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91POINTS
16¾/20
Hillside Mosaic 2017
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe just released 2017 comes with 7 years of age at the winery. The Naramata red blend is a 33/25/18/17/7 mix of merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and petit verdot, which is a study in blending. The tannins are mostly dispersed, leaving a silky dryness here that takes me more down the Margaux path than Napa. In all, it spent 18 months in 42% new French oak. The style is graceful, and the result is admirable, although the vintage was not one of the best. You can drink this now or hold it through 2027 with no issues. Winemaker Kathy Malone’s thoughts on the vintage appear to be bang on today: “We were very fortunate this summer on the Naramata Bench to have no close fires and to actually have clear skies during the early weeks of veraison when grapes are thought most likely to pick up taint. The smoke cover during the hottest periods acted as a shade, preventing sunburn, loss of aromatics and excessive sugar production, while the warmth promoted tannin and flavour ripening.”Tasted: 12 April 2024Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml | winery online/direct, select private retailers |
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Malbec - Cabernet Franc - Petit VerdotCSPC: 080036UPC: 626990028932
