With summer winding-down, has your palate begun to turn towards bigger reds, or are you still trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer?
I have to confess that I am looking forward to the changing colour of the leaves, crisp autumn days and heartier reds, like the 2014 Culmina Hypothesis.
Culmina Family Estate Winery was started in 2006 by Donald Triggs and his wife, Elaine. In 2012 they were joined by their daughter, Sara, who took over as manager of sales and marketing.
Most people have heard of Jackson-Triggs, which began in 1989 when Allan Jackson, Donald Triggs and several investors purchased Cartier Wines and renamed it Vincor. In 1993 they started producing wines under the Jackson-Triggs label and, in 2006, they won the gold medal for best Shiraz/Syrah at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). That same year, Vincor was purchased by Constellation Brands and Donald and Elaine Triggs decided to embark on a new adventure of their own.
In 2007 they purchased land on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, planting vineyards later that same year. Donald and Elaine named their new winery “Culmina” (pronounced CUL-mihn-uh) which translates to “peak” or “apex” in Latin. The winery represents the culmination of all their years of experience in the wine industry and their commitment to excellence.
In 2019 Culmina was purchased by Arterra Wines. Sara Triggs stayed on as sales and marketing director, supporting the vision, strategy and planning for Culmina, while Donald Triggs remains co-proprietor and principal.
2014 Culmina Hypothesis $46.00
This wine is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, all grown on the Golden Mile Bench. It underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged in oak barrels (30% new) for 16 months.
After two hours in the decanter, this Bordeaux blend offers aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cured sausage, violet, fennel and clove. This is a dry wine that is medium+ in body, with medium+ acidity and fine, medium tannins. The palate has flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, bramble, cocoa, mint and black pepper, with clove on the lingering finish.
Culmina Family Estate Winery is open daily for tastings with a reservation until October 31st.
References
Schreiner, J. (July 9, 2019). Arterra Wines buys Culmina from Triggs Family. Retrieved from: http://johnschreiner.blogspot.com/2019/07/arterra-wines-buys-culmina-from-triggs.html
www.culmina.ca