Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGarland, established in 2018, is an homage to Curt Garland, who bought Hester Creek in 2004, rescuing it from Receivership Creek. The one off 50th anniversary wine was so good they had to keep making it, and the proof is this gorgeous 2022 from an exceptional vintage in the South Okanagan and the Golden Mile Bench. The blend consists of 81% cabernet sauvignon, 15% petit verdot, and 4% malbec. The verdot and malbec are co-fermented and blended with the cabernet sauvignon, then aged 24 months in French oak. The second time around, the nose has expanded, wafting out of the glass like a fine perfume. The attack is dry, fresh, and complex, with minty, savoury, ripe black fruit, exotic spice, and cedar. The dense tannins are now softening. Last time I said there is no rush here, this wine will age gracefully through 2030. Nothing's changed, but the result is getting better and better.Tasted: 04 December 2025Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$64.99
750ml
winery direct, wine club
Producer: Hester Creek Estate WineryDistributors: Winery Direct Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Petit VerdotCSPC: 145362UPC: 626990222118
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGarland is named after Curt Garland, the owner of Hester Creek. It was established in 2018 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original planting of vinifera vines in 1968, marking a one-off release. However, it proved too compelling to be a one-time bottling and has been produced annually since then. 2022 was an exceptional vintage in the South Okanagan despite a late start. Summer temperatures warmed up and persisted throughout the autumn, resulting in 1,676 growing degree days and very long hangtime, all of which contributed to excellent fruit. The blend consists of 81% cabernet sauvignon, 15% petit verdot, and 4% malbec. The verdot and malbec are co-fermented and blended with the cab and aged 24 months in French oak. The wine has a firm, dry, fresh, and complex attack, with spearmint, savoury black fruit, dried spice, and cedar, accompanied by some youthful tannins that provide structure. There is no rush here, as this wine will age gracefully through 2030.Tasted: 04 July 2025Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$64.99
750ml
winery direct, wine club
Producer: Hester Creek Estate WineryDistributors: Winery Direct Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Petit VerdotCSPC: 145362UPC: 626990222118