Good value in a world full of overpriced red wines.Tasted: 15 September 2023Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$57.99
750ml
BCLS
AB
$59.99
750ml
select private retailers
QC
$46.95
750ml
SAQ
NS
$56.00
750ml
NSLC
BC
$465.99
6000ml
BCL Stores
Producer: La Maison Osoyoos LaroseDistributors: Charton-Hobbs Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon - Petit Verdot - MalbecCSPC: 129999UPC: 871610001554
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOsoyoos Larose is being directed by Groupe Taillan in Bordeaux, and winemaker Michael Kullmann, both aiming to bring the wine back to its early days and Bordeaux roots. The 2029 mix is mainly made up of merlot at 58%, followed by 26% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, and 7% petit verdot. The 2019 wine is youthful and noticeably dry initially, but its smooth texture draws you in, revealing savoury and dried desert scrub notes mixed with dark plums, blackcurrants, and a hint of vanilla. The oak is perfectly balanced, and the finish is dry with espresso and a touch of spice. This wine has a long history of aging well, but with a low fruit factor, I recommend drinking it before 2027. Overall, it is a solid and reasonably priced wine.Tasted: 01 June 2023Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$57.99
750ml
BCLS
AB
$59.99
750ml
select private retailers
QC
$46.95
750ml
SAQ
NS
$56.00
750ml
NSLC
BC
$465.99
6000ml
BCL Stores
Producer: La Maison Osoyoos LaroseDistributors: Charton-Hobbs Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon - Petit Verdot - MalbecCSPC: 129999UPC: 871610001554