Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTantalus' Old Vines Riesling, consistently one of Canada's top wines, comes entirely off their north facing 1978 plantings of clone 21B, sheltered by Ponderosa pines, and rooted in deep silty soils. This was handpicked, gently whole bunch pressed, settled and fermented cool for 45 days before resting a few months on lees, plus 2 years in bottle prior to release. Such a wine of site, and time, this savoury, dry riesling streams across the palate with crushed stones, lime pith and peel, mandarin, pear skin, and flake salts. Though held taut with nervy energy, this wine reveals itself slowly, confidently, and without any showy pretension. The finish lingers long, thankfully, reminding that you should seek out this singular wine whenever you can.Tasted: 14 August 2024Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$43.50
750ml
winery direct/online
Producer: Tantalus VineyardsDistributors: The Wine Syndicate Grape: RieslingCSPC: 179226UPC: 626990067429
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf we learned anything from the recent deep freeze, it would appear no vineyard is safe from disappearing overnight in BC, which makes this vintage of Old Vines Riesling even more exclusive. We also have no idea if this vineyard, planted in 1978, will continue its run of superb fruit, so keep that in mind when you are deciding if buying this piece of history is worth it. I know that 2021 has survived the heat and smoke that plagued much of Okanagan to be once again the elegant riesling we have all come to love. The colour is as pale as the fruit is intense, pitching that limey mandarin profile that dominates. Dry and sophisticated, this is riesling at its best. The 2021 vintage is made from all four of the oldest riesling blocks, each planted in 1978 to Clone 21B. However, the largest part comes from Block 5, a two acre parcel pushed up against ten acres of mature Ponderosa pine forest on its western and northern edges, providing late day protection from the strongest sun of the afternoon and evening.Tasted: 24 April 2024Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$43.50
750ml
winery direct/online
Producer: Tantalus VineyardsDistributors: The Wine Syndicate Grape: RieslingCSPC: 179226UPC: 626990067429