Clos du Soleil Béton Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a fantastic new addition to the Clos du Soleil portfolio by winemaker Michael Clark. Béton, French for concrete, is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (52%) and cabernet franc (48%) that is – you guessed it – aged in concrete. I love the cool climate character of the cabernet fruit, reflective of the moderate 2022 growing season, with a sappy, herbal edge alongside ripe plum, dark cherry, and black currant, carried by a gravel mineralty. It's savoury, mineral, and wild, with a remarkable freshness that belies the 14.5% thanks to the use of concrete. The tannins are sculpted and fine, approachable now but with the potential to improve over the next 5-7 years. Recommended.Tasted: 23 August 2024Tasted by: Prices:
Clos du Soleil Béton Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBéton, French for concrete, is a small lot release born of extensive experimenting with concrete fermentation at Clos du Soleil with the red Bordeaux varieties. The 2022 blend is a 52/48 mix of cabernet sauvignon and merlot that was destemmed and lightly crushed into concrete tanks to native ferment on its skins for three weeks. Post ferment, it is racked and returned to its original concrete tank, where it remains until bottling. This wine has quite a pure, wild black fruit character, reminiscent of a Vancouver back lane full of ripe blackberry bushes. The palate is mineral from bottom to top, with savoury desert scrub and a hint of mint. The acidity is currently pushing forward, but this should align with time. A wild and windy interpretation of the Similkameen Valley that I like a lot.Tasted: 04 July 2024Tasted by: Prices: