East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith only 160 cases available, the Tantalus Reserve Pinot is as rare as the golden mask created by Tahltan-Tlingit artist Dempsey Bob that adorns the front label. The ’22 vintage has been widely lauded, and it was generous to boot, although excess production is never the friend of pinot noir. No matter at Tantalus, this is another exceptional wine and pinot noir that speaks to its place and the will of the people behind its production. The style is one of finesse and complexity, with delicious plum streaked with blackberries for added intensity, followed by a pleasingly dry finish with sweet tannins and silky textures. It involves parcels of Clone 115 from Block 2, and Clone 943 from Block 8, which were fermented with 41% and 30% whole bunches, respectively. The 667 was fermented with 50% whole bunches included, and the wine was foot trodden once a day to encourage finesse over extraction. After 15 months and a gentle racking, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered and spent another year in the bottle before release. Get it while you can.Tasted: 19 April 2025Tasted by: Prices:
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 150 cases). This Reserve is based on a small mid-slope block of Dijon clone 667 (50% whole bunch), with seasonings of clones 115 (41% whole bunch) and 943 (30% whole bunch) in the mix. Post native ferment, this went to barrique (40% new) for a 15 month rest. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dusky black plum, thorny wild blackberry, subtle purple florals are woven throughout this sueded, yet structural pinot, with plumped, well-knit tannins to frame, and a lingering fine spice to imprint.Tasted: 16 May 2025Tasted by: Prices:
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