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91POINTS
16¾/20
Hester Creek Undici 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHester Creek winemaker Mark Hopley has introduced Undici, a Super Tuscan red, expanding the estate's selection to three top tier crus. Interestingly, the original vineyards at Hester Creek, planted in 1968, coincide with the era when Super Tuscans gained fame, starting with the 1968 Sassicaia, which redefined Tuscan quality. However, Vineyard Eleven, dubbed an "11 out of 10 site" by viticulturist and Hester Creek president Mark Sheridan, is located further south on the Osoyoos East Bench. This brings us to Undici, meaning 11 in Italian. Released in 2022, it's a blend of 61% sangiovese, 19% merlot, 16% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot, and malbec. The grapes were hand harvested, sorted, destemmed, and pressed. The juice underwent a two day cold soak on the skins, followed by a 20 day fermentation in Italian Ganimede tanks under CO2 to promote gentle maceration and avoid harsh tannin extraction. After fermentation, the wine aged for two years in French oak barrels, then was transferred to new French oak for an additional 2 years before bottling in early June 2025. Six months later, it is settling well, and should age nicely for up to ten years. The nose offers fresh red fruit with hints of savoury South Okanagan desert scrub. The initial impact is lively, with sour cherries, ripe plums, and a hint of blood, leading to a long, silky, textured back end with vibrant acidity. Some cellaring will help it develop fully. It's a promising wine I will revisit in 2027 to see how it has evolved.Tasted: 04 December 2025Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml | wine shop/online/Bench Club /B.C. restaurantsdirect |
Blend: Sangiovese - Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Petit Verdot - MalbecCSPC: 355376UPC: 696852187008
