In 2003 Skip and Judy Stothert moved from North Vancouver to Naramata. With 52 acres of land and Skip’s propensity towards Burgundian wines, the couple decided to focus exclusively on Dijon clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
At first the Stotherts sold their grapes to neighbouring wineries, like Foxtrot, but in 2012 they decided to make their own wine with the help of winemaker Matt Dumayne and the Okanagan Crush Pad. Their production is limited, just over 1000 cases per year, and their focus is on quality.
Skip and Judy named their winery Coolshanagh. Coolshanagh is a Celtic phrase (Cúil Seannach) which translates to “a meeting place of family and friends” and it is how Judy’s family referred to their home.
2017 Coolshanagh Pinot Noir $36.99
The 2017 Pinot Noir from Coolshanagh is made from a single block of grapes that were handpicked on September 17th, 2017. Fermentation took place over several weeks, with 50% whole clusters, in two 600 litre barrels, followed by basket press and neutral oak aging. This wine is unfined and unfiltered.
After two hours in the decanter, there are aromas of pine and fresh sage with hints of strawberry and red cherry. It is a medium bodied wine with medium+ acidity and medium tannins. The palate is a juicy, sweet and savoury experience that echos the nose: flavours of pine, sage, strawberry and red cherry mingle and culminate in a medium finish.
Skip and Judy are donating $10 from every case of Coolshanagh sold in BC to the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) from now until the end of June.
The BCHF is a charity that raises funds to support those in the hospitality industry facing financial crisis due to illness or injury. Each year hundreds of hospitality workers across BC face financial challenges; the BCHF helps them when all other options have been exhausted.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraising events that the BCHF relies upon have been cancelled. Purchasing Coolshanagh wines will support the BCHF…and you will get to enjoy some lovely wines in the process.
To order wines by the case contact Coolshanagh through their website www.coolshanagh.ca or email Trialto at domestics.orders@trialto.com.
If you wish to shop by the bottle, visit these retailers: